Railway Security

Trains Magazine General Discussion
1

With railway networks around the world becoming a possible target for criminals and terrorists alike, I feel that the public in general would agreed that there should be extra security and safety. I have read in Trains magazine how various US law enforcement agencies have approach railway enthusiasts with suspicion, and possibly some hostility. I have also noticed that there appears to be little or no response from the various railroads as to there policy on railway enthusiasts. Maybe they should look this side of “the pond” to how the UK deals with it.

Network Rail is responsible for operating the national mainline network and their web-site has an entire page on how railway enthusiasts should conduct themselves at stations and other access points. This can be found at;

http://www.networkrail.co.uk/Stations/RetailAndCommercial/GuidelinesEnthusiasts.aspx

In addition to general guidelines, there also is information regarding security and railway enthusiasts are encouraged to report anything suspicious. The exact wording is;

“Be aware of your surroundings. We also kindly ask you take note of any unusual behaviour and activities and report anything suspicious to a member of staff or for more serious incidents, to the Briti***ransport Police on 0800 40 50 40. In an emergency, dial 999. Your presence at the station can be very helpful to us as extra “eyes and ears” and can be a positive security benefit.”

It is accepted that railway enthusiasts may see something odd that would not been noticeable to a normal passenger. Maybe in the UK we have the advantage that the mainline and London Undergriund rail network is policed by a single police force (the BTP) dedicated to railway law enforcement and therfore providing a single point of contact.

Kevin Weston MIRSE
Senior Design Engineer (Signalling)
Warminster, Wiltshire, England[/font=Arial]

2

Thanks for the info, Kevin – now one can hope that some US agencies pay attention!

3

the Brits always seem to have their crap together. That probably wouldn’t work here due to the amount of open area surrounding our tracks. I think that most railbuffs are O.K., but, you will always have a couple boneheads that screw it up for everyone. Or better yet, you will have railfans that try to police or snitch off the crews with their limited knowlege of the rules. I was warned about that when I first hired out.

4

to QUWEST

Welcome to the forum
What took you so long to post an item. ??

5

Thanks for posting Network Rail’s policy for photography from its stations. It seems very sensible. I wish all of the commuter rail authorities here in the U.S. would adopt a similar policy instead of their paranoia over railfans photographing trains from their stations.

6

Rudy — paranoia sells air time on the news. Levelheadedness does not.