‘Stations could become no-go areas for vulnerable’ – unions

SMITHY Bridge and Castleton railway station could become ‘no-go areas’ for vulnerable and disabled passengers if plans for driver only trains are introduced, unions bosses have said.

The two stations are among 330 named by the Rail, Maritime and Transport workers’ union as potential ‘crime hot-spots’ in their campaign against the axing of guards.

The union say although these stations are currently unstaffed, protection and assistance for passengers and the train driver is provided by a guard who is on all trains.

But Northern Rail is planning for some services to have no guards with many lines and routes completely unstaffed.

RMT General Secretary Mick Cash said: “No staff on many routes and lines, no staff on the stations and no staff on the trains travelling through these stations means there will be a cocktail of dangers at the locations we have identified which will increasingly become no-go areas for vulnerable passengers and new crime hot spots.

“At the same time our isolated drivers will be on their own, increasingly exposed to anti-social and violent behaviour.

“As well as these dangers there will be also be disadvantages for disabled and older passengers who require assistance because there will be no one there to help them on and off the train or provide assistance during their journey.

“These are yet another set of reasons why the Prime Minister should stop us sabotaging a deal with Northern and why we will keep up the fight for a safe, secure and accessible railway with properly staffed stations and a guard on every train.”

Speaking earlier this year Richard Allan, Northern’s deputy managing director, said: “Our proposals, which we want to discuss further with RMT, will see staff more visible and available than ever before on trains and on stations.

“Any changes to Northern’s services are always fully risk assessed, consulted upon, and approved in accordance with relevant health and safety legislation.”