Vanderhoof residents warned to stay away from railway tracks

CP Police are reminding Vanderhoof residents that trespassing on railway tracks or property is not only dangerous, but is illegal.

According to Const. James Thorne, under the Railway Safety Act of Canada, section 26.1, it is an offence for any person to trespass on railway property and can result in a fine of $575.

The CN mainline passes directly through Vanderhoof, and some pedestrians reportedly do not want to wait for trains to pass.

“Incidents have been occurring all summer in the Vanderhoof area. Close calls involving pedestrians running in front of passing trains through the district,” explained Const. Thorne.

Thorne offered three safety tips to pedestrians who might encounter railway property:

• Only cross railway tracks at designated public/ pedestrian crossings.

• Obey the railway crossing control devices and do not attempt to beat the train.

• Before walking across any railway crossing, look both ways, listen and only proceed over the

crossing when it is safe to do so.