Early Easter Safety Message
22nd March 2005
Ahead of the early arrival of the Easter school holidays, and just before the clocks go forward to usher in longer hours of daylight, Translink is renewing its appeal, asking parents and teachers to highlight the dangers of playing on or near railway lines, halts and level crossings to children and young people.
“Safety remains a constant priority for Translink, but school holidays are a particular time of concern for us,” explained Mal McGreevy, NIR General Manager (Rail Services).
“Children and young people are more likely to be out and about unsupervised during school holidays, and they simply don’t appreciate the adult concept of danger. This can lead to hazardous situations, like the temptation to play on or near railway lines, and additionally, in the case of the Bleach Green to Whitehead railway line, there is the added temptation to play on or visit the major engineering project
“Even though rail services between Bleach Green and Whitehead will be reduced and eventually stop for a time in the coming months, trains and heavy rail engineering machinery will be moving along the line.
“A train travelling at 70mph can take more than a mile and a half to stop, and when you consider that the sound of an approaching train can be muffled by trackside vegetation, and that our newest trains, several of which are now in daily service, are much quieter so there is obviously potential for tragic consequences.
“In addition to timetabled services, we are also currently testing a number of our much quieter new trains across the rail network, day and night. Now more so than ever, there is an onus on everyone in the community to ensure children and young people understand that railways, halts and level crossings and indeed engineering work sites can present grave dangers, and should not be regarded as play areas or places to congregate.
Mr McGreevy went on to explain how Translink currently works in partnership with schools and community groups in a range of interagency and individual safety initiatives.
"While our Child Safety Bus, and Voyager Education schools curriculum pack highlight road safety issues, it is vitally important that we teach our children and young people the core safety messages of awareness, responsibility and diligence in respect of our railways.” Mr McGreevy concluded.
For further information on other Translink safety initiatives click on www.translink.co.uk
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