Meet the Track Pack
Jack and Ella make up the Track Pack, as well as anyone who knows how to stay safe around railways!
They live near a busy railway line and are always helping to teach people how to be safe around the train tracks.
Watch this video in which The Track Pack stop their cousin from trespassing on the railway line…
After that you should understand why it’s a bad idea to trespass on the railway lines.
What is trespassing?
Trespassing is defined as entering someone’s land or property without permission.
That means that if someone owns something, like a field or a house, then you need their permission to go on that land or in that house.
When you go round to your friends for tea you’re only in that house because your friend has let you in and given you permission to be there – you can’t just walk in anytime you want!
Trespassing on someone else’s property is illegal so you’re not allowed to do it.
I understand trespassing on other people’s land or property, but who owns the railway?
Network Rail owns most of the UK’s railways. Others are owned by London Underground and local authorities. And some, like steam railways are privately owned. But whoever owns them, you’re never allowed to walk on the railway lines. It’s not only very, very dangerous but you are trespassing!
Remember, trespassing is illegal which means it’s against the law.
If it’s against the law to trespass on the railway lines then what happens if you get caught?
People that get caught have to pay a huge fine and they could go to prison.
How do I make sure I don’t trespass?
It’s easy, just follow the rules and stay away from the railway lines.
It’s not easy to accidentally trespass on the railway, there are lots of signs and fences up around the tracks to stop you getting too close to them.
The most important thing to remember is that the rules are there to keep you safe, with huge trains going super fast and electrified rails and wires that can electrocute you, it’s best for everyone to just stay away and let the trains be the only ones on the train lines.
Your mission is to complete this quiz about trespassing…
What is trespassing?
- Entering someone's land or property without permission
- Riding a bike on a public path
- Walking on a public footpath
- Playing in a public park
Who owns most of the UK's railways?
- Network Rail
- The local council
- The police
- The train drivers
Are you ever allowed to walk on railway lines?
- No, never
- Yes, if you're with an adult
- Yes, if you're quick
- Yes, on sunny days
Trespassing on someone else's property is…
- Illegal
- Allowed
- Encouraged
- A game
If you get caught trespassing on the railway, what might happen?
- You could have to pay a fine
- You get a free train ticket
- You get a medal
- You get to drive a train
Why is it dangerous to walk on railway lines?
- Trains are fast and quiet and can't stop quickly
- The tracks are too hot
- The tracks are too cold
- The tracks are too shiny
What should you do if you see someone trespassing on the railway?
- Tell a trusted adult or the police
- Join them
- Take a photo
- Shout at them
Which of these is a safe place to play?
- A park
- A railway line
- A train track
- A railway bridge
What does 'permission' mean?
- Being allowed to do something
- Being told off
- Being in charge
- Being lost
Who can you ask for permission to be on someone's land?
- The owner
- A train driver
- A police officer
- A teacher
