Your report and editorial comment (Evening Press, March 24) regarding the recent near derailment of an express train north of York, is indeed disturbing.

This is one of many similar incidents that have occurred in recent years.

When travelling by train it is by no means uncommon to see materials and equipment left lying about the trackside just waiting for such mindless individuals, as in the above case, to place on the track with the potential horrific consequences that one cannot bear thinking about. This is a matter that Railtrack and its contractors must address urgently, especially in areas where access to the railway by unauthorised persons is easy.

Materials and equipment that can be easily handled and used by vandals should, outside working hours, be either returned to the depot or placed in a secure compound at or near the site of work. A general clean-up operation, particularly at vulnerable locations, should be carried out at regular intervals.

This would have financial and practical implications, but on the other hand, what would be the cost in human terms, like injuries, loss of life etc, and other associated costs of a major accident?

Name and address supplied.

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