Crackdown on railway fly tippers

The line is often targeted by vandals over the summer, throwing objects onto the tracks and fly-tipping from bridges along the route between Leeds and Wyke Tunnel, near Halifax.

This year, BTP proactively targeted the route and engaged with a number of agencies to clean up the area and stamp out this behaviour.

Inspector Granville Sellers said: “This crackdown has been a resounding success – and produced some really great results. Since it started a few months ago, I am pleased to say no incidents have been reported on the line and we are keen to continue this good work to ensure that this remains the case.

“Historically, we have had numerous problems along this route during the summer months; vandals throwing objects at trains and the fly-tipping of large objects onto the tracks. These are all posing a real safety risk to train passengers and staff, are a real eyesore for members of the local community, and a hazard for those who use the paths and bridges across the railway.

“We have found televisions, bricks, three-piece suites, bikes and wheelie bins along the route. We have been extremely lucky that a train hasn’t stuck some of these items and no-one has been seriously injured or even killed.”

BTP’s Neighbourhood Policing Team, who cover the Bradford area, has been extremely active throughout the summer along this route. Increased numbers of officers have been undertaking high-visibility patrols and covert patrols in the area. Officers have also leafleted residents and visited schools and local community groups to discuss the issues and to encourage them to work with the team.