New anti-trespass measures are being installed at several Cambridgeshire railway stations after incidents on the tracks caused more than 18 days’ worth of train delays in the past year.
Greater Anglia has confirmed that March, Whittlesea, Manea and Shippea Hill stations will benefit from additional safety features, including new fencing, secure gates and so-called “witches’ hats” – rubber spikes placed on the ground to deter people from accessing the railway.
The work follows figures showing that trespass incidents across the Greater Anglia network delayed services by more than 440 hours between January and mid-September last year, leading to 251 train cancellations.
Local stations included in wider programme
The Cambridgeshire stations form part of a wider programme of improvements across the east of England, with similar measures also being installed at stations in Hertfordshire, Norfolk and Suffolk. Work began earlier this month and is expected to be completed by the spring.
Greater Anglia says the investment is aimed at keeping passengers, staff and local residents safe, while also reducing the knock-on impact that trespass incidents have on train reliability.
Safety message from rail operator
Matt Wakefield, Greater Anglia’s Safety, Security & Sustainability Director, said safety remained the company’s top priority.
“The railway is not a playground, and people should never go on the tracks without permission,” he said. “Anyone who does so is putting their life and the lives of others at risk. These measures are designed to help keep people off the tracks and in a safe place.”
He added that anyone who sees someone on the tracks should alert rail staff immediately or dial 999 in an emergency.
Support for vulnerable people
Greater Anglia also works closely with the charity Samaritans, providing training to rail staff on how to recognise and support people who may be vulnerable. Samaritans are available 24 hours a day on 116 123.
