Patrolling disused areas

[tjhux]

wow I've posted alot in the 3 days I've had an account. Also this may be in the wrong place so please move if needed

OK so I live literally right next to an old and abandoned line which hasn't been used since the 80s and it's obvious that they don't care about it anymore because it's all overgrown and they're still yet to remove the old NSE boards all along it. I've been interested in exploring it since I moved here but there're signs at all of the old entrances saying the usual "TrEsPaSsErS wIlL bE fInEd". Does anyone know if or how often abandoned rail lines get patrolled because the young mind in me is screaming to go adventure (even though it probably won't bring much)

And before people ask, it isn't electrified, the rails that connect it to the rest of the lines has been pulled up ¦)

 

[DanNCL]

I volunteer on a heritage line that has a couple of miles of track that’s been disused for decades. It’s regularly patrolled and those caught trespassing are reported for prosecution, whether anyone actually gets prosecuted/fined or not is down to the authorities but it’s certainly not a risk I’d want to take, it isn’t worth it.

The protocol on the national network, including what I presume is the line you’re referring to, will no doubt be even more strict than ours on the heritage line, as Network Rail have a lot more clout and more power than we have when it comes to law enforcement.

Short advice, don’t do it, it’s not worth it and the risk of a fine is very real.

 

[tjhux]

I volunteer on a heritage line that has a couple of miles of track that’s been disused for decades. It’s regularly patrolled and those caught trespassing are reported for prosecution, whether anyone actually gets prosecuted/fined or not is down to the authorities but it’s certainly not a risk I’d want to take, it isn’t worth it.

The protocol on the national network, including what I presume is the line you’re referring to, will no doubt be even more strict than ours on the heritage line, as Network Rail have a lot more clout and more power than we have when it comes to law enforcement.

Short advice, don’t do it, it’s not worth it and the risk of a fine is very real.

I mean the line is heavily covered by bushes and stuff so I don't see anyone really managing it but thank you for the advice

 

[moonarrow458]

I take perhaps a different view, if you really want to go and explore it, then do so, but its at your own risk. Be cautious, Be aware of the risks, dont draw attention to yourself, take only photos and leave only footprints. If its physically disconnected from the rest of the network its likely low risk, but there sre no guarantees in life. I've personally walked the disused Croxley green branch line, i had no problems, was i cautious? Yes. Have other ppl run into problems there? Yes.

If you do go, don't wear bright clothes, or draw any untoward attention to yourself, scout out the area for about 10 mins before entering, wear long clothes so you dont get riipped to shreds by spiky vegetstion and such like, take sturdy shoes, and watch out for sharp metal, needles etc, take a mini first aid kit with you or at least anti-bacterial gel and dont be stupid. Dont try and steal anything or vandalise something because then you really do run the risk of getting arrested.

Ultimately the decision is up to you and its for you to gauge the risk vs reward. Personally as long as you don't cause harm i have no problem with it. From what i understand a lot of urban explorers in encounters with the police just get told to leave, but tresspass on network rail property is a criminal offence rather than a civil offence so the police do have the powers to arrest you. Risk vs reward its up to you

 

[tjhux]

I take perhaps a different view, if you really want to go and explore it, then do so, but its at your own risk. Be cautious, Be aware of the risks, dont draw attention to yourself, take only photos and leave only footprints. If its physically disconnected from the rest of the network its likely low risk, but there sre no guarantees in life. I've personally walked the disused Croxley green branch line, i had no problems, was i cautious? Yes. Have other ppl run into problems there? Yes.

If you do go, don't wear bright clothes, or draw any untoward attention to yourself, scout out the area for about 10 mins before entering, wear long clothes so you dont get riipped to shreds by spiky vegetstion and such like, take sturdy shoes, and watch out for sharp metal, needles etc, take a mini first aid kit with you or at least anti-bacterial gel and dont be stupid. Dont try and steal anything or vandalise something because then you really do run the risk of getting arrested.

Ultimately the decision is up to you and its for you to gauge the risk vs reward. Personally as long as you don't cause harm i have no problem with it. From what i understand a lot of urban explorers in encounters with the police just get told to leave, but tresspass on network rail property is a criminal offence rather than a civil offence so the police do have the powers to arrest you. Risk vs reward its up to you

that's exactly the line I wanted to go down ahah.
Would you mind if I DM you and ask some Qs about it (unless you're a secret cop....)?

 

[moonarrow458]

that's exactly the line I wanted to go down ahah.
Would you mind if I DM you and ask some Qs about it (unless you're a secret cop....)?

You can certainly ask, whether or not i have answers to all the questions is another answer

 

[The exile]

Unless you get too near the junction, I would imagine that you’re far more likely to attract the attention of, and encounter difficulties from, occupants of neighbouring premises (or their security guards if it’s that kind of property) than you are from NR. That said, you will be breaking the law - so of course you shouldn’t do it. Incidentally, often the best way of attracting attention is to look as is you’re trying to avoid being noticed. if you’re a credible age, a hi-vis vest and a clipboard can ironically make you “invisible”!

 

[bramling]

wow I've posted alot in the 3 days I've had an account. Also this may be in the wrong place so please move if needed

OK so I live literally right next to an old and abandoned line which hasn't been used since the 80s and it's obvious that they don't care about it anymore because it's all overgrown and they're still yet to remove the old NSE boards all along it. I've been interested in exploring it since I moved here but there're signs at all of the old entrances saying the usual "TrEsPaSsErS wIlL bE fInEd". Does anyone know if or how often abandoned rail lines get patrolled because the young mind in me is screaming to go adventure (even though it probably won't bring much)

And before people ask, it isn't electrified, the rails that connect it to the rest of the lines has been pulled up ¦)

I wouldn’t worry massively about it. There are many such lines around the country, and many such lines tend to be used as unofficial paths. As long as you don’t stray onto operational territory or do anything dodgy you’ll likely be perfectly okay.

 

[Spartacus]

I take perhaps a different view, if you really want to go and explore it, then do so, but its at your own risk. Be cautious, Be aware of the risks, dont draw attention to yourself, take only photos and leave only footprints. If its physically disconnected from the rest of the network its likely low risk, but there sre no guarantees in life. I've personally walked the disused Croxley green branch line, i had no problems, was i cautious? Yes. Have other ppl run into problems there? Yes.

If you do go, don't wear bright clothes, or draw any untoward attention to yourself, scout out the area for about 10 mins before entering, wear long clothes so you dont get riipped to shreds by spiky vegetstion and such like, take sturdy shoes, and watch out for sharp metal, needles etc, take a mini first aid kit with you or at least anti-bacterial gel and dont be stupid. Dont try and steal anything or vandalise something because then you really do run the risk of getting arrested.

Ultimately the decision is up to you and its for you to gauge the risk vs reward. Personally as long as you don't cause harm i have no problem with it. From what i understand a lot of urban explorers in encounters with the police just get told to leave, but tresspass on network rail property is a criminal offence rather than a civil offence so the police do have the powers to arrest you. Risk vs reward its up to you

This is the line I'd take. Useful if you can carry a dog lead with you... folk are always more sympathetic to someone looking for a lost dog....

Just stay away from anything that might be operational.

Just a note that such places are often covered not by patrols but by covert cameras. Again, someone walking their dog's unlikely to warrant a response. Someone carrying a bag that might contain tools or spray cans however...

 

[duffield]

I'd be most concerned about running into some local youths who had made a "den" there for the purposes of getting off their faces etc., and who might take exception to your presence.

But maybe that's just me.