The number of "train surfers", youngsters who hang on to the outside or to the roof of a moving train, is on the rise in Belgium.
In 2018, 17 cases were reported, as opposed to only 6 in 2015, 13 in 2016 and 10 in 2017.
The first quarter of 2019 already saw 5 incidents, according to the reply given by the Federal minister for mobility François Bellot (MR) to Emir Kir's (PS) written question.
In his response, the minister recalled that Infrabel regularly raised awareness about the application of safety regulations across the whole rail network. Securail was also called in to identify at-risk areas.
Anyone caught "surfing" on a train would be fined. The amount of the fine could still vary from one judicial district to another. "Each district has its own specific sanctions. There is no fixed fine," according to minister Bellot.
The Brussels Times
