PFD report

JORDAN MICHAEL AIRA · Prevention of Future Deaths report

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Issued 30 Mar 2020•Surrey

Report record

Published report and response evidence

This page connects the concerns raised in this report with statements found in recipients’ published responses. A link shows a clear evidence connection; it does not assign responsibility.

View original report
Concerns
4

Raised in this report

Recipients
3

Named on the report

Responses found
2

Of 3 recipients

Stated actions
11

Described in responses

Recipients and published responses

Source document

Full report text

This is the full text from the original published report.

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Concerns and recipient responses

Select any concern, action or position to view the source wording.

Concerns raised4

  1. Lack of physical boundaries preventing public access to railway tracks
    Part of recurring concern: Inadequate physical barriers preventing access to dangerous drops or areasPart of recurring concern: Ineffective controls preventing access to railway tracks
  2. Failure of warning signs to warn of the risk of immediate death from touching the live rail
  3. Lack of a national curriculum requirement to teach pupils about the risk posed by the live rail
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 recipient says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to a concern raised.5

  1. Action

    Deploy Rail Safety Accredited Security Officers to patrol for trespass and antisocial behaviour and target hotspot locations with partner agencies.

    Stated by First MTR South Western Trains LimitedStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 16 April 2020.
  2. Action

    Deliver the “You vs Train” campaign and virtual digital safety sessions through social media and education settings to warn young people about railway dangers.

    Stated by First MTR South Western Trains LimitedStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 16 April 2020.
  3. Action

    Deliver railway safety awareness sessions with Network Rail to educate pupils about third-rail, trespass and safe behaviour.

    Stated by First MTR South Western Trains LimitedStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 16 April 2020.

Respondent positions A position is what a recipient says about a concern when it does not describe a specific action.4

  1. Position

    Existing Ashford station signage conformed to national standards and was considered sufficient, so no further signage action was required.

    Stated by First MTR South Western Trains LimitedExisting arrangements considered sufficientThe respondent said that existing arrangements were sufficient, so no further action was needed.

Source evidence

How this individual concern was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below. Response links show a clear evidence connection; they do not assign responsibility.

PFD Monitor interpretation

Lack of physical boundaries preventing public access to railway tracks

Wider context from the report

“1. There were no physical boundaries at the end of the platform preventing members of the public accessing the railway tracks. ”

Is this part of a recurring concern?

Yes — Inadequate physical barriers preventing access to dangerous drops or areas; Ineffective controls preventing access to railway tracks.

Open source report

Source evidence

How this individual concern was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below. Response links show a clear evidence connection; they do not assign responsibility.

PFD Monitor interpretation

Failure of warning signs to warn of the risk of immediate death from touching the live rail

Wider context from the report

“3. The warning signs in place which are standard in the rail industry do not in terms warn of the risk of immediate death if you touch the live rail. ”

Is this part of a recurring concern?

No recurring-concern membership is currently published.

Open source report

Source evidence

How this individual concern was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below. Response links show a clear evidence connection; they do not assign responsibility.

PFD Monitor interpretation

Lack of a national curriculum requirement to teach pupils about the risk posed by the live rail

Wider context from the report

“4. There is no requirement in the national curriculum to teach pupils about the risk posed by the live rail. ”

Is this part of a recurring concern?

No recurring-concern membership is currently published.

Open source report

Source evidence

How this individual concern was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below. Response links show a clear evidence connection; they do not assign responsibility.

PFD Monitor interpretation

Emergency telephone located adjacent to railway track

Wider context from the report

“2. The emergency telephone which may be used by members of the public is located adjacent to the railway track. ”

Is this part of a recurring concern?

No recurring-concern membership is currently published.

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

Deploy Rail Safety Accredited Security Officers to patrol for trespass and antisocial behaviour and target hotspot locations with partner agencies.

Verbatim wording from the response

“Locally to SWR, we have Rail Safety Accredited Security Officers (Rail Community Officers) whose core activities include the following:”

Source location

2020-0082-Response-from-South-Western-Railway_Redacted
Page 2 · response
Published 16 April 2020

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

Deliver the “You vs Train” campaign and virtual digital safety sessions through social media and education settings to warn young people about railway dangers.

