First reported 4 Mar 2014•Latest report 6 Mar 2026
Definition
What this concern includes
Includes failures of dedicated controls intended to prevent or restrict public access to hazardous or officially closed sites, including fencing, gates, locks, barriers, security arrangements, access monitoring and timely implementation of closure measures where the site is not intended for public access.
Not included
Excludes ordinary public access to sites that are open and intended for public use, even where general safety measures are needed.
Excludes the underlying drowning, fall, electrical or other site hazard when no failure to control public access is identified.
Excludes general site-security or perimeter-maintenance deficiencies without a hazardous or restricted-site public-access context.
Excludes failures limited to warning information, route guidance or signage where access prevention or restriction is not the shared unsafe condition.
Reports
16
Distinct published reports
Individual concerns
17
A report can raise multiple concerns
Date range
2014–2026
First to latest report issue date
Stated actions
27
Described in published responses
Reports over time
Reports over time
Reports about this concern issued each year.
* 2026 is projected from reports observed to 7 Sep 2026.
Most frequent recipients
Most frequent recipients
Reports about this concern sent to each recipient.
Network Rail6
National Highways2
Borough Council of King's Lynn and West Norfolk1
British Transport Police1
Canal & River Trust1
Cornwall Council1
Durham County Council1
Foresight Group1
High Commission of Saint Lucia in the United Kingdom1
London North Eastern Railway Limited1
Luton Borough Council1
Norfolk Constabulary1
Norfolk County Council1
Porthleven Harbour & Dock Company1
Recipient name withheld1
Rail infrastructure manager6
English unitary authority3
Private limited company3
National road infrastructure body2
Type not available2
Company1
English county council1
English district council1
English metropolitan district council1
Inland waterway body1
Other public body1
Police force1
Port operator1
Special police force1
Train operating company1
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.
County Durham and Darlington
Concerns raised1
Failure to prevent unrestricted and unguarded public access to a vertical drop
Responses linked to these concerns
Each statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.
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
Action
Install a steel fence section to close the riverside wall gap and prevent unrestricted access to the drop.
Stated by Durham County CouncilStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 7 May 2026.
County Durham and Darlington
Concerns raised1
Insufficient physical barriers or impediments preventing public access from the platform to the hazardous area
This report raised 2 other concerns. 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 An action is something a respondent says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to the concern raised.4
Action
Provide a locked, climb-resistant gate restricting unauthorised access from the platform toward the track and viaduct.
Stated by Network Rail Infrastructure LimitedStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 14 July 2025.
Action
Install anti-trespass rubber pyramid mats along the track and viaduct edges as physical and visual deterrents.
Stated by Network Rail Infrastructure LimitedStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 14 July 2025.
Action
Operate an automatic warning message directing people away from the platform end.
Stated by Network Rail Infrastructure LimitedStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 14 July 2025.
Action
Develop and secure remaining approval for mesh safety panels to increase and curve the viaduct parapet inward.
Stated by Network Rail Infrastructure LimitedStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 14 July 2025.
Manchester South
Concerns raised2
Lack of fencing preventing access over the eastbound motorway crash barrier
Failure to prevent access from the pedestrian walkway to the eastbound motorway crash barrier via a ramp-like structure
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 An action is something a respondent says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to the concern raised.1
Action
Repair and extend boundary fencing around the hotel car park, Hasty Lane and the structure’s wing walls to reduce access to the carriageway.
Stated by National HighwaysStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 16 January 2025.
Respondent positions A position is what a respondent says about the concern when they do not describe a specific action.1
Position
Completely preventing determined pedestrian access to the Strategic Road Network is impossible, although fencing and compliant design provide deterrence and security.
Stated by National HighwaysDisputes the concernThe respondent disagreed with part of the concern or the basis for it.
Cornwall and Isles of Scilly
Concerns raised1
Failure to close the pier to public access when unsafe conditions are present
This report raised 5 other concerns. 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 An action is something a respondent says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to the concern raised.1
Action
Consider the event organiser’s response before permitting the event to proceed, ensuring reasonable precautions are in place.
Stated by Cornwall CouncilStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 28 February 2023.
