People walking along Dutch train tracks delayed over 16,000 trains last year: ProRail

The number of unauthorized people walking along Dutch train tracks increased by 200 to a total of 3,105 last year, according to rail manager ProRail. These incidents delayed 16,539 trains and meant that 1.6 million passengers reached their destinations late, ANP reports.

According to the ProRail, these so-called "rail walkers" are often hikers, people walking their dogs, children playing or vandals. "They appear especially when the weather is nice and in places where recreation and tracks meet. Think of nature areas or campsites located next to the track." ProRail said.

Over the past years ProRail invested heavily into keeping unauthorized people away from the train tracks. More than 2,300 kilometers of fences were installed next to train tracks and there are extra patrols along the tracks. People caught close to the tracks can face fines of up to 140 euros. "The Rail Walker" is also opening at the Utrecht Railway Museum on Wednesday, to raise awareness. This exhibit consists of a container in which the experience of being close to a train track when a train speeds past at 140 km/h is simulated.