Are you responsible for the security arrangements at a train station or a section of the rail network? If so, you should already be aware of how important your role is. Public transport terminals are often targeted by vandals and terrorists, so installing solid, reliable defences and deterrents is essential. Security measures can even help stop fare-dodgers and ensure revenue protection. We discussed these issues in-depth in previous blogs. Today, however, we’d like to focus on the unique challenges of securing a train station and the railways that run through it. Train stations obviously differ dramatically from other public transport terminals because they aren’t discreet, self-contained spaces. Instead, they are nodes on the rail network and are connected by the railways. As a result, they present different security challenges.
1. Coping with the rails
Obviously, you can’t surround a train station with security fencing. As a result, determined criminals and intruders can theoretically access a station by following the railway until they reach the end of your security fencing, then moving down onto the tracks. Once a criminal or intruder is on the tracks, they can easily walk along to reach a station. The simplest way to prevent this problem is to extend your security fencing beyond the station and along the tracks as far as possible. Fencing or railings are already used along a lot of Britain’s railways. However, if you’re responsible for a station or stretch of tracks where this isn’t the case, it’s time to start thinking about adding it.
2. Keeping people on the platform
Certain individuals may attempt to leave the platform at a station and drop down onto the tracks. In addition, vandals and other criminals may attempt to access the tracks this way, whereas other people might foolishly go onto the tracks to retrieve dropped items. Finally, of course, suicidal individuals may attempt to jump onto the tracks just before a train arrives to end their lives. The first two groups we mentioned can be deterred with clear warning signs and CCTV cameras. However, the only way to prevent attempted suicides at train stations is to hire on-site security personnel trained to spot potential suicide risks and intervene before they jump onto the tracks.
3. Dealing with the length of the platform
The platforms at most stations are far too long to be monitored by a single security camera or member of security personnel. Therefore, we strongly recommend ensuring that you deploy security measures at local intervals.
You might be responsible for deciding on what security measures to deploy across multiple stations and railway lines, or you may have to implement security solutions at a single station or area. In either case, the advice we’ve offered in today’s blog should help you. Also, don’t forget to check out Zaun’s wide range of security fencing solutions.
