Recurring concern

Ineffective controls preventing access to railway tracks

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First reported 27 May 2015•Latest report 4 Mar 2024

Definition

What this concern includes

Includes failures of controls specifically dedicated to preventing or restricting access to railway tracks, including physical barriers or mitigation measures and responses to identified railway-access risks or recommended remedial actions.

Not included

Excludes generic failures in investigation, documentation, training, staffing or governance unless they are directly tied to a dedicated railway-track-access control.
Excludes railway hazards unrelated to preventing access to the tracks.
Excludes general infrastructure or highway safety deficiencies that do not concern access to railway tracks.

Reports: 24
Individual concerns: 31
Date range: 2015–2024
Stated actions: 60

Reports over time

Reports about this concern issued each year.

* 2026 is projected from reports observed to 7 Sep 2026.

Most frequent recipients

Reports about this concern sent to each recipient.

Network Rail21

British Transport Police3

Alexandra Park and Palace Charitable Trust1

Arriva Rail North Limited1

Broxtowe Borough Council1

Department for Education1

Derbyshire County Council1

Erewash Borough Council1

Father of the deceased1

First MTR South Western Trains Limited1

London Borough of Hackney1

London North Eastern Railway Limited1

London & South Eastern Railway Limited1

Mother of the deceased1

Nottinghamshire County Council1

Concerns and responses across reports

Only concerns grouped under this recurring concern are included. Select any concern, action or position to view the source wording.

4 Aug2016
Bedfordshire and Luton
Concerns raised1
1. Inadequate physical barriers at the railway access gate
Responses linked to these concerns
Each statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.

No linked response statements
No respondent-stated action or position is linked to these concerns in the published data.
AI-generated summary

Susan Elizabeth HAMLETT · Prevention of Future Deaths report

This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

Report summary

On 8 March 2016, Susan Elizabeth HAMLETT walked onto a railway line and lay across the tracks, where she was killed instantly by a train. The investigation identified that an access gate provided little deterrence to railway access and that a more substantial fence had not been installed.

Read the report on judiciary.uk
Source evidence
How this individual concern was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation
Inadequate physical barriers at the railway access gate
Wider context from the report
“(1) The British Transport investigation revealed that the deceased gained access to the railway line through an access gate at Lower Farm Road, Bromham, Bedfordshire. The gate is of wooden construction and provides little deterrence or hindrance to someone wanting to gain access to the railway. The gate has a wooden fence around it of a similar height. (2) The investigation identified that the area around the wooded track access gate, at the western side of the bridge, should be removed and replaced with a more significant fence as a matter of urgency. It is understood that this has not been undertaken. ”
Source location
Susan Elizabeth HAMLETT · Prevention of Future Deaths report
Page 2 · concerns
Open source report
26 Feb2016
Inner South London
Concerns raised1
1. Failure to restrict public access to the railway
This report raised 1 other concern. They are not shown here because they do not form part of this recurring concern.
Responses linked to these concerns
Each statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.
Actions described in response 4
1. Action
  Replace the old footbridge with a safer structure incorporating standard-height railings, an encased railway span, ramps, safer pedestrian exits and no mid-elevation turnback.
  Stated by Network Rail Infrastructure LimitedStated in progress
2. Action
  Install three-metre acoustic fencing with anti-climb extensions along both sides of the track and adjacent to Mottistord Road.
  Stated by Network Rail Infrastructure LimitedStated in progress
3. Action
  Install anti-climb guards above the footbridge railings at the steps, ramps and main span.
  Stated by Network Rail Infrastructure LimitedStated completed
1. Action
  Remove old building materials from beneath the footbridge.
  Stated by Network Rail Infrastructure LimitedStated completed
AI-generated summary

Jakovas Fofonovas · Prevention of Future Deaths report

This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

Report summary

Jakovas Fofonovas died on 23 May 2015 after accessing the railway and being struck by a train near Abbey Wood railway station. Concerns were raised that unsafe bridge features enabled access to the railway and that recommendations to improve safety and restrict public access had not been implemented by the inquest.

Read the report on judiciary.uk
Source evidence
How this individual concern was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation
Failure to restrict public access to the railway
Wider context from the report
“Recommendations in The BTP Post Fatality Report to create a safer environment at the bridge and restrict public access to the railway had not been effected by the time of the inquest. The court did not have the benefit of Network Rail spokesperson in court to provide evidence of future plans ”
Source location
Jakovas Fofonovas · Prevention of Future Deaths report
Page 2 · concerns
Open source report
Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation
Replace the old footbridge with a safer structure incorporating standard-height railings, an encased railway span, ramps, safer pedestrian exits and no mid-elevation turnback.

