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Only Two Welsh Stations Secure ; Rail Operators Urged to Improve Passenger Safety

Posted on: Friday, 4 November 2005, 09:00 CST

By TOM BODDEN

ONLY two of Wales' 235 train stations were classed as "secure" under a UK government scheme to improve safety on the rail network.

Train operators were encouraged by the Department for Transport and British Transport Police to apply for the mark of approval.

But only Cardiff Central and Aberystwyth stations won certificates under the scheme, launched in 1998, said Lib Dem transport spokesperson Kirsty Williams yesterday.

Carmarthen station, previously given accreditation, allowed it to lapse.

The Brecon and Radnor AM called on Assembly transport minister Andrew Davies to launch a Welsh scheme to improve passengers' feelings of personal safety.

Her call came after figures in the latest Welsh transport statistics showed a rise in railway crime, with 187 offences against the person in 2003-4, compared to 140 in 2001-2.

Passengers reported 567 offences of property theft in 2003-4, compared to 380 in 2001-2.

However, overall the total number of offences reported in 2003-4 fell from 4,679 to 4,437. It was 5,810 in 2001-2.

Ms Williams said: "Research has shown improving personal safety would lead to 15% more journeys by train.

"This UK government scheme has clearly failed to gain the support of train operators - even when they have achieved accreditation for a station in the past, they do not see the advantage of keeping that up.

"It is no wonder people do not consider railway travel as a safe option.

"If Andrew Davies is serious about enabling more people to use trains, he must ensure they feel safe.

"He should take it upon himself to design a scheme which will encourage operators to meet safety criteria."

Research by Crime Concern suggested measures such as staff, good lighting and CCTV surveillance at stations would result in 15% more journeys by train.

According to the Assembly research service just 48 of 235 Welsh stations were staffed.

The design and management of the station must help to reduce crime and improve passenger perceptions.

Crime statistics for the station over the 12 months before the inspection must prove crime was being managed. And a survey must show that, on the whole, passengers feel secure.

Rail passengers in North Wales were promised an action plan to improve safety and security on stations.

Arriva Trains Wales was implementing a programme of work, including CCTV cameras and better lighting.

The package was agreed as part of a pounds 750,000, 12-month programme funded by the Welsh Assembly government

Source: Daily Post; Liverpool

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