From the
BTP▸ press release:
That^s the message from British Transport Police in South Cumbria and Lancaster.
Officers have received reports of people planning to trespass on the railway at Arnside as part of a Christmas Day and Boxing Day walk.
Inspector Derek McCutcheon, of British Transport Police, said: ^We are aware that a number of people are planning to walk across Arnside viaduct this Christmas and have done so in previous years. I cannot over emphasise just how dangerous this is. Although passenger services on the line are greatly reduced at that time of year there may well be non-scheduled trains and engineering works utilising the bridge and, when trains cross, there will be nowhere for pedestrians to go. We do not want anyone^s Christmas to be ruined through a lack of common sense which could lead to a serious injury.^
But safety is only one aspect of the problems faced by those who persist in walking across the viaduct.
Insp McCutcheon added: ^Put quite simply there is no public right of way over the viaduct and as such anyone who attempts to cross is trespassing on the railway and committing a criminal offence. We do not want to unnecessarily criminalise anyone, but we will have officers on the scene at Christmas and will not tolerate any form of trespass. I appeal to anyone thinking of taking part in the walk this year to reconsider. There are literally hundreds of other, safer and legal walks available in the area and I ask that people exercise a little common sense and stay away from the railway.^
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