Respondent positions A position is what a respondent says about the concern when they do not describe a specific action.6
Position
Statutory health and safety enforcement for dock premises falls outside the council’s powers under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.
Stated by Cornwall CouncilOutside remitThe respondent said that this matter was outside its role or authority.
Position
The Health and Safety Executive is responsible for statutory enforcement concerning safety at the harbour’s dock premises.
Stated by Cornwall CouncilRedirects responsibilityThe respondent said that another organisation was responsible for deciding or taking action.
Position
The Festival is responsible for health and safety matters during festival events, working with Cornwall Council’s Health and Safety team.
Stated by Porthleven Harbour & Dock CompanyRedirects responsibilityThe respondent said that another organisation was responsible for deciding or taking action.
Position
HSE has no regulatory powers over harbour areas without work activity or risks increased by festivals and other public events.
Stated by Health and Safety ExecutiveOutside remitThe respondent said that this matter was outside its role or authority.
Position
Event organisers and Porthleven Harbour & Dock Company are responsible for temporary measures addressing increased festival risks at the pier.
Stated by Health and Safety ExecutiveRedirects responsibilityThe respondent said that another organisation was responsible for deciding or taking action.
Position
Cornwall Council’s Environmental Health and licensing offices are responsible for enforcing temporary measures for festival-related increased risks.
Stated by Health and Safety ExecutiveRedirects responsibilityThe respondent said that another organisation was responsible for deciding or taking action.
West Yorkshire Eastern
Concerns raised1
Insufficient prevention of access to the site via the adjacent weir
This report raised 4 other concerns. 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 An action is something a respondent says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to the concern raised.6
Action
Revise the west-bank risk assessment and erect fenced barriers to restrict access to the weir and water’s edge.
Stated by Wakefield City CouncilStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 4 May 2021.
Action
Progress detailed design, approvals, procurement and construction of a physical riverside barrier protecting the Yorkshire Hydro Plant perimeter.
Stated by Wakefield City CouncilStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 4 May 2021.
Action
Develop and procure approximately 300 metres of west-bank fencing with robust signage, conservation information boards and a safe viewing platform.
Stated by Wakefield City CouncilStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 4 May 2021.
Action
Continue engaging with Yorkshire Hydropower Limited and Wakefield Metropolitan District Council to address shared risks and implement appropriate control measures at Kirkthorpe Weir.
Stated by Canal & River TrustStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 4 May 2021.
Action
Commission a detailed options report and develop an agreed design for a barrier at the weir and sluice-gate interface.
Stated by Yorkshire Hydropower LimitedStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 4 May 2021.
Action
Support procurement and continue necessary design and procurement input while facilitating construction of the riverside barrier.
Stated by Yorkshire Hydropower LimitedStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 4 May 2021.
Respondent positions A position is what a respondent says about the concern when they do not describe a specific action.10
Position
Some proposed river barriers were rejected because their designs could create foreseeable risks or fail in flood conditions.
Stated by Wakefield City CouncilUnable to actThe respondent said that a constraint prevented them from taking the relevant action.
Position
Physical safety measures are constrained by the weir’s listed status, required planning approvals, ecological considerations and the need to protect habitats.
Stated by Wakefield City CouncilUnable to actThe respondent said that a constraint prevented them from taking the relevant action.
Position
Construction timing is constrained by river conditions, including a requirement not to undertake works during flooding.
Stated by Wakefield City CouncilUnable to actThe respondent said that a constraint prevented them from taking the relevant action.
Position
The Yorkshire Hydro Plant owners are responsible for security and perimeter management of their leased plant, buildings and operational area.
Stated by Wakefield City CouncilRedirects responsibilityThe respondent said that another organisation was responsible for deciding or taking action.
Position
The Canals and Rivers Trust is responsible for upkeep and maintenance of its weir structure and the waterway.
Stated by Wakefield City CouncilRedirects responsibilityThe respondent said that another organisation was responsible for deciding or taking action.
Position
Foresight disputes having controlled Yorkshire Hydropower Limited’s operations or constrained its director’s decisions regarding site safety.
