More livestock on railways due to poor fencing
BBCThere are calls to fix broken fencing around railways after figures emerged showing a major rise in the number of delays caused by livestock.
The Department for Transport (DfT) published figures revealing that livestock-related incidents in part of the rail network more than doubled in three years, in response to a question from Liberal Democrat MP Tim Farron.
The Westmorland and Lonsdale MP said perimeter fencing on some routes was "in total disrepair" due to underinvestment.
Network Rail said it worked "extremely closely with partners" to install and maintain railway fencing, following "rigorous safety standards".
There were 485 livestock-related incidents in Network Rail's North West and Central region in 2025-26, up from 206 just three years earlier, according to DfT figures.
Train delays associated with the incidents more than tripled and cancellations nearly doubled in the same period.
Rail services were somewhat reduced during the Covid-19 pandemic, potentially accounting for some of the rise.
Farron said the "real culprit" was "crumbling rail infrastructure".
"Underinvestment, especially along vital routes like the West Coast Main Line, have left perimeter fencing in total disrepair," he said.
Need for more funding
Craig Johnston, a regional organiser for the RMT transport workers' union based in Cumbria, said problems with livestock were unavoidable with fences "resembling a sieve".
He said the Settle-Carlisle Line, the Cumbrian Coast Line, and Lakes Line all had poorly maintained boundaries.
"They (the government and Network Rail) need to increase the funding for rail renewals and maintenance across the network," he said.
Network Rail said it worked "extremely closely with partners" including the National Farmers' Union to install and maintain boundary fencing.
A spokesperson said: "This is assessed through careful risk management and rigorous safety standards.
"Safety on the railway is our top priority and we spend millions of pounds each year ensuring the railway is safe and reliable for passengers."
Figures from the Office of Rail and Road show UK passenger services in 2022-23, measured by kilometres travelled, ran at about 85% of the level in 2025-26.
There was some local variation. For example, for Avanti West Coast, the main operator on the West Coast Mainline, the proportion was 72%.
