SAM ROWLANDS, Member of the Welsh Parliament for North Wales, has expressed concern over the increase in violence against women and girls and railway staff on the rail network.
Speaking in the Senedd, Mr Rowlands, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Transport, called for Welsh Government to help make rail travel safer for all.
He asked Ken Skates, Cabinet Secretary for Transport, what was being done to make rail travel safer for women and girls across Wales, what specific support was provided to help rail operators and British Transport Police address assaults on staff and would Welsh Government commit to working with British Transport Police, transport providers and local authorities to improve reporting transparency and outcomes for violent crimes on the Welsh rail network.
He said: “The latest British Transport Police report shows that violence against women and girls on the rail network is rising, with over 11,000 offences recorded last year. In Wales, sexual offences on trains and at stations are up 29% in the last year alone.
“Too many stations across Wales still don’t have the lighting or CCTV or onsite presence needed to make people, and women in particular, feel safe and to deter any harmful behaviour.
“The latest British Transport Police report also highlights another serious issue of ongoing levels of violence and anti-social behaviour faced by rail staff.
“Verbal abuse, physical assaults and harassment have sadly become part of the job for far too many, especially on late-night services and at busy stations.
“This isn’t just a workplace safety problem; it creates a wider atmosphere of fear and disorder that affects everyone using the network.
“Both British Transport Police and unions have raised serious concerns about the risks staff face, particularly those working alone or without visible back-up.
“There is also a major issue with under-reporting, especially when it comes to what may be described as some low-level assaults.
“Even when incidents are reported, prosecution rates remain low, and British Transport Police report, and wider public data show, that a large proportion of violence and sexual offences on trains or railway network ends with no suspect ever being charged.
“Of course, you will appreciate the importance of victims being able to trust the system that they are reporting into.
“And we need a joined-up approach, making sure that people know how to report, that victims get that real support that they need, and that communities are kept informed about what is being done.”
Ken Skates said it was a hugely important issue and they would be hosting a safety in public transport summit in the Autumn which would address the concerns raised.
Mr Rowlands added: “I recently met up with officers from the British Transport Police in the Senedd and was able to hear at firsthand all about their important job policing railways across Wales and the rest of the United Kingdom.
“It was great to learn more about the valuable role they play in keeping people safe on the railways which is so important, and makes people feel more comfortable in using public transport.
“I was also happy to help raise awareness of how we can help to keep crime down on the railways and I would urge anyone wanting to report an incident either dial 999 or text 610116.”
