South Yorkshire rail stations awarded for passenger and staff safety

Adwick, Chapeltown, Swinton, Thorne North, and Wombwell train stations were re-accredited, and Dore & Totley station recently awarded for the first time, with Secure Stations Scheme status for steps taken to address crime and disorder.

Station design, management, employee training and risk control were all assessed by the Department for Transport (DfT) and British Transport Police (BTP) for the scheme, which sets national standards for train passenger safety and security.

Nine stations in South Yorkshire, operated by Northern Rail, are now accredited with Secure Stations Scheme status, including Meadowhall, Rotherham Central and Barnsley. Accreditation lasts for two years. A new assessment is required after this time to ensure security standards at awarded stations are kept high.

Northern Rail led the applications for station recognition from the scheme.

Alex Hynes, Managing Director of Northern Rail, commented: “Though crime on the railways is at an all-time low, we’re constantly working to make our stations and our customers’ journeys as safe as possible.

“The latest stations to achieve this landmark achievement show just how far we’ve come as a franchise, and to be able to say we have over 60 stations with the Secure Station accreditation is testament to our staff’s hard work.”

SYPTE executive director, Stephen Edwards, added: “We’re delighted that nine of South Yorkshire’s rail stations are now accredited with Secure Stations Scheme status. Train travel is one of the safest ways to get around, and by focusing on details such as careful station design and management we can prevent or reduce the opportunity for criminal activity to improve customer confidence and experience. This accreditation further underlines our commitment to maintain a safe and secure environment for our passengers and staff.”