Verbatim wording from the response

“Additionally, in 2018 the “You vs Train” campaign was launched to the public using social media channels, targeting a younger audience making them aware of the dangers of the railway through Virtual Digital sessions delivered to primary and secondary schools as well as colleges. The campaign’s effectiveness is enhanced by the use of video accounts of survivors who came into contact with the third rail. The aim of this campaign was to:”

Source location

2020-0082-Response-from-South-Western-Railway_Redacted
Page 2 · response
Published 16 April 2020

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

Deliver railway safety awareness sessions with Network Rail to educate pupils about third-rail, trespass and safe behaviour.

Verbatim wording from the response

“SWR works very closely with NR to deliver Safety Awareness sessions at schools located near stations on our network. These educational sessions have been ongoing since 2017 and are delivered to pupils from Reception Year to Year 11. The focus of the sessions is to make the pupils aware of the dangers of the railway including the third rail, and how to behave without putting themselves and others in danger when on a station or near a level crossing.”

Source location

2020-0082-Response-from-South-Western-Railway_Redacted
Page 2 · response
Published 16 April 2020

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

Add extra platform markings and barriers at Ashford station to further deter trespass.

Verbatim wording from the response

“Ashford was not therefore a priority station for additional barriers. However, as was explained at the Inquest, work to improve that station is planned and will now include extra platform markings and barriers to further deter trespass.”

Source location

2020-0082-Response-from-Network-Rail_Redacted
Page 3 · response
Published 16 April 2020

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

Provide compliant warning signs at Ashford station warning against track access, trespass and electrocution from the live rail.

Verbatim wording from the response

“The signs displayed at the station clearly warn of the danger of electrocution and comply with the Railway Group Standard GI/RT 7033. To avoid confusion at different locations, there is safety benefit in consistent and clear signs that meet British Standard ISO 3864 – 1.2011: ‘Graphical symbols’ and the Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996.”

Source location

2020-0082-Response-from-Network-Rail_Redacted
Page 4 · response
Published 16 April 2020

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

Existing Ashford station signage conformed to national standards and was considered sufficient, so no further signage action was required.

Verbatim wording from the response

“The signage in place at Ashford station conforms with the Station Infrastructure Standard (Rail Industry Standards 7700-INS – Issue 3, June 2018) which is applied nationally by the wider rail industry.”

Source location

2020-0082-Response-from-South-Western-Railway_Redacted
Page 2 · response
Published 16 April 2020

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

Existing warning signs comply with applicable standards and clearly warn of electrocution, so adding wording about immediate death is unnecessary and potentially harmful.

Verbatim wording from the response

“The signs displayed at the station clearly warn of the danger of electrocution and comply with the Railway Group Standard GI/RT 7033. To avoid confusion at different locations, there is safety benefit in consistent and clear signs that meet British Standard ISO 3864 – 1.2011: ‘Graphical symbols’ and the Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996.”

Source location

2020-0082-Response-from-Network-Rail_Redacted
Page 4 · response
Published 16 April 2020

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

Determining whether live-rail risks must be taught in the national curriculum falls outside the respondent’s authority.

Verbatim wording from the response

“4. There is no requirement in the national curriculum to teach pupils about the risk posed by the live rail.”

Source location

2020-0082-Response-from-Network-Rail_Redacted
Page 4 · response
Published 16 April 2020

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

Existing station help points and restricted operational telephones are considered sufficient, so relocating the railway telephones is unnecessary.

Verbatim wording from the response

“At Ashford there is a “help point” telephone on the station for passengers to speak directly with SWR customer support staff. But the emergency telephone quoted is not for public use. The two railway telephones attached to the signal post are for operational contact with the signaller and electrical control. They are located by the track beyond the platform sign prohibiting public access. That they are in a prohibited area demonstrates they are not intended for public use.”

Source location

2020-0082-Response-from-Network-Rail_Redacted
Page 3 · response
Published 16 April 2020

Open published response

Other statements in published responses

These actions and other statements could not be clearly connected to one concern in this report.

Recipient-stated actions An action is something a recipient says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to a concern raised.6

  1. 1

    Support Trespass Awareness Week by using social media channels to spread the “You vs Train” railway safety message.

    Stated by First MTR South Western Trains LimitedStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 16 April 2020.
  2. 2

    Install an additional anti-trespass warning sign at the entrance to platform one at Ashford station.

    Stated by First MTR South Western Trains LimitedStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 16 April 2020.
  3. 3

    Continue engaging with national rail safety groups to consider warning-signage measures.

    Stated by First MTR South Western Trains LimitedStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 16 April 2020.
  4. 4

    Deliver railway-safety education for young people through schools, community partners, face-to-face activities and digital outreach.

