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Making stations safer and more secure
RAIL passengers
in Merseyside are benefiting from safer stations than ever before,
as Merseyrail gears up to double the number of ‘Secure Stations’ by
the end of the year. Already boasting 6 stations with the coveted
‘Secure Station Status’ award, Merseyrail has set itself a target to
reach more than 20% of the entire network, at least 12 stations, by
the end of
2005.
The key national status is awarded to railway stations that show
they have introduced measures to reduce anti-social behaviour and
make people feel safer. The stations must show they reach tough
security standards, introducing measures such as CCTV; they meet
high quality design standards and are providing good customer
facilities.
Councillor Mark Dowd, Chair of Merseytravel, said:- “It is
vital we ensure all our railway stations are as safe as possible, so
that we reduce crime and the fear of crime. Results are proving the
measures being introduced are working and the number of incidents of
crime is falling. We already have 6 stations meeting the targets for
Secure Station Status and we are happy with that. But we are not
complacent about improving the safety and security of stations
throughout the network.”
The 6 accredited stations include Birkenhead Central, Brunswick,
Fazakerley, Old Roan, Ormskirk and Wallasey Grove Road. To achieve
the standard, a rigorous assessment is carried out by the British
Transport Police on behalf of the Department for Transport in
association with Crime Concern.
Patrick Verwer, Managing Director of Merseyrail, said:-
"Through our close partnerships with the British Transport Police,
Merseyside Police and our own security contractor Carlisle Facility
Services we are continuing to reduce the incidents of anti-social
behaviour on our stations and trains. Of course, any incident is one
too many and we are determined to keep working to give passengers
the safe and comfortable environment they deserve."
The security initiatives brought in by Merseyrail over the last year
have already helped reduce the number of fare evaders and the
associated number of assaults and incidents of anti-social behaviour
by more than 50% on the network.
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Making stations safer and more secure...
  
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