At the train operator First TransPennine Express (FTPE) which manages 30 stations across the north of England, six of its stations have been re-accredited by the official Secure Station Scheme. The six, Barnetby, Cleethorpes, Hull, Yarn, Manchester Airport and Seamer, are recognised as safe and secure places for rail passengers and staff.
The Department for Transport (DfT) measures and assesses sites against a set of criteria. FTPE reports an overall improvement of 21pc since previous accreditation two years ago. The British Transport Police (BTP) has confirmed the stations have achieved a crime to customer ratio of better than one to 20,000, the requirement for successful accreditation to the Secure Station Scheme.
A variety of safety measures are at each station. Barnetby station has a crime ratio of 1/59287, Cleethorpes station 1/20410, Hull station 1/66293, Yarn 1/13426, Manchester Airport 1/105903 and Seamer 1/52101.
Billy Vickers, FTPE’s Police Liaison Officer said: “The re-accreditation of the Secure Stations Scheme for six of our stations is a key indication of how FTPE puts customer safety first. We have been committed to improving station security and worked hard to reduce crime rates, whilst maintaining a high level of service. This is not only welcomed recognition of hard work but also provides great reassurance to our customers.”
Rachel Blackburn, FTPE’s Head of Stations said: “I am delighted that our stations have been recognised as safe and secure. We always work hard to keep and make customers feel safe when they travel with us and it is pleasing that the level of crime has continued to fall for a number of years. This has been achieved by station development, better use of technology and improved levels of staff training.”
Working with the British Transport Police, FTPE says that it’s keen to continue reducing crime in and around stations. BTP Chief Supt, Peter Mason said: “The improved security will see a huge improvement for the station and each individual customers travel experience. FTPE has shown how customers are at the heart of its service and strive to strengthen the trust customers have in their transportation. The Secure Stations Scheme also gives FTPE station workers peace of mind.”
