Fare dodgers dicing with death in Basildon and Pitsea

New figures have revealed 116 incidents of trespass at Pitsea train station during the past year.

Passengers are trespassing on the line and gaining access via the level crossing.

Among them was one man who tried to sneak in before walking into a police officer.

Fears for safety have also been raised at Basildon train station where there were 134 incidents between April 2018 and March 2019.

Among the most common examples of life risking behaviour is teens running across the tracks to climb onto the platform to get to the London bound platform.

Independent councillor Kerry Smith described those putting themselves in danger as “so stupid”

Speaking after the release of the new figures, Mr Smith said: “I think those figures make it clear they need to step up enforcement, because one of these days we will have a tragic accident.

“With these figures, British Transport Police and Network Rail need to commit to doing more, because it is clear not enough is being done.

“They need to get the message out that you cannot do this, that you will be fined, and the consequences are made clear.

“I had hoped we were dealing with maybe a one off incident before, but this makes it clear it is a persistent problem. Young people think they are indestructible.”

The figures were revealed as Network Rail announced a partnership with British Transport Police, the English Football League Trust and StreetGames to cut the number of people risking their lives.

Southend United FC is one of the league clubs to get on board with the initiative.

Rupert Lown, Anglia’s director of health, safety quality and environment said: “Children, and adults alike, continue to risk their lives by going onto the track and it has to stop. Last year,1,645 people in Anglia went on the railway and each one could be a potential catastrophe leading to life-changing injuries or even death.” In Southend in 2018/19, 31 incidents were recorded.