British Transport Police (BTP) is warning residents of a Rhondda community to put safety first and stay off the tracks – or face an on-the-spot fine and punishment via the courts.
Following an increase in instances of trespass on the line at Treherbert, officers are stepping up patrols in the area and handing out Penalty Notices for Disorder (PNDs) of £50 to any offenders caught in the act.
Once a person has received one PND, any further offence will be dealt with by the courts, where they could be fined up to £1,000.
In addressing the issue, BTP’s Pontypridd Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) has launched an operation to highlight the dangers of trespass and prosecute repeat offenders.
Sergeant Jaci Thomas, who leads the NPT in Pontypridd, said:
“There has been a pedestrian crossing at Treherbert station for many years, affording safe access for local residents, dog owners and ramblers into the forest and mountain area opposite the station.
“However, an alarming number of instances have been recorded recently, where members of the public have been seen taking a short cut across the railway tracks instead of using the dedicated crossing, and misusing the crossing by leaving the gates open, allowing animals to stray onto the lines.
“This is an incredibly dangerous act, and anyone who trespasses onto the railway is taking a gamble with their lives.
“We’ve conducted an educational drive and spoken to a number of people to highlight the dangers. However, we have continued to see a number of instances of trespass and officers will now issue £50 PNDs and, if necessary, pursue persistent offenders through the courts.”
Among the incidents recorded are people trespassing ‘in order to pick wild fruit and intoxicated adults using the line as a short cut home’.
Sgt Thomas added that the majority of problems occur north of the station, which is situated at the end of the line for passenger services.
“Beyond the station and the crossing is a depot situated in a vast grassy area owned by Network Rail,” she said.
“Access to this area is not permitted to the general public but it is frequently used by dog walkers.
“Although Treherbert station is the last stop for passenger trains, the area beyond is used to shunt trains daily. Trains are routinely stabled there overnight for maintenance and are frequently moved in order to carry out works, which is why people who cross the line are putting themselves in such great danger.”
As part of the ongoing operation, Sgt Thomas and her team are:
- Conducting increased patrols throughout the area, paying particular attention to the north side of the station.
- Proactively dealing with trespassers by issuing £50 PNDs.
- Distributing leaflets to local residents to highlight the dangers of trespassing and make people aware of the consequences of crossing the tracks.
- Working closely with the Crown Prosecution Service to prosecute repeat offenders.
In addition, Arriva Trains Wales is installing new and improved trespass warning signs and will constantly monitor CCTV to bring offenders to justice.
Anyone who witnesses trespassing or any suspicious activity on the railway should contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40.
