A HILARIOUS video with a serious message has been released to highlight the potential dangers of using escalators.

The video is from Network Rail as part of a new CCTV and poster campaign to coincide with the busy festive period which aims to reduce the hundreds of incidents each year involving people slipping or falling on railway station escalators.

It shows what can happen when people come a cropper due to carrying heavy luggage, running, wearing high heels or being slightly the worse for wear from drink.

The latest annual figures show more than 400 people took a tumble on an escalator at the 17 busiest stations managed by Network Rail, including London Paddington, Charing Cross and Victoria.

The number of people hurt on escalators is down by more than 20 per cent compared with the previous year (512) - however the same causes of incidents remain.

Robin Gisby, Network Rail’s managing director of network operations, said: "Stations are increasingly busy places but the majority of slips and falls we see could still be avoided.

"We often see people struggling with several pieces of luggage on escalators when the lift would be easier for them. It might sound obvious, but simply holding the handrail can be the difference between an uneventful escalator ride and a bump and bruise – or worse.

"We hope that the new campaign will act as a friendly reminder to take a little extra care when you're travelling during this busy festive period."

Number of slips, trips or falls on escalators at stations:

  • Birmingham New Street 32
  • Charing Cross (London) 1
  • Edinburgh Waverley 25
  • Euston 10
  • Fenchurch Street 10
  • Glasgow Central 5
  • King's Cross 22
  • Leeds 41
  • Liverpool Lime Street 12
  • London Liverpool Street 44
  • London Bridge 16
  • Manchester Piccadilly 39
  • London Paddington 54
  • St Pancras International 30
  • St Pancras (Lower Level) 25
  • London Victoria 11
  • London Waterloo 41
  • TOTAL 418

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