BENDIGO police say the number of children and teenagers playing on train tracks is an ongoing source of disruptions for V/Line services.
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Police have called on parents to remind their children that railway tracks are not play areas.
Leading Senior Constable Gary Boucher said there was a spike in callouts to train line disturbances around school holidays.
“Traditionally this time of year we get dozens of calls,” he said.
Police were forced to call
V/Line to halt services on Saturday afternoon after a group of children were spotted playing on the train line near Oak Street, Golden Square. Leading Senior Constable Boucher said that each time there was a trespasser, trains could be delayed up to an hour.
“If a train is due to pass through that area then it causes a problem,” he said. “Every time we get a callout the trains get held up until the area is cleared.
“Kids need to realise the danger and parents need to remind their children that railways are not playgrounds.”
V/Line chief executive Rob Barnett said people needed to realise illegally crossing or playing within a rail reserve was similar to playing next to some of Melbourne’s busiest roads and highways.
Trains travelling at speeds up to 160km/h can take 900 metres to come to a complete stop.