Verbatim wording from the response
“As part of the works currently being carried out by Network Rail and Balfour Beatty on behalf of Crossrail at Abbey Wood Station the original footbridge has now been demolished. It has been replaced with a completely new and much improved specification footbridge which accommodates the additional railway tracks which have been laid at Abbey Wood.”

Source location
2016-0077-Response-by-Network-Rail
Page 1 · response
Published 26 February 2016
Open published response
Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation
Install three-metre acoustic fencing with anti-climb extensions along both sides of the track and adjacent to Mottistord Road.

Verbatim wording from the response
“Further, as set out below we are in the process of installing acoustic fencing along both sides of the track at a height of 3m. Additionally this will have anti-climb extensions fitted at certain sections. This fencing is designed to prevent access to the railway tracks.”

Source location
2016-0077-Response-by-Network-Rail
Page 2 · response
Published 26 February 2016
Open published response
Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation
Install anti-climb guards above the footbridge railings at the steps, ramps and main span.

Verbatim wording from the response
“At the shoulder of the steps/ramps and the main span there is an anti-climb guard at a greater height than the railings as further mitigation. In addition there is the acoustic fencing and anti-climb wire extensions to prevent anyone accessing the track if they were to climb over the railings.”

Source location
2016-0077-Response-by-Network-Rail
Page 3 · response
Published 26 February 2016
Open published response
Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation
Remove old building materials from beneath the footbridge.

Verbatim wording from the response
“v. Building materials under the bridge offer aids to climbing down”

Source location
2016-0077-Response-by-Network-Rail
Page 3 · response
Published 26 February 2016
Open published response
17 Jul2015
Manchester West
Concerns raised1
1. Inadequate restriction of public access to the railway track from the steps accessing footbridge 57
Responses linked to these concerns
Each statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.
Actions described in response 2
1. Action
  Install shorter palisade pales on the lower flight to connect with the boundary fence and raise the parapet to at least two metres.
  Stated by Network Rail Infrastructure LimitedStated planned
2. Action
  Raise the upper-flight stepped parapet with engineering brick and bullnose units to prevent scaling and access behind the lower-flight palisade.
  Stated by Network Rail Infrastructure LimitedStated planned
AI-generated summary

Adam Lee Connelly · Prevention of Future Deaths report

This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

Report summary

Adam Lee Connelly was found deceased beside railway tracks near footbridge 57 between Walkden and Atherton after sustaining injuries consistent with being struck by a train. The principal concern was that the approximately five-foot walls of the steps leading to the footbridge could allow a person of reasonable athletic ability to access the railway track, creating a risk of future fatalities.

Read the report on judiciary.uk
Source evidence
How this individual concern was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation
Inadequate restriction of public access to the railway track from the steps accessing footbridge 57
Wider context from the report
“i. Due to the height of the walls of the steps which are used to access footbridge 57 on the railway line between Walkden and Atherton train stations, a person of reasonable athletic ability could gain access to the railway track, which could lead to future fatalities at this location on the railway ”
Source location
Adam Lee Connelly · Prevention of Future Deaths report
Page 2 · concerns
Open source report
Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation
Install shorter palisade pales on the lower flight to connect with the boundary fence and raise the parapet to at least two metres.

Verbatim wording from the response
“The bridge is not known to Network Rail as being used by members of the public to gain access to the infrastructure. However, as a consequence of this event, I can confirm that we intend to undertake the following works:”

Source location
2015-0284-Response-by-Network-Rail
Page 2 · response
Published 17 July 2015
Open published response
Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation
Raise the upper-flight stepped parapet with engineering brick and bullnose units to prevent scaling and access behind the lower-flight palisade.

