Rail travel in the United Kingdom travel safety advice
All train companies display safety information posters on board their trains, with informations about what to do in the event of an emergency. The simplest advice is that unless your personal safety is threatened, you are always safer on the train than if you try to leave it.
In the event of an emergency:
1. Get the attention of a member of staff, any staff member will do
2. If you cannot get the attention of staff and you are certain that you, anyone else or the train is in danger because of the motion of the train - pull the emergency stop handle, this will be either red or green and will be visibly identified. Be aware that pulling the emergency stop handle between stations will make it very difficult or impossible for emergency crews or police to reach the train.
3. If you are in immediate danger try and move to the next carriage, internal doors can be pushed apart if necessary. Take nothing with you
4. If it is not possible to move to another carriage, then and only then, should you attempt to leave the train via the external doors, methods for unlocking and opening in an emergency differ between types of train however, the emergency open device will be located at the door.
6. If this is not possible, leave through an emergency window which will usually be identified as such, there may be a hammer located next to it. If there is no indicated window, use the most convenient one facing away from any other tracks if possible.
7. Strike the hammer against the corner of the window until both panes crack, the push them out with a piece of luggage.
8. You should lower yourself carefully from the train and move away from it as quickly as possible.
9. Watch for other trains, and possibly the electric 3rd rail. Do not step on any rail
If an evacuation of a train is ordered by train crew, instructions will be given. Most carriages have specific windows that can be broken or pushed open for emergency escape.
Crime against passengers on trains in the UK is rare but increasing, with the most common being theft of unsupervised luggage. If travelling with bags, keep them within sight, especially during station stops if your bags are in racks near the doors of the carriage.
A conductor or guard is present on most train. If they have not made themselves visible during the journey, they can usually be found in the cab at the rear of the train. Communication panels are normally located throughout the train. Emergency brakes are also available, but a heavy penalty can be fined against someone who unnecessarily stops the train. Be aware, many communication panels are also emergency brakes. Unless someone's safety is threatened by the movement of the train, contact the guard or driver and wait for assistance or the next station stop.
Due to the UKs history of terrorist incidents, unattended luggage is treated by the authorities as a potential explosive device and may be destroyed by controlled explosion.
The British Transport Police is responsible for the policing of trains, stations and railway property. In an emergency all emergency services can be contacted by dialing 999 or 112 from a telephone.
If you wish to contact the British Transport Police themselves, dial 0845 440 5040
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The Most Frequently Asked Travel Questions about Rail travel in the United Kingdom
