Efforts to tackle suicides on North Yorkshire railways

Photo: Col André Kritzinger.

Network Rail has outlined actions taken to reduce the rising number of people committing suicides on railways.

A meeting of North Yorkshire’s Local Access Forum heard two Network Rail officials recommend direct intervention as among the most effective methods to deter suicides on the the county’s rail network, but this was often difficult due to the size of the network.

Members expressed dismay after hearing suicides on the railway were continuing to increase and suggested Network Rail could increase the number and prominence of signs offering help to those contemplating suicide.

The number of railway fatalities caused by suicides in Great Britain rose from 192 fatalities in 2001/02, to 283 fatalities in 2019/20.

Rail officials say the emotional, human and financial costs are disproportionately high as they can take place in view of passengers, station staff and drivers and disrupt services.

The meeting heard there had been a number of suicides on trainlines in the county in recent years.

In response, platforms such as Northallerton had seen CCTV cameras and microphones installed, while volunteers for the Samaritans and British Transport Police undertook high-profile patrols at the station, handing out information cards.

Councillor David Jeffels questioned whether increasing the number of suicide prevention signs could help.

A Network Rail official told the meeting: “At that point in time we came very close to the Samaritans having their office on the station.

“It didn’t transpire, but what we do generally have is Samaritans signs at every level crossing.”

He said all 10,000 Network Rail staff now undertook training with the Samaritans so they could try to help suicidal people.

Network Rail says rail employees, the police and public intervened in more than 1,810 suicide attempts on the railway in 2020/21.

The meeting heard Network Rail was working in partnership with Samaritans and other charities within the wider community to de-stigmatise suicide and promote help-seeking behaviour.

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