RAIL PASSENGERS WARNED TO AVOID DRUNKEN ACCIDENTS OVER FESTIVE PERIOD
Almost 10,000 incidents were recorded in 2018/19
Passengers are being urged to take care when travelling on the rail network after a night out over the festive period.
The run-up to Christmas sees a spike in the number of accidents on the railway, including slips, trips and falls at stations, as well as trespass offences.
New figures released by Network Rail and British Transport Police show the number of drink-related incidents on the network have surged by nearly a third in the past decade.
Some 9,378 alcohol-related incidents were recorded in 2018/19, compared with 7,070 in 2010/11.
In addition to safety concerns, more than 4,300 hours of delays were attributed to drunken passengers last year.
Allan Spence, head of public and passenger safety for Network Rail, said: "The increase in alcohol-related incidents on the railway is a major concern, which is why we have joined with our colleagues at the BTP to urge passengers to stay safe over the festive period.
"Many of us would admit to doing things we regret after a few drinks, but the consequences of unsafe behaviour near the railway could last for much longer than just the morning after."
Published: by Radio NewsHub