TRAIN fans are being urged to stay safe as Britain's most famous steam engine the Flying Scotsman travels through Gwent today.

The preserved locomotive will steam through Abergavenny, through Gwent  and the Severn Tunnel as it steams to London Paddington through Wales.

Phil Hufton, Network Rail Managing Director, England and Wales said: “While the turnout to see Flying Scotsman so far has shown the passion and support for steam engines, and indeed the railway itself, the images of people stood on the railway taking photographs were deeply concerning and a breach of our safe operations.

“I cannot stress enough how dangerous it is to go onto the railway without any formal training and without permission, as well as being illegal. I am urging those who plan to enjoy seeing Flying Scotsman in the coming days to do so from a safe position and do not go onto the railway under any circumstances. I’d like to thank those who have observed safe practices during the Scotsman’s runs so far and ask others to follow that example.”

Chief Inspector David Oram from the British Transport Police echoed Mr Hufton's comments, saying: “We understand people are excited about seeing the Flying Scotsman’s return and want them to have a great day out.

“Our priority is the safety of the public and passengers viewing and travelling on the train. The railway is a hazardous environment and we would urge people to use safe vantage points to view and take pictures of the train, stay clear of the line and not be tempted to risk their lives and the lives of others by trespassing on the tracks.

It will pass these places at the following times:

  • Abergavenny 5.25pm
  • Penpergwn 5.28pm
  • Little Mill Jn 5.34pm
  • Pontypool & New Inn 5.36pm
  • Panteg 5.39pm
  • Cwmbran 5.41pm
  • Ponthir 5.45pm
  • Maindee North 5.49pm
  • Maindee East Jn 5.51pm
  • East Usk Jn 5.52pm
  • Llanwern West Jn 5.53pm
  • Magor 6.00pm
  • Severn Tunnel Junction 6.05pm
  • Severn Tunnel 6.06pm