Stated by Foresight GroupDisputes the concernThe respondent disagreed with part of the concern or the basis for it.
Position
Operational and safety decisions, including preventing recurrence, are the responsibility of Yorkshire Hydropower Limited rather than Foresight.
Stated by Foresight GroupRedirects responsibilityThe respondent said that another organisation was responsible for deciding or taking action.
Position
Responsibility for installing deterrent fencing on land not owned or managed by the Trust rests with WMDC and other involved parties.
Stated by Canal & River TrustRedirects responsibilityThe respondent said that another organisation was responsible for deciding or taking action.
Position
The weir and sluice gates are not owned or controlled, and unilateral action to install barriers there is outside the authority available.
Stated by Yorkshire Hydropower LimitedOutside remitThe respondent said that this matter was outside its role or authority.
Position
Wakefield Metropolitan District Council leads construction of the barrier at the weir and sluice gates through completion.
Stated by Yorkshire Hydropower LimitedRedirects responsibilityThe respondent said that another organisation was responsible for deciding or taking action.
County Durham and Darlington
Concerns raised1
Inadequate construction of the barrier preventing pedestrian access to the track
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 An action is something a respondent says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to the concern raised.3
Action
Provide platform-end gates and fencing at higher-risk locations to restrict unauthorised access to the railway.
Stated by London North Eastern Railway LimitedStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 8 January 2021.
Action
Contact Network Rail to seek a joint site visit assuring that the fencing meets rail-industry standards.
Stated by London North Eastern Railway LimitedStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 8 January 2021.
Action
Complete southbound platform-end alterations, including a lockable gate, robust obscuring fence, audible warning, signage and anti-trespass flooring.
Stated by Network RailStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 8 January 2021.
Respondent positions A position is what a respondent says about the concern when they do not describe a specific action.2
Position
Network Rail is generally responsible for platform end and boundary fencing beyond LNER’s day-to-day station management.
Stated by London North Eastern Railway LimitedRedirects responsibilityThe respondent said that another organisation was responsible for deciding or taking action.
Position
A full-width southbound platform fence cannot be installed because mandatory gauging standards prohibit it.
Stated by Network RailUnable to actThe respondent said that a constraint prevented them from taking the relevant action.
Bedfordshire and Luton
Concerns raised1
Failure to prevent pedestrian access to Busway lanes
This report raised 3 other concerns. 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.
Respondent positions A position is what a respondent says about the concern when they do not describe a specific action.2
Position
Entire-length fencing cannot be installed because it would be prohibitively expensive and is not considered necessary for busway infrastructure.
Stated by Luton Borough CouncilUnable to actThe respondent said that a constraint prevented them from taking the relevant action.
Position
Unauthorised access cannot be prevented along the Busway’s full 8.3-mile length.
Stated by Luton Borough CouncilUnable to actThe respondent said that a constraint prevented them from taking the relevant action.
Inner North London
Concerns raised1
Failure to prevent public access to the dam
This report raised 5 other concerns. 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.
No linked response statements
No respondent-stated action or position is linked to these concerns in the published data.
Manchester South
Concerns raised1
Lack of controlled access to maintenance-use external staircases
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.
Nottinghamshire
Concerns raised1
Failure to prevent access to the mezzanine openings
This report raised 6 other concerns. 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 An action is something a respondent says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to the concern raised.2
Action
Replace the broken gate lock.
Stated by Urbn UK LimitedStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 6 September 2019.
Action
Restrict access beyond the gate to authorised staff and extend the instruction to new staff.
Stated by Urbn UK LimitedStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 6 September 2019.
Respondent positions A position is what a respondent says about the concern when they do not describe a specific action.1
Position
The incident was almost certainly caused by deliberate risk-taking, and no member of the public had previously attempted to access the area.
Stated by Urbn UK LimitedDisputes the concernThe respondent disagreed with part of the concern or the basis for it.
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Includes failures of dedicated controls intended to prevent or restrict public access to hazardous or officially closed sites, including fencing, gates, locks, barriers, security arrangements, access monitoring and timely implementation of closure measures where the site is not intended for public access.
