Eleven Tyne and Wear Metro stations have been awarded the prestigious Safer Tram Stop accreditation by Secured by Design. DB Regio Tyne and Wear, which operates Metro stations and trains on behalf of Nexus, has been working with the British Transport Police (BTP) to meet the complex criteria focused on reducing the opportunities for criminal activity through the design of stations.
The Safer Tram Stop award is presented to light rail stations such as those on the Metro network which achieve a number of standards laid down by Secured by Design, a police initiative to encourage best practice in personal security at public premises.
Richard McClean, Managing Director of Metro Operator DB Regio said: “For eleven stations on the network to be awarded with the Safer Tram Stop accreditation is a big step in the right direction for Metro, as ensuring passenger safety and also reducing crime in local communities, close to stations, is one of Metro’s key priorities.
“Over time, we are aiming for all stations to apply for and be granted the Safer Stop status, having been appraised and improved by both Metro staff and the BTP. We have worked hard to maintain the Secured by Design standards and feel this is something which will improve the Metro passenger experience by making them feel safer, as well as reducing the level of crime on and around the network.”
Tobyn Hughes, Customer Services Director at Nexus, which owns Metro and manages the concession of Metro, said: “Crime remains low and has been falling on the Metro system for the last six years. This award for eleven of our stations is testament to that positive trend.”
The South Tyneside and Sunderland extension is the first route on the Tyne and Wear Metro network to be recognised with this award and includes stations from Fellgate through to South Hylton. Sunderland station is the only stop to not be entered for the award, as it is owned by Northern Rail and is also used by heavy rail trains. The award is recognition that stations have reduced the opportunity for criminal and anti-social behaviour.
In order to meet the exact standards of Secured by Design, DB Regio has carried out vast appraisals of the Metro stations and made improvements to their design. This includes the implementation of relevant signage, good lighting at stations, up-to-date timetables, operational CCTV, help points, emergency alarms, the monitoring of all criminal activity, ticket machines being emptied and readily available staff.
Chief Superintendent Terry Nicholson of British Transport Police said: "On behalf of British Transport Police I would like to congratulate Tyne and Wear Metro in achieving Safer Tram Stop Accreditation for its eleven stations on the Sunderland extension.
"The Safer Tram Stop Award scheme is an important element in securing our rail system, reassuring passengers and staff, and ensuring the continued success of the industry.
"The rail system is a low crime environment and one where increasing resources are being put into combating anti-social behaviour and disorder. However, if we are going to drive down crime and anti-social behaviour even further, we need to continue to work together in a smarter and more planned way. That is what the Safer Tram Stop Scheme can offer – a meaningful measure of better co-operative working between station operators and the police, not only of crime, but more importantly of how people feel about the stations they travel to and from."