Kids record Podcasts to promote rail safety

British Transport Police have joined up with Rock FM’s Cash for Kids charity to promote railway safety to young people in Rochdale.

Rock FM’s media bus is touring schools in areas where BTP have received reports of route crime incidents, such as youths trespassing and involved in anti-social behaviour on the railway.

Pupils at the schools are being asked to create an advert or podcast about the dangers associated with trespassing and committing crimes on the railway. The Rock FM Bus Team will then select the best two groups of each day and their work will be featured on the radio station’s website, alongside photographs and a write up of the day’s activities.

Chief Supt Peter Holden, Area Commander of BTP in the North Western Area, said: “During the school holidays we traditionally see an increase in offences on the railway across the UK. We are hoping that by targeting hot spot areas and through education work, we will reduce the number of incidents and deter the majority of youngsters from committing any route crime offences.

“I cannot emphasise strongly enough the dangers associated with this type of crime. BTP officers are all too often called to incidents where youngsters are messing about on or near the railway. I am urging all parents and responsible adults to emphasise these dangers and ensure all youngsters keep away from the tracks during the holidays.

“People who trespass or commit crime on the railway are putting their own lives at risk as well as the lives of all the staff and passengers traveling on trains.”

Clare Chadwick, spokesperson for Cash for Kids said: "Too many children have no idea about the dangers of playing and walking on rail lines. We are proud to be working in conjunction with the British Transport Police to make a positive difference to the attitudes of children who live or go to school near a railway."