Drunk people blamed for rise in festive slips, trips and falls at Sussex railway stations
The work Christmas party is partly to blame for 150 incidents on the Govia Thameslink network
Govia Thameslink has blamed drunk people on an increase of slips, trips and falls at railway stations across Sussex.
The rail operator says people heading back from festive celebrations contributed to 150 accidents in total last winter - with Brighton and Gatwick Airport stations among incident hotspots.
With the statistics highlighting a 5% increase from the year before, the network, who run Southern and Thameslink services, is now issuing safety advice for anyone travelling over Christmas and New Years.
Greg Blenkin, Station Assistant for Govia Thameslink Railway, said “people can be a bit too giddy" over the festive period:
"For example, going beyond the yellow safety line, going too close to trains that are pulling in and out of the station.
"We have to step in a bit more as you can see other customers getting concerned, but a lot of the time people are willing to listen.
"For those heading home after the annual office party, please carry a bottle of water with you and avoid running on the platforms.
"If you’re concerned about anything, please contact a member of staff or the British Transport Police.”
Samantha Facey, their Health, Safety and Security Director continued: “We of course want our customers to go out and have fun.
"But with a year-on-year increase in slips, trips and falls on our network during winter, coupled with higher levels of intoxication, we want people to be careful when travelling and not to do anything that puts themselves, or anyone else, in danger.”