This set of guidelines for railway enthusiasts has been taken from the National Rail Enquiries website but are also available from Network Rail and most train operating companies. We strongly advise that you follow these guidelines when you’re in or around a railway station or when you’re trackside. You could also take a printed copy of these guidelines with you to show to a member of staff if you’re asked to stop taking photographs at a station, but if you are going to do this make sure you have followed the guidelines before showing someone because if you haven’t it won’t get you anywhere.

All of Britain’s train operating companies and Network Rail welcome rail enthusiasts to their stations. The following guidelines are designed to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable experience in the pursuit of your interest on the railway network.

Before You Enter The Platform

At major stations please inform the Duty Station Manager of your presence. This will ensure station staff are aware that you’re on the station and can go about their duties without concern as to your reasons for being there. At smaller stations you should ensure you advise a member of station staff of your activities. You may require a platform ticket to allow access to platforms at some stations where ticket barriers are in operation or where revenue protection staff are on duty.

On The Station Platform

You should ensure you act safely and sensibly at all times. Please remember the following points when you’re at a station or when you’re trackside:

  • Stay clear of the platform edge and behind the yellow lines where they are provided for safety reasons. You could injur yourself or others by going to close to passing trains.
  • Do not trespass onto any area of the railway that is not available to passengers.
  • Do not climb on any structure or interfere with platform equipment.
  • Ensure that you do not obstruct any signalling equipment or signs which are vital to the safe running of the railways.
  • Avoid wearing anything which is similar in colour to safety clothing, such as high -visibility jackets, as this could cause confusion to drivers or other railway employees.
  • Avoid congregating at busy areas of the platform (e.g. customer information points, departure screens, waiting areas, seating etc.) or where this may interfere with the duties of station staff.
  • Be aware of your surroundings. We also kindly ask you take note of any unusual behaviour and activities and report anything suspicious to a member of staff or for more serious incidents, to the British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40. In an emergency, dial 999. Your presence at the station can be very helpful to us as extra “eyes and ears” and can be a positive security benefit.

Photography

Taking photographs on stations is permitted providing its for personal use only. For any commercial photography prior permission must be sought from the appropriate train operator or from Network Rail at their 17 major stations. On busy stations the use of a tripod may cause a dangerous obstruction to passengers and you may be asked not to use one. In addition tripod legs must also be kept away from platform edges and behind the yellow lines. Flash photography on platforms is not allowed as it may distract the attention of train drivers and train despatch staff and is therefore a potential safety hazard. You are also not allowed to take photographs of security related equipment such as CCTV cameras.

Railway Byelaws

To ensure ease of travel and safety on the railway system (which includes passengers, staff, property and equipment), the Byelaws must be observed by everyone. A copy of the Byelaws can be obtained at most staffed stations and is downloadable from the DFT website.

A key priority for Train Operators is to ensure the safety of their passengers and staff. You may very occasionally be asked by station staff to move to another part of the station or to leave the station altogether. Station staff should be happy to explain why this is necessary and if you are travelling on by train they may advise you to remain in the normal waiting areas with other passengers. If this occurs please do so with goodwill as staff have many things to consider including the safety and security of all passengers and are authorised to use judgement in this regard.

Article Author: National Rail Enquiries. Photograph: Damon Hart-Davis.