Trespassers on the tracks during Flying Scotsman visit to Cambridgeshire cost nearly £60,000

On Saturday (12 March) the Scotsman starts an eight day tour of the North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR) at Grosmont, with Network Rail, British Transport Police and the NYMR warning those who are planning a visit to see the Scotsman about the dangers of straying onto the tracks.

Flying Scotsman returned to the East Coast Main Line after a 10-year, £4.2million refurbishment by the National Railway Museum last month with an inaugural journey from London King’s Cross to York, which was greeted by thousands of people lining the route.

However, the day was marred by several dangerous incidents of trespass between St Neots and Peterborough – where members of the public were seen walking along the tracks and taking photographs of the Flying Scotsman while other trains continued to pass on opposing lines.

Photographs shared online show crowds of people, including young children, stood in the path of oncoming trains with their view obscured by plumes of steam and smoke from the Flying Scotsman.

All trains on the East Coast Main Line had to be stopped as a result, causing a combined total of over eight hours of delays (516 minutes) to 59 train services, costing the railway almost £60,000 in compensation.

Emrys Warriner, head of route safety and environment at Network Rail, said: “While the turnout to see the Flying Scotsman showed the passion and support for steam engines, and indeed for the railway itself, the images of people stood on the railway taking photographs were deeply worrying.

“I cannot stress enough how dangerous it is to go onto the railway without permission, as well as being illegal. I am urging those who plan to enjoy a day out in North Yorkshire in the coming days to do so from a safe position and not to go onto the railway under any circumstances.

“I’d like to thank those who stayed safe during the inaugural Scotsman run and ask others to follow that example.”

Inspector Bob Moody, of British Transport Police, said: “We understand people are excited about seeing the Flying Scotsman’s return, but the railway is a hazardous environment and trespassers endanger their own safety and that of others.

“There are lots of safe vantage points to view and take pictures of the train and we would urge people to use those, stay clear of the line and not be tempted to risk their lives and the lives of others by trespassing on the railway.

“Large numbers of people trespassed on the tracks to view the service, which is not only extremely dangerous and resulted in the train’s journey being delayed, but it is an offence for which the offender risks being brought before the courts, a fine of £1,000 and a criminal record.

“We will be seeking to take action against trespassers on future journeys to ensure that these pass safely and free from disruption.”