17 August 2007
SPT Chief Executive security briefing
At a meeting of Strathclyde Partnership for Transport today (Friday 17 August), Chief Executive Ron Culley briefed members on the “robust” security measures SPT has in place to counteract the threat of terrorism.
Mr Culley told the meeting that SPT’s commitment to security has been stepped up since his appointment in April 2006.
The measures he has taken include:
- The appointment of a full-time Head of Security for SPT
- The appointment of British Transport Police officers to provide round-the-clock patrols of the Subway network
- A full independent analysis of security risks which could affect the Subway, Buchanan Bus Station and other SPT operations and an action plan to address the risks identified. This was carried out by the company which reviewed airport security for the US government in the wake of the 9/11 attacks.
- A full-scale emergency exercise – Operation Crystal – which was carried out on 2 June in conjunction with all emergency services. The exercise tested emergency procedures on the Subway in response to a multi-site incident, such as a terrorist attack.
The above measures are in addition to the tried and tested procedures that SPT already had in place.
Mr Culley said, “The matter of security is taken very seriously by SPT. Following the appointment of a Head of Security last year, we have professionalised our security services and now deploy British Transport Police round the clock to ensure passenger safety. We further supplement this with other security forces. We have carried out intensive security checks using one of the companies that inspected U.S. airports and ports after the 9/11 attacks in New York and have introduced a number of measures to protect the public. We have an action plan to improve these further by target hardening our stations and employing more staff in customer facing roles.
“Exercises between ourselves, Strathclyde Police, BTP and Fire and Rescue, which are unseen by the public, have reassured us that our measures are robust.”
Mr Culley added that, in light of the recent terrorist incident at Glasgow Airport, SPT has undertaken a further review of security on the Subway and at Buchanan Bus Station.
He said, “I visited Glasgow Airport recently to look at their new security measures and to consider how we might achieve the balance between protecting passengers and our staff while enabling people to use the Subway without undue hindrance. I am confident that we have organised ourselves effectively and are well prepared to meet the challenges facing us.
“We have taken action to increase security in every area of our operations. Unfortunately, in the current climate, there are no guarantees but the public should know that we’re doing all we can to ensure their safety.”
ends