Station security makes passengers feel more safe

New security precautions have lead to an encouraging drop in crime at the station over the past year, and to passengers say they feel safer.

To celebrate this achievement, a commemorative plaque will be unveiled on Monday by Andrew Davies AM, Minister for Economic Development & Transport at the Welsh assembly

The Secure Station scheme, a joint initiative between the UK Government, the British Transport Police and Crime Concern is part of the UK Government's Ten Year Transport Plan.

Customers first

Wales & Borders Trains has improved security measures at the station, such as increased staff presence, improved utilisation of the CCTV system and high profile policing by the British Transport Police.

A recent survey at Cardiff Central showed that of 2000 passengers interviewed, three quarters felt safe or very safe whilst using the station.

Andrew Davies said:" We want to deliver better transport services for the people of Wales. Improving safety is just one way of making public transport a more attractive option. I'm very pleased that Cardiff Central Station has recognised the importance of putting its customers first."

Mike Hurley, area manager for Cardiff Central Station, said: "It is important that customers feel safe when using the station.

"We have worked extremely hard with our colleagues at the British Transport Police to create a welcome environment where our passengers can feel secure and confident.

"This award is an excellent example of our commitment to this scheme."

The national scheme covers all overground and underground rail stations (across England, Scotland and Wales) which are policed by the British Transport Police (BTP).

It has established national standards of good practice in security and accredits individual stations.

High profile policing has helped anti-crime record

Working with the support and advice of a BTP Crime Prevention Officer, each rail station must implement a package of security measures, to set criteria, in order to achieve a two-year 'Secure Station' accreditation, which is monitored by Crime Concern.

These include designing the station to improve passenger perceptions of safety. This includes, effective lighting, telephones, help points, alarms and clear lines of vision to improve passenger security and provide reassurance.

Staff must be specially trained to deal with conflict and emergencies and public address systems.

In a constant monitoring to see that standards of safety don't drop, stations need to provide evidence that they are effectively managing crime over the 12 months prior to their accreditation .