    Stated by Network RailStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 16 April 2020.
  5. 5

    Operate the YouVsTrain campaign and website targeting young people with messages and films about railway trespass and electrification dangers.

    Stated by Network RailStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 16 April 2020.
  6. 6

    Run targeted trespass-prevention campaigns at railway hotspots using internet, broadcast, print and social media.

    Stated by Network RailStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 16 April 2020.

Recipient positions A position is what a recipient says about a concern when they do not describe a specific action.1

  1. 1

    Network Rail was assigned responsibility for responding to the report’s first and second matters of concern.

    Stated by First MTR South Western Trains LimitedRedirects responsibilityThe respondent said that another organisation was responsible for deciding or taking action.

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

Support Trespass Awareness Week by using social media channels to spread the “You vs Train” railway safety message.

Verbatim wording from the response

“To complement the classroom and online learning, live operations occur such as the Trespass Awareness week (23-27 March 2020), led by Network Rail, British Transport Police and the wider industry enhancing the public’s awareness around the dangers linked to trespassing on the railway. This was achieved through the use of our social media channels, pledging our support to the campaign and spreading the “You vs Train” safety message.”

Source location

2020-0082-Response-from-South-Western-Railway_Redacted
Page 2 · response
Published 16 April 2020

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 an additional anti-trespass warning sign at the entrance to platform one at Ashford station.

Verbatim wording from the response

“(b) Red signs saying “Warning – do not trespass on the railway” outside the entrance on platform two and the out of hours gate in platform two. Two signs have been added to the entrance of platform one since the incident.”

Source location

2020-0082-Response-from-South-Western-Railway_Redacted
Page 1 · response
Published 16 April 2020

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

Continue engaging with national rail safety groups to consider warning-signage measures.

Verbatim wording from the response

“However, as an active member of the National Suicide Prevention Working Group and the Trespass Risk Group, SWR will continue to engage with the wider rail group from which consideration will be taken in relation to warning signage.”

Source location

2020-0082-Response-from-South-Western-Railway_Redacted
Page 2 · response
Published 16 April 2020

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

Deliver railway-safety education for young people through schools, community partners, face-to-face activities and digital outreach.

Verbatim wording from the response

“Network Rail does not determine the curriculum and we would welcome, and be supportive of, any addition to the curriculum educating young people on the risk posed by accessing the railway. However we would like to take this opportunity to highlight the work we do with schools and other organisations to raise awareness of the dangers of accessing the railway, including from electrification risks.”

Source location

2020-0082-Response-from-Network-Rail_Redacted
Page 4 · response
Published 16 April 2020

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

Operate the YouVsTrain campaign and website targeting young people with messages and films about railway trespass and electrification dangers.

Verbatim wording from the response

“Underpinning all this work is our social media campaign branded “YouVsTrain” which specifically targets 11-18-year olds. The material used in that campaign and on the YouVsTrain.co.uk website specifically features the dangers from electrification with three dramatic films reconstructing real events. Those films have been seen by many millions of people and have won awards for effective community engagement. Other work with Fun Kids Radio and a book featuring Thomas the Tank Engine target younger age groups. In just two years this combination of activity has reduced overall trespass incidents by 24% and youth trespass particularly by 32%.”

Source location

2020-0082-Response-from-Network-Rail_Redacted
Page 5 · response
Published 16 April 2020

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

Run targeted trespass-prevention campaigns at railway hotspots using internet, broadcast, print and social media.

Verbatim wording from the response

“Network Rail works with railway industry partners including South Western Railway (SWR) and British Transport Police, and other organisations such as local authorities and schools to prevent trespass by members of the public. Our extensive campaigns warn of the dangers and target people at risk and high-risk areas referred to as “trespass hotspots”.”

Source location

2020-0082-Response-from-Network-Rail_Redacted
Page 2 · response
Published 16 April 2020

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

Network Rail was assigned responsibility for responding to the report’s first and second matters of concern.

Verbatim wording from the response

“The purpose of this letter is to respond to and address the matters of concern raised in the Report as point three in the list of “Matters of Concern”. Network Rail (NR) will provide a response to the “Matters of Concern” under points one and two.”

Source location

2020-0082-Response-from-South-Western-Railway_Redacted
Page 1 · response
Published 16 April 2020

Open published response
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Information checked against the published report and official responses · Data reviewed 7 Sep 2026 · About data quality and limitations

Data last updated 7 September 2026