Photographers should steer clear from railway tracks

The Railway Safety Regulator is very concerned that rail tracks have become a popular location for photographs for matriculants and wedding parties.

Rail reserves are private property and those accessing are trespassing and can be fined or imprisoned.  It is illegal to cross railway tracks at any point other than a designated railway crossing. When you do  have to cross a track, it is advised that you cross over immediately and do not stay stationed on the tracks.

The consequence off taking pictures on or near a track is exacerbated as people mirror your behaviour when they see your photos on the web and/or social media and further assume  that it is acceptable to take pictures on or near a railway track.

Amateur or professional photographers should always consider these key facts when they want to have a photoshoot close to a train track.

  1. Rail reserves are private properties.
  2. Trains cannot stop instantly to avoid people or vehicles on the tracks.
  3. An optical illusion makes it difficult to determine a train’s distance from you – and its pace. 
  4. No tracks should be assumed to be abandoned or inactive.

Carefully considering this information. It can save your and others’ lives.

© RSR - Railway Safety Regulator 2024 - All Rights Reserved.