Train-spotting vs Trespassing

No - public footpath crossings are public footpaths, and whether you like it or not, subject to public rights, just like vehicular level crossings, but without the barriers and controls. That is where the railway, and rights to roam come into direct conflict, as railways were built in a slower and more disciplined world than we have today, and public crossings are a problem that the railway has to live with across the entire network.

There are, unfortunately, footpath users who will demand their right to use all footpaths no matter how damned stupid and dangerous their conduct may be "because they are entitled to" Any sensible user will obey warnings and advisories when crossing main lines - but you just can't legislate for the loony - ask the WSR!

A right of way is however just that - a right to make way - not a right to stop, plant your tripod, or depart on a side trip onto nearby private property - railway or otherwise.

So all of those people pictured appear to be in breach of railway bye laws, because those who are off route are trespassers and all those on the crossing timbers and close to the track, whilst on a publicly available walking route, but not walking - instead standing around and watching, or taking photos, could rightly be accused of obstructing railway traffic - a criminal offence.

Enforcement, however is not for the the screaming hordes of posters on here, but for the local and B T police. If in the scheme of things the conduct pictured is deemed worth pursuing, then the legal process will be swung into action. If it is deemed that the CPS and police have better things to spend their restricted funds on - it won't.

The raising of the profile of these incidents is likely to be far more counter productive than a word in the shell like in the right quarters - but we have been here before - and self publicising - especially when self righteousness is involved is a bit too tempting for some.

Please think before going off on one.

 

Good post Frank

 

I agree. The periodic rants on NP about some aspect of H&S are pointless.

 

No it is'nt okay. Crossing are only for crossing. If you see a train approach - steam or not - you get off the crossing as quickly as possible. You do not wait around to take a picture.

It happens on preserved railways as well. People think just because there is a crossing, that they can stand on the side and take pictures. As far as I'm concerned, as soon as you go through the gate you are trespassing unless you wish to cross from one side to the other.

 

What I said - fully agree

 

Well said! (I don't believe it - I agree with TBirdFrank!)

 

There is, in some of these posts, an awful vein of self-righteousness and wanting to be amateur policemen. As TBirdFrank says, these incidents can get blown out of proportion, which really would endanger the continuance of main line steam.

 

Probably your friendly local scrap metal merchants getting a shift in.

 

Many stations years ago had access across the line (usually old sleepers)so the porters (what's that) could get from one platform to the next by jumping down on the line,or off the end of the platform to get the trolley across with luggage.

These were all removed because youths thought this was built for them in today's modern society.Especially those without tickets...what's a ticket?

Death caught up with many of them as well. Ahem!

 

Loads of places have barrow crossings at the end of platforms.

 

The user has removed his video now........

 

It wisnae me - a big boy dun it an ran aweigh!

 

Poor lad, I feel a bit sorry for him. See my poll on the general railway chat section