Fences on the Railway
Medium security fences, include chainlink-type fences; these may also have barbed wire as an added deterrent to people attempting to climb over the fence
Palisade-type fencing is used as a high security barrier in areas which have been subjected to route crime
Post & wire fencing, commonly used to prevent animals from straying on to the railway, can be used to demarcate our boundary adjacent to public highways
Vegetation can often be used to enhance a fence creating a natural boundary measure
08457 11 41 41
Fencing
The railway fence marks the boundary where Network Rail’s land ends.
Our fences help us to deter people from trespassing & vandalising on the railway. We constantly monitor & maintain the fences to check that they are suitable to deter people & animals from accessing the tracks.
Sometimes, we will only replace a fence if we decide that it is not good enough and a new or better fence is needed. If we can, we will replace the old fence with new fence of a similar size & type. But sometimes we will need to build a more secure fence – particularly if it is in an area with lots of trespassing & vandalism.
Plants & trees near fences
Sometimes, we also need to remove some of the plants & trees near the track so that we can repair an old fence or build a new fence. If we have to do this, we work with environmental & conservation experts so that we do not harm native wildlife while we are doing the work.
Your garden fence
When there are two fences between the railway & another property (e.g. a railway fence & a garden fence), Network Rail is only responsible for building & maintaining its own fence.
Where there is only one fence between the railway & another property, the responsibility for that fence varies. Network Rail is always responsible for keeping the railway safe. However, in some cases the deeds for your property may impose an obligation on you to maintain the fence.
If you need advice about who is responsible for a particular fence or are concerned about access between your property & the railway, please call the National Helpline on 08457 11 41 41.
Preventing trespassing & vandalism
Every year, people are killed and injured when they are trespassing or vandalising on the railway. Fences are not the only way that we try to prevent this happening. We also encourage native thorny shrubs to grow next to the railway tracks (because they are so difficult to climb through), run community projects and operate two websites - No Messin’! for young people and Trackoff for teachers & parents.
What to do if you have a problem caused by the railway or have more questions
If you have a problem caused by fences or any other part of the railway or if you simply want more information, please contact the National Helpline on 08457 11 41 41.