Pupils are on right track for railway safety

Feb 19 2009 by Marjorie Kerr, West Lothian Courier

PUPILS at a West Lothian school have been put on the right track for rail safety.

Children at Carmondean Primary School in Livingston, have joined a ground-breaking safety scheme in which pupils will educate their classmates about the dangers posed by railways.

Sixteen schools from across Scotland have been identified for the ‘Scottish Rail Reps’ initiative, due to their close proximity to a major railway line.

The ‘Rail Reps’ scheme is a multi-agency initiative driven by Network Rail and British Transport Police and supported by train operator, First ScotRail.

Each school nominates four pupils – two each from P6 and P7 – as the ‘Rail Reps’ who plan, develop and deliver a railway safety programme which highlights safety issues to the rest of the school.

Activities include assemblies, competitions, class initiatives and updating the Rail Reps notice board.

Each school will have the support of a designated mentor from Network Rail or British Transport Police.

Mark Henderson, Community Safety Manager (Scotland) from Network Rail, said: “Railway crime costs the rail industry millions of pounds a year and sadly costs young people their lives on a regular basis.

“The aim of this ‘peer to peer’ initiative is to make kids aware of the dangers of playing near the railway at an early age and help reduce the chance of railway crime occurring in the Livingston area now and in years to come.

“By empowering school kids to educate their own friends and fellow pupils, we are encouraging them to take an active role in their communities and to realise that they can influence an important social issue.”

The pupils receive a Rail Reps pack outlining their role and include resources, ideas and suggestions they can make use of throughout the year.

Although route crime, which includes trespassing, stone-throwing, obstructing trains and vandalism is at its lowest level for four years, it remains a priority for British Transport Police and the rail industry.

Constable Frazer Robertson, of British Transport Police, said it’s important to launch a joint approach to help hit the rail safety message home and is sure the new initiative will be a success.

He continued: “We see the Rail Reps scheme is an ideal way of raising school pupils’ awareness of railway safety and the consequences their actions can have for themselves and others.

”We are extremely grateful for the support of all the partners involved in the scheme.

“We are sure the scheme will have a positive influence on the reps and their fellow pupils.”