Verbatim wording from the response
“The bridge is not known to Network Rail as being used by members of the public to gain access to the infrastructure. However, as a consequence of this event, I can confirm that we intend to undertake the following works:”

Source location
2015-0284-Response-by-Network-Rail
Page 2 · response
Published 17 July 2015
Open published response
27 May2015
Inner South London
Concerns raised1
1. Failure of after-hours station and track access barriers to prevent access
Responses linked to these concerns
Each statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.
Actions described in response 1
1. Action
  Install barriers to separate rail infrastructure where access is unnecessary, including fencing SouthEastern infrastructure from LOROL infrastructure at the station.
  Stated by Network Rail Infrastructure LimitedStated completed
Respondent positions 2
1. Position
  Station access and management are outside the infrastructure owner's management because the station is operated by the train operator.
  Stated by Network Rail Infrastructure LimitedOutside remit
1. Position
  Responsibility for station access information and practices rests with the station operator, which provided the relevant clarification.
  Stated by Network Rail Infrastructure LimitedRedirects responsibility
AI-generated summary

Mathew Lee Hoare · Prevention of Future Deaths report

This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

Report summary

Mathew Lee Hoare was found on a live rail near Wandsworth Road Train Station after entering Clapham High Street Station and accessing its platforms and tracks after hours. He sustained fatal injuries after being electrocuted and struck by an oncoming train; concerns related to ineffective security equipment and the ease of access through widely spaced yellow tape.

Read the report on judiciary.uk
Source evidence
How this individual concern was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation
Failure of after-hours station and track access barriers to prevent access
Wider context from the report
“(1) The lack of effective security equipment preventing access to the station and tracks after the hours of operation. (2) The ease at which Mr Hoare was able to access the station and tracks by climbing through widely spaced yellow tape. ”
Source location
Mathew Lee Hoare · Prevention of Future Deaths report
Page 1 · concerns
Open source report
Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation
Install barriers to separate rail infrastructure where access is unnecessary, including fencing SouthEastern infrastructure from LOROL infrastructure at the station.

Verbatim wording from the response
“For our part, safety is a core value for Network Rail and we are continually striving to reduce fatalities on the railway through a number of initiatives an example of which is the installation of barriers to separate rail ‘streams’ where access is not needed to Network Rail infrastructure; an example of this can be seen at the Station where the SouthEastern railway infrastructure (which does not offer services from the Station) is fully fenced from the LOROL infrastructure.”

Source location
2015-0203-Response-by-Network-Rail
Page 2 · response
Published 27 May 2015
Open published response
Source evidence

How this respondent position was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation
Station access and management are outside the infrastructure owner's management because the station is operated by the train operator.

Verbatim wording from the response
“Network Rail Infrastructure Limited (“Network Rail”) owns, operates and maintains the rail infrastructure including the track and signalling equipment across the UK. Clapham High Street Station (“the Station”) is not operated by Network Rail but is managed by the operator of the majority of trains stopping at the station, LOROL. Although the station is not an asset under our management, but noting that the recommendations in your report concern access to the station and the tracks we have sought clarity from LOROL. LOROL has been able to assist with some information particularly in respect of changed practices at the Station, which we hope will assist in responding to your concerns.”

Source location
2015-0203-Response-by-Network-Rail
Page 1 · response
Published 27 May 2015
Open published response
Source evidence

How this respondent position was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation
Responsibility for station access information and practices rests with the station operator, which provided the relevant clarification.

Verbatim wording from the response
“Network Rail Infrastructure Limited (“Network Rail”) owns, operates and maintains the rail infrastructure including the track and signalling equipment across the UK. Clapham High Street Station (“the Station”) is not operated by Network Rail but is managed by the operator of the majority of trains stopping at the station, LOROL. Although the station is not an asset under our management, but noting that the recommendations in your report concern access to the station and the tracks we have sought clarity from LOROL. LOROL has been able to assist with some information particularly in respect of changed practices at the Station, which we hope will assist in responding to your concerns.”

Source location
2015-0203-Response-by-Network-Rail
Page 1 · response
Published 27 May 2015
Open published response

Data last updated 7 September 2026

What this concern includes

Not included

Reports over time

Concerns raised1

Inadequate physical barriers at the railway access gate

Concerns raised1

Failure to restrict public access to the railway

Actions described in response An action is something a respondent says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to the concern raised.4

Concerns raised1

Inadequate restriction of public access to the railway track from the steps accessing footbridge 57

Actions described in response An action is something a respondent says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to the concern raised.2

Concerns raised1

Failure of after-hours station and track access barriers to prevent access

Actions described in response An action is something a respondent says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to the concern raised.1

Respondent positions A position is what a respondent says about the concern when they do not describe a specific action.2

Actions described in response 4

Actions described in response 2

Actions described in response 1

Respondent positions 2