Railway stations in Sussex have been described as “accident hotspots”.
Brighton station is among the locations with the highest number of reported incidents, according to Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR), which revealed that two people are injured every day at stations nationally due to risky behaviour.
Common causes include running for trains, obstructing doors, and carrying excess baggage on escalators.
Gatwick Airport station topped GTR’s list of accident hotspots, followed by Brighton, with Eastbourne also appearing in the top 10.
Diane Morgan stars in GTR’s new safety film (Image: Amit Lennon)
Nationally, GTR records around 800 preventable injuries across its network each year.
In response, the rail operator has launched its first train safety film featuring comedian Diane Morgan.
The film, titled Travel Safe with Diane Morgan, uses humour to highlight everyday decisions that lead to accidents, such as running through stations or forcing doors as they close.
Ms Morgan said: “As has been well publicised, I have always been a strong advocate for rail safety.
“Unlike some of my comedy contemporaries, who would love to see passengers fall down stairs or get their head trapped in the closing doors, I have always made it quite clear that rail safety is my number one priority.
“These short films are the culmination of my life’s work. Enjoy them.”
You can watch the safety film here:
GTR hopes the light-hearted approach will prompt passengers to reconsider their actions.
GTR is encouraging travellers to watch the safety film, allow extra time for journeys, and avoid rushing.
Stations with the highest number of preventable incidents on the GTR network are Gatwick Airport, Brighton, East Croydon, Victoria, Clapham Junction, Stevenage, St Albans City, Blackfriars, Eastbourne, and Bedford.
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The new safety video is filmed at London Bridge (Image: Amit Lennon)
Samantha Facey, health, safety and security director at Govia Thameslink Railway, said: “Most injuries we see from these behaviours are preventable and we’re committed to helping our customers travel safely.
“We know that people are busy, journeys can be rushed, and some of these habits are so ingrained that they stop feeling like risks at all.
“That’s exactly why we needed a different approach, and working with Diane gave us something powerful – a chance to make people laugh at behaviour they might recognise in themselves, and in doing so, genuinely think twice.