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Trespassing signage

Signage to inform the public that trespassing onto the railroad right-of-way is dangerous and/or illegal.
  • Description
  • Notable Practices
  • Images and Audio
  • References
  • Resources

Trespassing signage can inform the public that trespassing onto the railroad right-of-way (ROW) is illegal and dangerous. Messages on signs can range from a simple “No Trespassing” to listing state penal code information and possible consequences (see image 3). Signage aims to increase public awareness that the railroad ROW is private property and to inform the public about the potential physical and legal consequences of trespassing onto rail property. Installation is typically straightforward and can be installed on new poles or existing poles or infrastructure. Research has shown that trespassing signage can effectively influence behavior and reduce trespassing activity [1][2].   

Additional search terms: messages, posters, signage, sign

  • Signage is most effective at locations with frequent trespass activity. Signs should be placed where they are most visible and on both sides of the tracks [1].
  • Add lighting in locations with trespass signage to include conspicuity and readability at night [1].
  • Signage may fade, be vandalized or removed by trespassers, and will need to be maintained and/or replaced over time.
  • Make sure that signage is presented in all appropriate languages based on the needs of the local population [2].
  • To be enforceable, signs must be posted in adherence with state laws and local ordinances. For example, posting signage at specifically set intervals along the ROW.
  • Signs work best when combined with other trespass prevention measures [1][2]; some examples include: Right-of-way fencing, Landscaping treatments, Ground treatments, Video detection, Sensor detection, and Safety patrols and law enforcement.

Images:

Trespassers walking past no trespass sign. Image credit: Volpe center.No trespassing signage alongside railroad right-of-way. Image credit: Volpe CenterNo trespassing signage painted on rail track. Image credit: Volpe CenterNo trespassing signage alongside railroad right-of-way. Image credit: Volpe CenterNo trespassing signage alongside railroad right-of-way. Image credit: Volpe Center.

Audio:

 

[1] Silla, A. and Luoma, J. (2011). Effect of three countermeasure against the illegal crossing of railway tracks. Accident Analysis & Prevention,43(3), 1089-1094. 

Abstract: This study was designed to investigate the effects of three countermeasures – landscaping, building a fence and prohibitive signs – on the frequency of trespassing, which in this case means crossing the track at places where it is forbidden. At each location the official route was no more than 300 m away. The main results showed that the effect of each countermeasure on the frequency of trespassing was statistically significant. Specifically, the fencing reduced trespassing by 94.6%, followed by landscaping (91.3%) and prohibitive signs (30.7%). The majority of illegal crossings were committed alone and the persons trespassing were mostly adults and men. In addition, the results demonstrated some tendencies of how the effects of the selected countermeasures can vary with the characteristics of the trespassers. The main implication of this study is that the building of physical barriers such as landscaping or fencing is recommended for reducing trespassing. However, if the required resources are not available or the site is not suitable for such measures, the use of prohibitive signs is recommended. Further, there is a need to tailor the countermeasures to the characteristics of the trespassers in order to ensure that the most appropriate countermeasures are applied. 

[2] RESTRAIL. (2014). Evaluation of measures, recommendations and guidelines for further implementation, Warning signs and posters – CIDAUT. 

Description: This document describes various evaluations that have been conducted as a part of the RESTRAIL project including evaluation of warning signs and posters conducted in Spain. 

No resources available for this measure.