Vandalism and trespass

Vandalism and trespass on the railway are reckless and causes delays.

What is vandalism and trespass?

Vandalism includes graffiti, litter, fly-tipping, cable theft and damage to fences, signs, and tracks.
Certain parts of the railway, including stations, underpasses and level crossings, are open to the public. But if you step on the railway track, the land next to the track, or any area near the railway that isn’t open to the public, you are trespassing. It is dangerous and illegal. You could be taken to court and face a £1,000 fine.

Why do vandalism and trespass cause delays?

When people trespass on the railway and vandalise our property, we need to repair any damage and make sure the railway is safe before allowing trains to run again. This causes delays for passengers. This not only delays nearby trains, but also has a knock-on effect on trains across the network, sometimes lasting for hours.

Our work to prevent vandalism and trespass

Community Safety Initiatives

Our community safety teams work hard, especially in trespassing hotspots, to raise awareness about the dangers of trespassing on the railway. We collaborate with train companies to create action plans for known hotspots and install fences to make it more difficult to access the railway.

Safety campaigns

We run safety campaigns with schools, charities, local councils, and the British Transport Police (BTP), focusing on teenagers and young adults, who are the most likely to trespass. These campaigns aim to reach young people directly but we also provide resources for teachers and parents.

Reporting Incidents

We partner with the BTP to encourage people to report incidents of trespassing and vandalism. If you see someone trespassing on the railway, please call 0800 40 50 40 or 999, or text 61016.