Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR), recognized as the largest train operator in the UK, is taking significant steps to enhance buggy safety awareness during the recent Rail Safety Week, which ran from June 16 to June 22, 2025. This initiative is particularly crucial as it aims to prevent accidents involving young children at train stations. As families increasingly utilize public transport, GTR’s campaign is more relevant than ever. The company has made headlines by releasing CCTV footage that captures alarming incidents, highlighting the dangers that can arise when traveling with buggies at busy train stations. These incidents took place at various high-traffic locations, including Portslade, South Croydon, and Gatwick Airport. Although none of these incidents resulted in serious injuries, they serve as a stark reminder of the potential hazards present in such environments.
In 2023 alone, GTR documented 13 incidents involving children during the process of boarding and alighting from trains. This number reflects a decline from the 36 incidents reported the previous year, yet the figures reveal a concerning upward trend during the early months of this year. As families prepare for summer travel, GTR is emphasizing the necessity of vigilance when navigating train stations with young children.
Raising Awareness for Safer Train Travel with Children
According to GTR, the predominant cause of accidents when parents or caregivers are boarding or exiting trains is the practice of attempting to exit the train forwards. This often leads to buggy wheels becoming entrapped in the gap between the train and the platform, creating a perilous situation. Additionally, inadequate supervision of children during this crucial moment significantly increases the risk of accidents. To combat these dangers, GTR is urging all passengers to remain alert, particularly those traveling with young children in buggies.
As part of its safety campaign, GTR is distributing 840 copies of the children’s book “Arlo’s Adventure Rail Safety” across stations that have recorded the highest number of incidents. These books aim to educate children and their families on safe train travel practices. Key distribution points include major hubs like Gatwick Airport, London Victoria, East Croydon, and London Blackfriars, where family travel is particularly prevalent.
Samantha Facey, the Health, Safety, and Security Director at GTR, emphasized the challenges families face while traveling with young children. She stated, “We know how challenging traveling with young children can be, and we want to help families feel safe and supported every step of the journey. These incidents are a reminder of how important it is to stay vigilant—especially when using buggies on platforms or getting on and off trains. We’re asking everyone traveling with little ones to take a moment to plan ahead, hold on tight, and use the wide gates where possible. A little extra care can go a long way in keeping you and your children safe.”
Tips for Safe Travel with Buggies on UK Railways
To bolster the safety of families traveling with buggies, GTR has outlined several essential precautions that all parents and caregivers should adhere to:
- Hold tight to young children when boarding and alighting from the train, ensuring they are safe at all times.
- Ensure children are strapped into buggies before boarding and alighting to prevent falls or accidents.
- Apply the brakes on buggies when stationary on platforms to prevent buggies from rolling onto the tracks.
- Keep hold of pushchairs at all times, especially on platforms where there is a risk of them rolling.
- Stay behind the yellow line on platforms and remain alert when trains are approaching.
These steps are integral to GTR’s broader efforts to mitigate accidents and enhance safety for all passengers, particularly families traveling with young children.
Addressing the Challenges of Traveling with Children
Traveling with children on public transportation can pose significant challenges, especially during peak travel periods. GTR is fully aware of the stress that families may experience when utilizing trains, particularly when managing buggies. The safety campaign launched by GTR is designed to alleviate some of these difficulties by providing clear and concise guidance on how to navigate train stations and platforms safely. By doing so, GTR aims to diminish the risks associated with accidents during travel.
The strategic distribution of “Arlo’s Adventure Rail Safety” books at key locations underscores GTR’s commitment to enhancing safety awareness. These stations, which include Gatwick Airport, Victoria, East Croydon, and London Blackfriars, are among the busiest for families. GTR hopes that by providing these educational resources, they can foster safer travel habits and increase awareness of the necessary precautions to take when traveling with children.
A Focus on Safe and Sustainable Travel
This initiative is part of GTR’s wider commitment to improving safety and promoting sustainable travel throughout the UK’s railway system. With a notable increase in family travel, particularly during the summer months, GTR encourages all passengers to plan ahead, follow established safety guidelines, and utilize the wide aisle gates available at stations. This proactive approach aims to facilitate smoother and safer journeys for everyone involved.
The Rail Safety Week campaign not only emphasizes the importance of safety during the bustling summer season but also serves as a vital reminder of the potential risks that can arise when safety measures are overlooked. Through education and the provision of practical resources, GTR endeavors to ensure that train journeys remain as safe as possible for parents and their children.
Conclusion: A Call for Vigilance and Safety
As the summer travel season approaches, GTR’s safety campaign becomes increasingly vital. By releasing CCTV footage showcasing incidents and distributing safety literature, the company adopts a proactive stance to reduce the frequency of accidents involving children on the rail network. Continuous awareness and cooperation from passengers are essential components in achieving the goal of fewer incidents and ensuring safer journeys for families across the UK’s train stations. Ultimately, this campaign stands as a testament to GTR’s dedication to safety, reminding all travelers of the importance of vigilance and responsible behavior when traveling with young children.
