Guernsey Press

Helium balloons cause hundreds of train delays every year

The annual cost of the problem to taxpayers is estimated to be around £1 million due to compensation payouts.

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Helium balloons are causing hundreds of train delays every year which cost taxpayers around £1 million, Network Rail has warned.

The publicly-owned company, which is responsible for Britain’s rail infrastructure, recorded 619 balloon-related incidents across Britain in the past 12 months.

Many of the episodes include balloons getting tangled around high-voltage overhead wires, causing delays as the electricity supply must be turned off while they are removed.

Balloons on overhead electric lines in Lea Valley, London in February 2019 (Network Rail/PA)
Balloons on overhead electric lines in Lea Valley, London in February 2019 (Network Rail/PA)

“Ideally, we’d ask people not to bring balloons into our stations at all.

“Alternatively, carry them in bags so the risk of them floating upwards is minimised.”

As well as the safety risks and the delays to passengers, the annual cost of the problem to taxpayers is estimated to be around £1 million due to compensation pay outs.

Passengers are being urged not to bring balloons to stations or to carry them in bags (Network Rail/PA)
Passengers are being urged not to bring balloons to stations or to carry them in bags (Network Rail/PA)

The cost of delays from this single incident was £5,000.

George Oustayiannis, chairman of trade association the National Association of Balloon Artists and Suppliers, said: “Balloons bring fun and colour and a sense of celebration to any event, but please dispose of them responsibly, and never release balloons into the atmosphere.

“Respect the environment and prevent unnecessary danger and delays.”

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