This important message is what Rob and Chris, from The British Transport Police and Network Rail, told the children at Aycliffe Village Primary and Nursery School when they visited us last Monday.
The reason for the visit was because Aycliffe Village is very close to a railway that has trains travelling at 125 miles an hour. Furthermore, sadly, older children have been seen very close to this railway line.
The pupils were told not to go on railway tracks because it is illegal, and you could get a fine up to £1000 and then have a criminal record. Since the children in Year 5 are almost ten, the children will be responsible for their actions. Vandalism is another thing that the children were told not to do because there will be serious consequences.
These are some facts about trains that Rob and Chris told us.
There are many different trains but electric trains are more dangerous than the others. Trains weigh around the same as 80 elephants [400 tonnes]. They also take over a mile to stop if they are travelling fast!
In the future Rob and Chris hope that the children learn to be smart and sensible around trains. “I thought the morning was very enjoyable and now I know how to be safe around trains,” said Susie, after the visit.