§ Mr. Simon HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to improve safety at railway stations. [124008]
§ Mr. HillWe are continuing to work with the rail industry, the British Transport Police and others to improve safety at railway stations. For example, we are seeking further accreditations 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.
I very recently met my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department to explore further joint initiatives on the rail safety and security.
My Department is also taking a close interest in the current North-West pilot scheme aimed at improving security in the whole public transport journey: walking, bus/rail interchange, as well as security at stations and on trains.