Funding shortfall for BTP will makes railways less safe and increase train delays - TSSA

TSSA today issued a stark warning that funding shortfalls for British Transport Police (BTP) will lead to police station closures and staff cuts and potentially increase train delays.

Seventeen British Transport Police Stations have been ear-marked for closure, and 286 job losses are predicted. A hiring freeze will also remain in place.

Under these plans there will be no BTP police stations left between Preston and Scotland.

TSSA, which represents PCSOs and civilian staff working in BTP, says this could mean BTP Officers take longer to travel to the scene of an incident, increasing delays in getting the trains running again.

BTP had asked for a funding increase of 9.8% but the British Transport Police Authority, which oversees BTP, has only authorised an increase of 4.6%, causing BTP to have to make the cuts.

TSSA General Secretary Maryam Eslamdoust said, “After years of Tory cuts, we should be investing more in BTP to give everyone the safe and secure rail journey they deserve.

“Cutting BTP numbers will make the railways less safe, especially for women and girls.  Just last week a transporter worker was assaulted and died of his injuries.

“I urge Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander to intervene now and ensure that BTP gets the full amount of funding it needs to keep the railways safe for everyone.”

ENDS

TSSA is the only trade union representing civilian staff and PCSOs in BTP.