South Western Railway delays total 9,437 minutes as trespass spikes
Network Rail and British Transport Police data show six and a half days lost, prompting drone trials at Waterloo and plans for further stations
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South Western Railway recorded 9,437 minutes of service disruption caused by unauthorised track access during the 2025/26 financial year, according to figures supplied by Network Rail and the British Transport Police. The total equates to roughly six and a half days of lost journeys for commuters across the network.
Scale of the disruption
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Network Rail data show that across England, trespass, cable theft and other obstructions generated more than 3,300 hours of railway delays in the same period, making it one of the leading sources of interruption for passengers. Within Network Rail’s fourteen routes, South Western Railway ranked third for incidents of vandalism and obstruction, according to the BBC. The operator highlighted that its use of a 750‑volt direct‑current third rail adds an extra safety risk, as contact with the rail can result in life‑changing injuries or fatality.
Drone trial at Waterloo
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A new safety campaign launched by South Western Railway and Network Rail introduces drones, motion sensors and upgraded CCTV to detect and deter trespassers. The first drone units have been operating at London Waterloo station, where they monitor platform edges and track approaches. Further deployments are scheduled for Clapham Junction, New Malden and Walton‑on‑Thames later this year, the BBC reported.
Trespass is one of the leading causes of disruption on our network, delaying our customers' journeys and costing taxpayers. As part of our plan to deliver more reliable journeys, we're working with partners to reduce these types of incidents and improve our response so that we can keep services running.
Tom Desmond, operations director, South Western Railway
What residents can expect
South Western Railway said the drone programme will be complemented by a public awareness drive urging people to stay clear of tracks, especially around the electrified third rail. The company encourages anyone who witnesses unauthorised access to report it via the BTP online portal. Continued monitoring and the rollout of additional drone units are intended to lower the number of incidents and restore punctuality for commuters on the South Western network.
Questions this report answers
+How many minutes of delay were caused by trespass on South Western Railway in 2025/26?
Network Rail and the British Transport Police recorded 9,437 minutes of delay, which is about six and a half days of lost service. The figure reflects the impact of unauthorised track access on the operator’s timetable.
+What technology is being used to curb trespass at Waterloo station?
South Western Railway and Network Rail have introduced drones, motion sensors and upgraded CCTV as part of a new safety campaign. The drones are currently operating at London Waterloo and are intended to spot and deter trespassers in real time.
+Which stations will receive additional drone units after Waterloo?
After the trial at Waterloo, the railway plans to install drone units at Clapham Junction, New Malden and Walton‑on‑Thames. These sites were named in the BBC report as the next locations for the rollout.
+What risk does the third‑rail electrification pose to trespassers?
South Western Railway’s network uses a 750‑volt direct‑current third rail. Contact with this rail can cause severe injuries or death, making unauthorised access especially dangerous for anyone on the tracks.
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