FANS of the iconic Flying Scotsman have been issued a serious warning not to trespass on railway tracks after more than £60,000 of taxpayers’ money had to be paid in compensation for delayed travellers in a month.

Flying Scotsman is back in steam this week in tours from York, taking passengers from York to Newcastle on Tuesday, May 10; and from York to Edinburgh on Saturday, May 14.

Thousands of steam fans have lined the tracks to catch a glimpse at the newly renovated locomotive since February – but Network Rail has revealed that people wandering onto the East Coast Mainline has resulted in more than eight hours of delays.

When Flying Scotsman ran from King’s Cross to York in February after the 10-year, £4.2m refurbishment by the National Railway Museum, the day was marred by dangerous trespassing.

Pictures were shared online of people, including young children, stood in the path of oncoming trains with their view obstructed by plumes of steam and smoke from the engine.

All trains on the East Coast Mainline had to be stopped as a result, causing a combined total of more than hours eight of delays to 59 train services, costing the taxpayer almost £60,000 in compensation which was paid to delayed passengers.

Phil Hufton, Network Rail managing director for 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 said: “Trespassing on the tracks is an offence for which risks a fine of £1,000 and a criminal record. Where people are found to be trespassing, we will take proportionate and necessary action against them.”

To avoid the potential for overcrowding at certain locations Network Rail will not be proactively issuing timings for Flying Scotsman journeys.