New guide to preventing railway trespass and vandalism

Citation

(1999), "New guide to preventing railway trespass and vandalism", Facilities, Vol. 17 No. 3/4. https://doi.org/10.1108/f.1999.06917cab.006

New guide to preventing railway trespass and vandalism

New guide to preventing railway trespass and vandalism

Keywords Rail transport, Vandalism

"Preventing trespass and vandalism on the railways is one of the most important safety priorities for the railway industry, which is why the Health and Safety Commission's (HSC's) Railway Industry Advisory Committee has produced a new book of advice on how to tackle the problem", said HSC Chairman Frank Davies, CBE, OStJ.

Mr Davies was speaking during a visit to Wandsworth Road station, South London, which features in the book. Accompanied by Vic Coleman, the Health and Safety Executive's Chief Inspector of Railways, Mr Davies saw at first hand how a joint project by Connex South Central, Railtrack, British Transport Police and Lambeth Public Transport Group led to the successful transformation of Wandsworth Road station last year. A survey has shown that passengers now feel safer using the station and passenger numbers have increased.

Mr Davies said: "I am very impressed with the work I have seen here. It is an excellent example of the way forward. It shows what can be achieved by co-operation and how important it is to realise that the railway does not exist in isolation from the wider local community or society and its problems. I am also convinced that there is a sound business case for action.

"Just three statistics give a vivid picture of how bad things are. Last year about 60 per cent of train accidents were caused by vandalism, 206 fires on trains were started deliberately and 514 drivers had the shocking experience of their train windscreen being broken, right in front of their faces, by missiles thrown at them by vandals. It is vitally important for action to be taken to prevent this appalling toll rising."

The book includes case studies and examples of action that can be taken. Suggested action includes removing temptation by demolishing redundant buildings; clearing potential ammunition like surplus or old railway construction and maintenance materials; maintaining fences; using security guards and CCTV; improving the environment; and using education and awareness campaigns.

Mr Coleman said: "Trespass and vandalism are related but there are also distinct differences between them. Most trespass is not malicious and puts the trespassers themselves in danger. Vandalism is malicious and endangers other people. The case studies show that it is often effective to differentiate between the two when developing effective control measures.

"Railway inspectors will be checking to see if each railway company has a policy and a strategy for dealing with trespass and vandalism. We will be especially looking for signs of effective evaluation, to ensure that efforts are properly focused."

The book is not intended to be prescriptive, since appropriate solutions will vary according to the circumstances. However, it will provide practical help in focusing efforts on measures which are most likely to be effective. It is particularly authoritative as it has been produced by a team which included representatives from Connex, Railtrack, London Transport, Crime Concern, BTP, Freightliner Ltd, South Yorkshire Supertram, Transport Salaried Staffs Association, Central Rail Users Consultative Committee. Nexus and HM Railway Inspectorate.

Copies of Prevention of Trespass and Vandalism on Railways ­ a Good Practice Guide, ISBN 0-7176-1661-4, price £9.95, are available from HSE Books, PO Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk, CO10 6FS, Tel: +44 (0) 1787 881165; Fax: +44 (0) 1787 313995. Priced publications are also available from good booksellers.