Improved on-train and Station Security

National Express Group’s National Express (the train operator for the East of England) has continued to take significant steps to improve security for passengers and staff on-board its trains during 2007, by extending the fitment of CCTV cameras to a further 39 trains (156 carriages) in its fleet. The company has also introduced over 40 additional revenue protection inspectors across its services, upgraded security arrangements on Friday and Saturday nights at locations such as Chelmsford and Colchester and extended its security initiatives with the British Transport Police, as part of an ongoing programme costing over £1 million.

The upgrade for the 39 Class 317 trains which normally operate on the West Anglia routes to destinations including Cambridge, Chingford, Enfield, Hertford means that 792 vehicles in the National Express fleet are now fitted with on-train CCTV – following on from the project to install CCTV on 77 Class 321 units (which operate on the Mainline routes between Ipswich, Harwich, Clacton, Walton, Colchester, Braintree, Chelmsford, Southend and London) and all 61 Class 315 units (which operate on the Metro and West Anglia routes between Shenfield, Cheshunt, Enfield, Chingford and London) during 2006. As a result, most trains which do not have a conductor now have on-train CCTV.

Footage gained from these cameras is retained and monitored for use by National Express, the British Transport Police and the Civil Police. It has already been used to help solve crimes ranging from arson to assault, theft and acts of vandalism (such as graffiti).

Other initiatives to help improve security have included the introduction of over 40 additional revenue protection inspectors who provide a more visible presence on a number of Mainline, Metro and West Anglia services, increased security operations and partnerships with the British Transport Police, special high-pitched “mosquito” warning systems at certain stations to discourage anti-social behaviour and a programme of increased security presence for key locations (such as Chelmsford and Colchester) on Friday and Saturday nights.

At a number of other locations across the National Express network car park security is being enhanced as part of a major investment scheme in partnership with NCP. Better lighting and the “lone traveller” assistance scheme are just two of the ways in which security standards are being raised.

It is hoped that these additional security measures will help to deter crime, as well as solve it. It is also intended that this initiative will help travellers feel more secure, knowing that special security measures are in place. Further security enhancements are being developed for the next 12 months.

Commenting on the investment and improvements to rail travel security, Andrew Chivers, Managing Director for National Express said :

“We are committed to providing our passengers and staff with a safe travelling and work environment. Our investment and initiatives during 2007 have continued to improve security, both on-trains and at stations, through a mix of new CCTV, additional staff and expanded security programmes with partners such as the British Transport Police. We will continue to take action to improve safety and security on our trains and at our stations during 2008.”