Security upgrade follows incident involving MP
John Baron MP has lobbied for and obtained tighter security from C2C at Basildon Station. This follows an incident involving the MP during which a fare dodger was not apprehended by staff. John wrote to Julian Drury, managing director of C2C, complaining about staff inaction. Mr Drury confirmed that existing uniformed staff were neither authorised nor trained to restrain fare dodgers. Following an exchange of correspondence, C2C agreed that a stiffer deterrent on the gate line was required – Basildon being one of the most challenging workplaces on the C2C network. C2C is therefore introducing security agency staff who are trained to take a stronger enforcement line – these new staff will wear high visibility clothing marked ‘Security’. C2C confirmed that this stronger approach has worked well at reducing ticketless travel at other stations including Grays and Tilbury Town.
John said:
“I am pleased C2C has listened and put in stronger security at Basildon Station. The previous situation whereby staff could not apprehend fare dodgers was a nonsense. The introduction of security staff should improve matters – as they have done at Grays and Tilbury Town.”
“Fare dodgers are a scourge on our transport system. They push up fares for everyone else. We need to get tougher with criminals in this country.”
Ends
Word Count: 227
Date: 16th November 2011
Notes to editors
Mr Drury and John Baron MP will be keeping in touch as to how the new arrangement is working.
John Baron will not post replies to any comments - to contact John please Click here or alternatively for a full list of contact details Click here