Sweden
#00152
PartialNational
Case study of
#00153 Fence and restrict trackside access at identified black-spots
Implementer
Swedish rail infrastructure manager (research evaluation)
Location
Sweden59.6750, 14.5209
Description
Mid-track fencing at a Swedish hotspot station reduced suicides at the treated location by 62.5%, but control stations on the same rail line saw a 162% increase over the same period — the clearest documented case of geographic displacement from rail-access restriction. Single-site fencing can move the problem down the line rather than prevent it net, in contrast to comprehensive platform screen door sealing.
Metrics
2Suicides at treated stationpre-fencing-62.5%% change
Suicides at control stations on same linepre-fencing+162%% change
Lessons learned
- Single-site fencing risks displacing suicides to nearby unfenced locations on the same line; monitor neighbouring stations when hardening a hotspot.
- Means restriction works when applied comprehensively; spot-application at one station without covering adjacent access points can produce net harm.
Documented Jul 13, 2026