Motorcycles put Network Rail on the right track.

Network Rail and the British Transport Police (BTP) have taken delivery of three fast response motorcycles to crack down on railway crime. They will be the second consignment to be supplied by Motorcycle Management, the UK’s only specialist motorcycle leasing firm. The power and flexibility of the bikes will help the motorcycle teams to patrol and protect railway lines from trespassers and mindless vandals.

For every accident that hits the headlines, there are thousands of potential incidents across the UK averted every year by prompt action. Some of the worst affected areas in the country are in the South London boroughs where the new Honda Transalp bikes will be used. In addition to their rapid response capability, they will provide a highly visible police deterrent. Railway crime costs the industry some £150 million every year as well as causing enormous delays to trains and passengers.

In congested London streets, motorcycles have proved they have a manoeuvrability that is the envy of car and van drivers. Being nippy in traffic, they allow the rapid response teams to react to urgent call-outs; their robust nature also means they can access almost all types of railway property. Under the special leasing arrangements with Motorcycle Management, all the officers’ training and special equipment are included, giving not-run-for-profit Network Rail a cost-effective alternative to buying.

Motorcycle Management’s director, Tony Draycott, said, “We’re delighted to be working with Network Rail again, this time in conjunction with the BTP. Our experience with police, paramedics and corporate clients means that we are always able to recommend the best bikes for any job. That’s a major bonus for our users, some of whom do not always have the specialist knowledge required to select the most appropriate motorcycle and equipment.”

Margaret Barker, Network Rail’s Route Crime Risk Manager commented, “By launching these new motorcycle patrols with the British Transport Police, we will be able to respond more quickly to incidents and to crack down on rail crime.”