§ 15. Dr. CableTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to make public transport stations safer. [128414]
§ Mr. HillWe have a number of initiatives planned or under way to improve safety at both rail and bus stations. For example, we are encouraging station operators to 489W apply for accreditation under the Secure Stations Scheme that we introduced in April 1998, which is designed to improve and standardise good security practices at all overground and underground stations. 63 stations are currently accredited.
We are also currently undertaking research designed to improve personal security in bus travel (including at bus stations) and we are piloting a safe transport route in the North West of England.