Railroad track walkers cause delays

Belgian railway infrastructure manager Infrabel is taking drastic action against youth who hang out on and along the tracks. When individuals are observed around the track, trains are forced to slow down or come to a complete stop, leading to an average delay of 3.5 hours a day. Infrabel is sounding the alarm because it is concerned about the worrying increase in the number of unauthorised track walkers, from 243 reports in 2011 to 727 last year. People walk along the tracks for a variety or reasons, whether it be in order to take a shortcut, because they find it exciting or simply just to take their dog out for a walk. To tackle the problem, additional cameras will be installed along the tracks, and unauthorised track walkers will be subject to a fine of €50 plus fees to cover the cost of the train delays.