Look up. Stay safe.

Stay behind the line

On a platform, the yellow line is there for a reason. Stand behind it until your train has stopped — and never lean over the edge for a shot.

Never trespass

Tracks, sidings, depots and embankments are not public spaces. Trespassing on railway land is illegal in most countries and a criminal offence in many (including the UK) — and the danger is not always visible.

Follow staff

If a member of staff or a police officer asks you to move or stop, do it immediately. They may know about a movement or hazard you cannot see.

Checklist

• Check the accessPublic platform, public footpath or permit? If it isn’t clear, don’t go.
• Check the weather, daylight and local rulesIce, wind and fading light change the risks — and access rules vary by country.
• Tell someone where you areShare the location and when you expect to be back.
• Dress to be seenHigh-visibility layer, sturdy shoes and nothing loose that can blow onto the line.
• Pack light and safeNo tripods across the platform edge, no drones near the railway, no steps.
• Know the exitFind the nearest safe way off the platform or path before you start.

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What good looks like

Choose a public vantage point — a station end, a footbridge, a designated viewing area or a public footpath beside the line. Keep your bag, tripod and elbows behind the yellow line or fence. If staff ask you to move, do so immediately.

Leave no trace, respect other passengers, and take everything home.

Do

• Stay behind the yellow line until the train has stopped.
• Use marked footpaths, bridges and level crossings.
• Follow instructions from station staff, train crew and police.
• Keep doors, gangways, stairs and emergency equipment clear.
• Ask staff before setting up a tripod or large lens.
• Tell someone where you are going and keep your phone charged.
• Check tide times and weather at coastal or exposed spots.
• Use a camera strap and keep your bag close and secure.
• Report suspicious behaviour to staff or British Transport Police.
• Respect other passengers, photographers and local residents.
• Supervise children at all times near the railway.

Don’t

• Don’t walk on or near the tracks — trespassing is illegal in most countries and a criminal offence in many (including the UK).
• Don’t cross at a red light or a closed barrier.
• Don’t use flash or continuous lighting around the railway.
• Don’t lean over the platform edge or sit on it.
• Don’t fly a drone near the railway without permission.
• Don’t climb fences, walls or embankments for a better angle.
• Don’t enter depots, sidings or engineering sites without permission.
• Don’t assume a train is slow or quiet — electric trains can be almost silent.
• Don’t retrieve anything dropped on the track. Tell staff.
• Don’t block platform exits, stairs or emergency equipment.

Platform safety

Keep behind the yellow line, mind the gap and never run for a train. Platform ends are not viewing platforms — stay within the public area and follow staff directions.

Photography etiquette

No flash, no leaning, no tripods across walkways. Ask before using large equipment, keep your bag with you and never block a doorway or evacuation route.

Staff and security

Staff may close an area at short notice. If you are asked to move, do so straight away. Report unattended bags, suspicious behaviour or anyone in danger.

After dark

Stick to well-lit public areas, avoid isolated footpaths and let someone know your plans. If a location feels unsafe, leave — no photograph is worth the risk.

Level crossings

Use marked level crossings and obey the lights, barriers and alarms. The rules vary by country; the principle — never cross when a train could be coming — is the same everywhere.

Electric lines

Overhead lines and third rails are live. Never touch or approach them, never use a long pole or selfie stick near them, and never climb on railway infrastructure.

Coastal and exposed spots

Check tide times, weather and access before you go. Coastal paths and embankments can be slippery or cut off by the tide. Tell someone your route and carry a charged phone.

Drones

Drones near the railway need permission and must follow your country’s aviation-authority rules (in the UK, the CAA). Never fly over tracks, stations, depots or moving trains. If in doubt, leave the drone at home.

Emergency

If someone is on the tracks, injured or in immediate danger, call the emergency services. Do not go onto the railway yourself.

112 — Europe — police, fire, ambulance

Non-emergency reporting

Report non-emergency railway incidents to the local operator’s staff or police. In the UK, that is British Transport Police: text 61016 or call 0800 40 50 40.

Station staff

Report suspicious behaviour, unattended bags or safety hazards to the nearest member of staff as soon as it is safe to do so.

How to use it in an emergency

1. Say “what3words” — tell the operator you are using it before you read anything.
2. Read the three words in order from the app or what3words.com.
3. Stay on the line. Repeat the words and give landmarks as well — the words add precision, not local knowledge.

Example address

/// filled · count · soap

Example only — always read the three words shown for your own position. Download the app and offline words before you travel: lineside signal can be poor.