Police To Patrol Near Green Hope High After Students Hit

Police have stepped up patrols of a railroad area across from Green Hope High School after two students have been hit by cars near the school.

Officials said they hope stricter enforcement of trespass laws will reduce the number of students attempting to cross busy Carpenter Upchurch Road to walk over or down the tracks before and after school.

One student was hit in front of Green Hope High on Sept. 25, and a second was hit Friday.

Police said officers will begin issuing citations next week to anyone entering the railroad right-of-way. Trespassing on a railroad right-of-way is a Class 3 misdemeanor that carries a maximum of 20 days in jail, as well as fines and court costs.

Parents who drop their children off with the intent of having the student take the illegal short-cut to school could also be cited, police said.

"While this is a county school, state road and railroad land, these are our children, and we need to do everything possible to help keep them safe," Assistant Town Manager Ben Shivar said in a statement. "These accidents have been sad and difficult for everyone involved, and we're hopeful that the mere warning of enforcement will be enough to change people's behaviors. Of course, if the unsafe behavior continues, our officers will be left with no other choice than to issue citations."

In addition to the stepped up enforcement, Cary officials have been working with CSX Transportation to post "No Trespassing" signs along the railway.