Passengers are being warned about the dangers of trespassing on railway lines after a number of incidents where adults and children have been seen “risking their lives” walking along them.

In the past few weeks, there have been five reported instances of members of the public walking along the railway at Motspur Park station in New Malden.

Their behaviour has been described “stupid and reckless” by a spokesperson for Network Rail.

Network Rail has said that it is believed that these members of the public have been using it as a shortcut instead of using the temporary diversion.

The closure of Station Road in July led to a diversionary route being put in place, which directs passengers over the level crossing at West Barnes Lane, onto Claremont Avenue, and over the station footbridge via a lane between house numbers 156 and 158.

This route was put in place to enable passengers to access the platforms while a new accessible footbridge is being built.

However, CCTV footage has captured several instances of passengers, including adults and children, choosing to ignore the diversion and instead walk along the live railway for around 50 meters before leaving at the level crossing.

This behaviour “puts their lives at risk and is a clear violation of safety regulations”.

To address this issue, Network Rail is working in collaboration with South Western Railway and the British Transport Police.

Additional guards will be provided at the station, and the number of police patrols will be increased at both the station and the level crossing.

Anti-trespass panels, known as Witches Hats, will also be installed at the level crossing to deter trespassers.

Network Rail has said that ignoring these measures not only endangers the lives of trespassers but also causes disruptions to train services and that passengers must play their part in preventing accidents and complying with the necessary safety guidelines.

Helen Yorke, Network Rail’s Wessex route crime manager, said: “Its mind-blowing to see the stupid and reckless behaviour of individuals who are disregarding their own and other people’s safety by trespassing on the railway instead of following a designated diversion.

“Trains that travel on the railway through Motspur Park and across our Wessex route more widely are powered by the third rail which contains 750 volts – easily enough to kill or seriously injure – and is on 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

“Trespassing on the railway is not only extremely dangerous but is also a crime and we are working closely with our partners at SWR and the BTP to increase patrols and prevent any further instances of trespass.

“I urge passengers and members of the public to take responsibility for their own safety and follow the short, designated diversionary route.”

A spokesperson for the British Transport Police, said: “Trespassing on any part of the rail network is something we take extremely seriously. Not only is it illegal, but this environment is full of hidden dangers that can result in serious and life-ending consequences.

“We continuously work with partners, such as Network Rail, train operators and local communities to raise the awareness of these dangers and we will always take action against those who trespass whenever we can.”

An SWR spokesperson said: “We are growing increasingly concerned by some of the behaviour we are witnessing at Motspur Park.

“It is shocking to think that individuals are trespassing on the live railway just to save a few minutes of walking time.

“Trains can pass through this area at speeds of up to 60mph and there is the constant threat of the electrified third rail.

“Customers should not access the track under any circumstances and should use the diversionary walking route as intended.”