UK - Once again the start of the annual school summer holidays seems to have ushered in the old spectre of railway vandalism.
Aside from the ongoing graffiti “artists” who plague the tracks at night a serious incident at the Peterborough rail junction yesterday morning has again highlighted the flimsiness of rail security in Britain.
Today’s activity came about when a group of youngsters simply wandered trackside at the changeover depot which adjoins a local Asda supermarket. They climbed on the trucks and, apparently oblivious to the dangers to themselves and others, proceeded to uncouple several freight wagons. Fortunately staff noticed the intrusion and chased the teenagers away before any serious harm was done. The train driver observed that the trucks were unhitched as he pulled away.
Police commented that although the actions of the youths might seem innocuous to them, their actions, if undiscovered, would have left one or more trucks loose on the rail when, to the signalling system, it would appear that there were no obstructions to ensuing trains. This in turn would have meant a potentially fatal collision for the following trains, some of which pass through at up to 125mph. This coupled with live overhead lines and the usual trackside hazards make this kind of irresponsible activity more than just teenage pranks.
The latest incident recalls the fears of another accident to rival those of the Potters Bar disaster of May 2002 which resulted in seven deaths and the incident at Grayrigg in February 2007 which caused the death of one passenger and injuries to 100 others.
