I WAS most disappointed to read the response by Philip Roe (Letters, July 30) to the recent incident where a father encouraged his son to lie on the edge of a rail station platform and dangle his head over the track.

Mr Roe suggested that the parent would have known from electronic departure indicators when the next train was due.

Yes, if it was a passenger train that was due to call there. But there are a variety of other trains which may pass by without any warning.

I spent nearly 40 years in the rail industry, with some of that time on track. The safety message that was always instilled in us was that “any time is train time”.

I hope that the British Transport Police successfully prosecute this irresponsible parent. Check the latest industry public safety video You vs Train to see the grim consequences of getting too close up to rail infrastructure.

And finally let us remember the train driver who is sitting at the front of a speeding bullet. Many can manage the aftermath of a “one under” with professional help. But some will never drive a train again.

Paul Hepworth,

Windmill Rise, Holgate, York