WEST HAM SECURITY ALERT

www.rmt.org.uk :: january 2006 :: RMTnews 19 The union has raised concern over London Underground stations where Tube staff have the authority on their own - and without police permission - to order trains to stop or stations to be evacuated in the event of a suspect package or other security alerts. However, mainline trains share some London Underground stations, using adjacent platforms. Despite Tube staff being in charge they have no authority over mainline services. The union cited an incident at West Ham station, which is used by the Tube and c2c mainline trains. Tube staff spotted an unattended bag on the c2c platform and immediately ordered LU District lines trains to stop and evacuated the station. However, c2c refused to stop their trains until they had discussed the issue with the British Transport Police. An RMT rep said: "We have control over the entire station for security purposes but we do not have the authority to halt c2c services. “This is a ridiculous and dangerous situation given the continuing security threat to London," he said. He added that c2c control refused to suspend their service until they spoke to a police officer. “That delay put passengers at potential risk because their trains still came and went, dropping off passengers who had to walk right past the suspect bag and into the area we already evacuated. "The same people whom we had already asked to leave the platforms heard a train pulling in and went back up to board it. "There should be some sort of joint programme which enables staff to stop all trains in the event of a security alert - but at the moment this does not exist in London where Tube and mainline trains use the same stations,” he said. RMT general secretary Bob Crow has written to the transport minister, asking him to arrange an urgent meeting with the train operating companies over security at jointly used stations. Mr Crow told the minister: "The need for this dialogue has been heightened by the recent appalling terrorist attacks on London. "While we have had the opportunity for constructive discussions with the Mayor of London on safety and security arrangements for the tube that there is currently no form forum to have similar discussions with the train operating companies," he said. RMT raises concerns over station security in the wake of terrorist attacks on London WEST HAM SECURITY ALERT