Introduction

The Bodmin & Wenford Railway plc has a policy for controlling access to its lineside and infrastructure – i.e. the areas of the Railway not normally open to the general public.   This policy is in place to ensure that the Company is aware of people who are on the lineside at any particular time – and to ensure they have been given authority to do so – and for the personal safety for those when on the lineside and/or infrastructure of the Bodmin & Wenford Railway (BWR).  

Lineside Photographic Permits are available to railway enthusiasts, photographers and others and give permission for the Holder to be on areas of the infrastructure of the Bodmin & Wenford Railway that are not normally accessible to the public.  Such permits are issued subject to certain conditions and restrictions, which must be accepted by the Holder. 

The cost of Lineside Photographic Permits varies depending on such factors as the duration and individual events etc.

Lineside Photographic Permits should be booked in advance.
 

Regulations & Conditions

Lineside Photographic Permits are issued subject to the following Regulations & Conditions, which are designed for the safety of our passengers, staff, trains and, most importantly, yourself.

1. The Permit is issued by the Bodmin & Wenford Railway and may be withdrawn at any time at the discretion of the General Manager or Responsible Officer.
2. The Permit is only to be used by the legitimate Holder, and MUST be carried whenever the Holder is on Railway infrastructure.
3. The Holder must not interfere with Railway property and shall at all times comply with the requests of the Railway’s officials, who have the right to inspect any Permit and refuse any access to the lineside without authority.
4. The Holder must telephone the Office at Bodmin General Station (Tel: 01208 73666) each day prior to accessing the lineside, when any late news will be provided, and details recorded by the Responsible Officer in the Daily Log.
5. The Holder should be polite to others, and encourage any NON Lineside Permit holders to obtain one from Bodmin General Station.
6. High visibility ORANGE vests/coats MUST be worn at ALL times when the Holder is on the lineside, and the Lineside Permit must clearly visible.   The high-visibility vest/coat should not normally be worn when on the platform or in other areas accessible to the public, for the benefit of our visitors.
7. The Holder must ensure that his/her Lineside Permit is clearly visible and displayed on his/her coat or camera bag etc.
8. The Holder must keep well clear of the track when a train is approaching and, upon the Driver sounding any whistle or horn, must move to a position of safety (at least two metres from the running line) and acknowledge approaching trains by raising one hand above the head.   REMEMBER – trains going downhill towards Bodmin Parkway and Boscarne Junction make very little noise!
9. The Permit gives NO right of access to areas outside the boundary fences of the Railway and not owned or leased by the Company.   In particular, the Holder should not enter ANY private fields or neighbouring land.    Care should be taken not cause any damage to lineside fencing.    Access to the Company’s property outside public areas is granted entirely at the Holder’s risk.
10. The Holder must not be on the lineside or railway infrastructure whilst under the influence or possession of drugs or alcohol, nor may drugs or alcohol be consumed whilst on the lineside or railway infrastructure.
11. Passenger trains operate according to the published timetable, AND may also operate at other times, day and night, and often at short notice.  The Holder should NEVER assume there are no train movements over the line.
12. Bodmin General:  There may be locomotives moving around on all lines, particularly on busy days and at special events.  Please take extra care in the station area, particularly around sheds and pits.
13. Bodmin Parkway:   Access to the B&WR is via the footbridge and the ramp at the west end of the Bodmin & Wenford platform ONLY.    The Permit DOES NOT GIVE ANY RIGHT OF ACCESS TO NETWORK RAIL LINES – the Holder should NOT go within five metres of Network Rail lines at each end of the station.
14. Boscarne Junction:   Access to the station is via the Camel Trail car park at the Borough Arms pub (on the A389 Bodmin to Wadebridge Road).
15. For operational or safety reasons the B&WR may have to restrict access to the lineside in certain areas and/or at certain times of the year.    Please respect any such restriction.
16. The Holder must at all times act in accordance with the instructions laid down in the Railway’s Personal Track Safety policy

 Guidelines

• Wear stout footwear and suitable clothing as if you were going on a hill walk or similar.
• Do not walk on the sleepers.  Wood sleepers in particular are very slippery when wet.
• Do not walk on the rails. 
• When crossing a line look both ways and cross at 90 degrees to the line.
• Children under the age of 14 are not permitted on the lineside/railway infrastructure.   Children and Young Persons aged from 14 to 18 must be accompanied by a responsible parent or other legal guardian.
• It is important to wear ORANGE high visibility clothing, with your Lineside Permit visible.  If you do this you are less likely to be challenged by Railway Staff.  At busy times (such as our Steam and Diesel Galas) our staff will know what passes have been issued and will ask those not displaying a pass to leave.  Yellow-coloured high visibility clothing (as used on the roads) is not acceptable by the HM Railway Inspectorate or the Railway.

Click here to book your Lineside Photographic Permit Pass or see our Special Events section to book with other tickets

Advice for Rail Enthusiasts visiting stations on the National Rail network