Oral question asked in the House of Lords, by Baroness O'Cathain (Conservative). It was answered on Thursday, 11 May 2006.

Railways: Network Rail

Question: My Lords, I ask the Minister not to pay quite such wonderful compliments to Network Rail or to be so complacent. The subject of unmanned stations has been brought up in the House before, and the reality is that women do not want to travel on trains after 8 o'clock at night, but nothing is happening. Is there a timetable to make sure that there is closed circuit television in all stations, even those that are unmanned, so that if a crime is committed there might at least be some redress?

Answer: My Lords, the issue of security in stations, particularly as it affects women and young people, has occasioned a great deal of public debate recently. The noble Baroness will recognise that there are areas in which improvements are being effected. It is not an issue to be taken lightly. She will also recognise that security on some stations is difficult to effect. It is not the case that, say, a booking clerk behind the window in an office guarantees any security. One needs additional resources for that, and of course those are expensive. The system is alert to the fact that security at stations needs to be guaranteed in order to encourage passengers.

Secondary information

Type: Oral question
Reference: 681 c1038-9
Session: 2005-06
Oral question type: Supplementary
Chamber / Committee: House of Lords chamber
Subjects: Accountability Infrastructure Railways Network Rail Repairs and maintenance Train operating companies