Leicester Mercury Stay Off The Tracks Campaign

EDM number 832 in 2004-05, proposed by Parmjit Singh Gill on 03/03/2005.

That this House welcomes the Leicester Mercury and Network Rail 'Stay Off the Tracks' campaign to raise awareness of the dangers of trespass and vandalism on the railways; notes that this campaign included articles focusing on the dangers of injury or death as a consequence of track trespass and vandalism and the legal consequences to those apprehended in such activities; further notes that, when the campaign was launched in Easter 2001, trespass rates fell by 40 per cent. compared to Easter 2000; further notes with deep concern that children as young as eight have been seen playing 'chicken' in front of high speed trains and children as young as five have been caught placing objects on the track; commends the British Transport Police for reducing the number of incidents on the national network; also commends Network Rail on the launch of their new website www.no-messin.org to raise awareness; and urges other regional and local media around the country to support similar campaigns.

This motion has been signed by a total of 30 MPs.