Network Rail slams ‘sheer stupidity’ of TikTok train tracks stunt
Rail officials have criticised a “staggeringly stupid and dangerous” video shoot conducted on a local railway line.
The footage, uploaded onto social media channel TikTok, shows a camera tripod and car set up on the train tracks near Bromley Cross in Bolton.
The video pans around to show the surrounding area, before ending with two shots of the vehicle sat on the rail line.
A caption stamped on the footage asks: “Would you take the risk to get the shot no one else would?”
Phil James, Network Rail’s North West route director, said the “reckless” stunt had put people’s lives at risk.
“No one should ever trespass onto the railway – so for it to be used as a backdrop for a photo shoot beggars belief,” he said.
“We will be working closely with British Transport Police to make sure the person responsible for the video is brought to justice.”
Inspector Becky Warren from British Transport Police said that “no picture or video is worth risking your life for.”
She added: “We have seen first-hand what the consequences are of deliberately misusing level crossings, and we remind anyone using them to be responsible when doing so.
“Education on using level crossings is essential, which is why we continue to work closely with Network Rail on improving knowledge on the dangers of deliberately misusing them. However, we will also prosecute anyone caught committing any offences on or near level crossings in the hope this will make them think twice in future.”
Trespassing on a railway is a criminal offence – coming with a risk of a £1,000 fine.
Train obstruction is also punishable by up to two years in prison.
Anyone with further information is asked to contact British Transport Police by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40 quoting ref 122 of 14/01/21.