New trespasser panels installed at railway stations in Melbourne
Foolish daredevils have been caught on camera climbing across train lines and missing oncoming trains by just seconds, prompting a new plan to keep trespassers off the tracks.
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Trespasser panels are being installed at railway stations across Melbourne in an effort to shut vandals out of the network.
The large rubber spikes are designed to create a difficult surface for pedestrians and stop people from sneaking on to the rail corridor.
It comes after a series of copper wire thefts sparked major delays for commuters in October.
On average, there are 300 trespasser incidents every month that disrupt the city’s network and delay trains.
The panels have been installed at Keilor Plains and Yarraville and will also be rolled out to Prahran, Narre Warren and Berwick.
All five stations have been identified as hot spots for intruders.
“Trespassing on the railway is incredibly dangerous and can stop trains in their tracks – causing significant and unnecessary disruption to our passengers,” Metro Trains chief executive Raymond O’Flaherty said.
“These new anti-trespasser panels have proven to be effective on railways around the world, providing both a physical and visual deterrent to illegal behaviour.”
If one person is spotted illegally walking on the tracks, multiple services are disrupted and the timetable can be thrown into chaos.
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Public Transport Minister Melissa Horne said breaking into the network was illegal and dangerous.
“It disrupts train services and causes delays for passengers,” she said.
“We’re always working with Metro to look at new ways to stop trespassing and improve services for passengers – these new panels will deter trespassers and help keep our trains running.”