14 June 2006
CPR Police to Stage a Bliz
Revelstoke British Columbia - The Canadian Pacific
Railway's Police Service is reminding Revelstoke residents about rail track safety and the dangers of trespassing on railway property.
A statement from the company said it was doing this as "a result of CPR Revelstoke employees and railway police noting recent
instances of people illegally cutting across railway property."
As part of this campaign CPR police officers will be conducting safety and enforcement awareness blitzes in the Revelstoke yard during
this week.
"Pedestrians will be advised that not only is cutting across railway property illegal, it is highly dangerous," the statement
said. "Motorists will be reminded of being safe at rail crossings in Revelstoke."
While the primary goal of the blitz is to promote increased rail safety awareness and prevent tragic consequences "railway police
will be issuing fines, if necessary," it said.
In 2005, the federal Transportation Safety Board reported 174 people in Canada were either killed or seriously injured in incidents
involving trains. The TSB statistics do not include the many near misses that occur, as well.
People who trespass on railway property or fail to yield the right-of-way to an approaching train at a crossing are
subject to being charged under the Railway Safety Act, which carries a maximum fine of $10,000 and/or one year in jail. The public is
asked to assist in reporting offences occurring at crossings and on railway property by contacting the Canadian Pacific Railway Police
Service at: 1-800-716-9132 or the RCMP detachment at 837-5255.
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