Safety

Rail is still the safest form of travel in Britain today. To help keep every journey stress-free and secure for yourself and your family, follow some of the recommended safety suggestions made by British Transport Police^[1]

Contents 1 General 2 Stay aware 3 On the train 4 Unaccompanied children 5 Safety comes first 6 References

General

• Confirm train times and connections before travelling
• Make sure at least one person knows when and where you are travelling, and your expected time of arrival. Carry a fully-charged mobile or money for a pay phone in case you need to contact them
• If you have a disability that restricts movement, check beforehand that each station can provide the required access and that a member of station staff will be available to help you if necessary
• When travelling in a group, pre-arrange a meeting point in case you get separated and supply everyone with the same contact telephone number for emergencies
• If you are being met by someone at the station, get precise directions as to where they will be waiting. Some stations have several entrances and car parks

Stay aware

• Be aware of your surroundings and look confident and certain of where you are going
• Avoid poorly lit areas and try to stay in sight of CCTV cameras or close to other people
• Avoid listening to personal stereos or radios, they can restrict your hearing and prevent you from being aware of what is happening around you
• Be wise to pick pockets. Ensure any valuable items such as mobile phones, iPods and cameras are kept well out of sight. Always keep purses and wallets close to your body and carry bags in front of you and secure with your arm
• If you see an unattended bag or package, alert station staff or police officer immediately. Keep your own belongings close to you at all times or you may alarm fellow passengers and seriously delay your journey
• When using car parks, try to choose a parking bay close to an exit, especially if you will be returning in the dark. If necessary, make a note of your car’s exact position so you won’t have to search on your return. Make sure your vehicle is securely locked and that all personal possessions are locked away and out of sight
• If you take a cab from the station, use only reputable taxi or mini cab companies. Do not accept lifts from strangers or anyone who may be operating an unlicensed taxi service

On the train

• When you board a train, choose a carriage where you feel comfortable. If you do find yourself sitting somewhere that makes you feel nervous or vulnerable, move to another area. If necessary, tell a member of the train crew about your worries and ask for help to find a new location
• Protect your privacy. Giving out personal details on a mobile phone or displaying them on a luggage label, document or laptop could alert potential thieves
• Keep checking stowed luggage, particularly at station stops. If you are carrying a handbag and feel you may fall asleep, keep one arm through the straps
• Note where the emergency alarm is located. Although it is unlikely you will have to use it, knowing where it is may help your peace of mind

Unaccompanied children

Children under 14 who travel by rail should be accompanied wherever possible. For those who have to make journeys alone, whether travelling to and from school or to visit relatives, it is vital to take steps to ensure their protection.

• Write down details of their route, train times and who will meet them at their destination
• When travelling in a group, insist that they stick closely together until they meet up with a recognised, responsible adult
• Provide them with more than one emergency contact number and either a fully-charged mobile or a phone card so they can make and receive calls. Teach them to use a help point where available

Stress that children must always follow these rules:

• choose a carriage where there are as many people as possible
• do not talk to strangers; go to rail staff or police if they are in difficulties
• do not make too much noise; listen to announcements
• do not touch an unattended bag or package; report it
• do not run on the platform or stand too near its edge

Safety comes first

If you do see, or are involved in, an incident – do something. Your response should be what you feel comfortable with – either shout to alert rail staff or ring the police - in an emergency dial 999, get to safety first and then raise the alarm, intervene if you feel confident doing so or step forward as a witness after the incident

British Transport Police 0800 40 50 40
In an emergency dial 999
Crimestoppers: 0800 555 111

References

1. ↑ Travel Wise on btp.police.uk, retrieved Feb 18 2012