§ Dr. CableTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what proposals he has to enhance railway security and policing, with special reference to assaults on railway staff. [95171]
§ Mr. HillThe Government expects all public transport operators to adopt the crime prevention strategies in our guidance "Personal Security on Public Transport—Guidelines for Operators". This includes measures such as CCTV, improved lighting and the availability of trained staff.
My Department has launched the Secure Stations scheme, with the British Transport Police (BTP) and Crime Concern, to encourage railway companies to work with the BTP to improve security and reduce the fear of crime. Stations can apply to become accredited as "Secure Stations" by meeting agreed standards on crime prevention measures. 21 stations have so far been independently awarded "Secure Station" status.
Assaults on railway staff are a growing problem and the Health and Safety Commission's Railway Industry Advisory Committee (RIAC) organised a conference in July to discuss what could be done to address this matter. The conference was attended by representatives of the Health and Safety Executive, Railtrack, the BTP and the train operating companies. It was agreed that RIAC should develop guidance setting out good practice to 791W assist railway managers with developing action plans to combat the problem. RIAC are now developing these proposals.