20 June 2006
Translink this week called on schools and parents across Northern Ireland to assist them in reinforcing the need to act and play safe this summer.
“With lighter evenings, warmer weather and school holidays approaching, more and more children and young people are out and about. Translink want everyone to make the best of their leisure time and enjoy the summer, to this end we are urging parents and teachers to join us in making sure safety remains a top priority to ensure that no-one gets hurt this summer on or near Translink property”, explained Translink’s Safety Manager, Granville Lavin.
“Often young people can be drawn to the railway track and stations as a place to meet friends and ‘mess around’. We would remind parents and community representatives to impress on our young people the dangers of this behaviour and the fact that they are not only putting themselves but others at risk. The rules are simple never play on or near the tracks and stay clear of the station unless you are using the train."
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“We would also like to remind drivers to watch out for level crossings and ensure they pay close attention to the warning signals and wait until barriers are fully raised and warning lights are off before crossing safely. Trains can be travelling at any time during the day and night and at speeds of up to 70mph it is therefore crucial that warning lights, notices, signs and other audible alarms be observed.
“With more CCTV now installed at stations, on trains both inside and outside we have a tough zero tolerance policy when it comes to trespass and safety issues and prosecutions will be taken forward where appropriate. To this end our hard hitting Track Safety Campaign will once again be running during the Summer months”.
“In addition we would also encourage young people to take extra care on or near buses and avoid horseplay which can distract the driver and lead to serious accidents," Mr Lavin concluded.
Ends
For further information please contact Keelin Haughey at Morrow Communications on 028 9039 3837 or email k.haughey@morrowcommunications.com
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