A couple has been called out on social media this week, after they trespassed on rail lines to pose for their wedding photos.
Per a recent report by BBC News, the couple and their guests (none of whom have been identified) were spotted in Whitby in North Yorkshire in England earlier this year.
In images released by Network Rail on their official Twitter account, the bride and groom can clearly be seen standing on a railway crossing in their formal wear, with one wedding guest holding out the bride’s dress while the photographer takes the shot further down the tracks.
Commenting on the stunt, Network Rail, spokesperson Allan Spence condemned the ill-advised train track photoshoot, and has urged the British public to cautious of active lines.
Spence stated:
"Wedding photos or selfies on the track are just plain stupidity.
"Please, make sure you know the rail safety basics and pass that knowledge onto your loved ones. Lead by example and stay off the tracks."
Meanwhile, Superintendent Alison Evans, of British Transport Police, told BBC News that: "The railway is not an appropriate or safe setting for a photographic backdrop, no matter how scenic the setting."
Evans added: "Every time someone strays on to the rail network they are not only putting themselves at risk of serious, life-threatening injury but also delaying essential journeys."
Although the above stunt might sound like an isolated example of recklessness, incidents like these are becoming all-too-common.
Indeed, BBC News reports that approximately 5,000 trespassing incidents were recorded between June and September, with a number of them involving members of the public using the railways as a photography backdrop.
Network Rail is currently attempting to raise public awareness about the dangers of straying near train tracks in an effort to save lives and prevent injuries, and has recently launched a PSA series entitled: "You vs Train."
According to a statement from Network Rail, trespassing incidents involving children have seen a 12% reduction as a result of the campaign, although officials claim we still have ways to go.
Take a look at the PSA in the video below:Commenting on the initiative, British Transport Police Assistant Chief Constable Robin Smith stated:
"The lack of knowledge about the potential dangers seems to be why children choose the tracks as a place to take risks, so our main focus is on providing much-needed education."
