Security UK Train
We transport millions of rail passengers per year and recognise the importance of their security.
The threat from terrorism continues to prevail. TRANSEC gives us specific direction and guidance on the security measures we must follow to mitigate this risk. As well as applying these formal requirements, we work informally with TRANSEC to ensure we are aware of, actively developing and implementing best practice.
We also work closely with the British Transport Police (BTP) across all areas of our rail business. The information that BTP provide forms the basis of joint action plans and helps us to better predict and prevent likely incidents. We have recently secured the services of a Police Inspector from BTP on a year's secondment. We anticipate that his contribution will further improve our coordinated approach to security.
We are also working to continue to improve the security culture in our UK Rail division using:
- specific security briefings to front-line staff;
- the issue of Anti-Terror Alert posters; and
- the introduction of 'security tours' by managers.
The 'security tours' complement the existing 'safety tours'. All managers have been issued with aide-memoire cards to help them conduct these tours effectively.
Technology is important to improving security. To maximise its effectiveness, we are reviewing the use of technology on our trains and at our stations and examining future technology we may be able to introduce.
To improve security at our stations we continue to work towards Secure Station Status in our First TransPennine Express, First Capital Connect and First Great Western franchises. This scheme is managed by the Department for Transport in partnership with the BTP and the crime prevention charity Crime Concern. It requires stations to meet stringent standards in their design, management, security and passenger safety.
Currently 76% of First TransPennine Express stations and 15% of First Great Western stations have received the award. This year First Capital Connect was reaccredited for eleven stations and received four additional awards. All three franchises have an ongoing programme of bringing further stations up to the standard.
First ScotRail is not involved in these schemes but has a substantial security programme involving one of the most extensive CCTV networks outside London, developed in partnership with Transport Scotland and Regional Transport Partnerships. The network is manned 24 hours per day and covers 77% of stations in the Strathclyde Passenger Transport network, rising to 98% by the end of March 2008. CCTV cover for the rest of the network will rise from 34% to 45%. The CCTV centre at Dunfermline has been completely rebuilt to manage this expansion via Transport Scotland funding. All stations with CCTV feature Help Points on each platform, linked to the two CCTV Centres. We will install autodial Help Point / Telephones, also linked to the CCTV Centres at small stations where CCTV coverage is not currently planned.
First TransPennine Express, First Capital Connect and First Great Western also take part in the Secured Car Park accreditation programme. First TransPennine Express has achieved safer car parking at 18 of its car parks to date, First Capital Connect has accredited one car park this year with a further 15 planned for the coming year and First Great Western have achieved accreditation at five car parks to date.