Railway staff could get police powers to deal with crime and anti-social behaviour under plans set out today.
British Transport Police would be able to accredit trained railway employees, including station staff. They would have limited powers to deal immediately with specific offences and public nuisances on the railways by:
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Issuing fines for trespassing on a railway, throwing stones at trains, dog fouling, dropping litter and cycling on a footway
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Taking the name and address of a person acting in an anti-social way
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Enforcing laws on drinking and smoking
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Requiring the removal of abandoned vehicles
Transport Minister Kim Howells said:
"We are all aware that the activities of a few inconsiderate people disturb the journeys of many people."
"The new measures that we are proposing today will give people at the front line of our rail services the powers they need to deal swiftly and effectively with crime and antisocial behaviour," said Mr Howells.
"I believe that by training key staff, we can greatly reduce the inconvenience that some people's behaviour causes, and free up some of the valuable resources of the British Transport Police."
The Government's consultation on the plans will run until 27 October. Read more about the consultation on the Department for Transport website
