Police to Assess Train Firms on Sexual Harassment Response After Reports Surge by Third
British Transport Police (BTP) will now score train operators on their efforts to combat sexual harassment on railway networks, according to new government plans. Companies will be assessed against eight distinct standards, including victim support and crime prevention measures.
However, women's safety organisations and survivors of sexual abuse on trains have expressed concerns that these government proposals are insufficient. This announcement follows an investigation revealing a one-third increase in reported sexual assaults on trains over the past decade, with issues in network CCTV hindering justice for offenders.
The new 'Safer Railway Scheme' aims to encourage passengers to report incidents such as unwanted staring, intrusive questioning, and unwelcome comments. Safeguarding Minister Natalie Fleet acknowledged the widespread impact of such behaviour on women.
Assessment and Accreditation
For accreditation under the scheme, train companies must achieve an overall score of at least 70% from the BTP, demonstrating their effectiveness in supporting victims, protecting vulnerable passengers, staff training, and crime prevention. Operators failing to meet this threshold may be required by the Department for Transport to implement an improvement plan.
Crucially, the government has stated there will be no financial or legal penalties for train operators who do not meet these targets. This lack of enforcement has drawn sharp criticism.
Lucy Asson, 27, who experienced a sexual assault on a train in December and whose perpetrator was never identified, expressed profound disappointment. "This is not enough. It's a score that doesn't count for anything in my eyes as there's no implication. It doesn't reassure me," she stated, describing the plan as a "tiny plaster over a gaping wound."
The End Violence Against Women Coalition, while supporting increased scrutiny for operators, reiterated that the plans do not go far enough. Janaya Walker, interim director, suggested that while a "naming and shaming exercise" could incentivise action, it overlooks the reality that women and girls often cannot avoid operators with poor safety records.
The Rail Delivery Group, representing UK train operators, indicated that the scheme establishes a clear ambition to reduce both crime and the fear of crime. BTP Assistant Chief Constable Charlie Doyle affirmed the force's commitment to tackling sexual harassment, urging passengers to report incidents via text to 61016.
