Police Powers for Metro Staff?

Transport Minister Kim Howells has stated that Police powers are planned for rail staff [Tuesday 5 August 2003]
Railway staff could get police powers to deal with crime and anti-social behaviour under plans set out today.

British Transport Police would be able to accredit trained railway employees, including station staff. They would have limited powers to deal immediately with specific offences and public nuisances on the railways by:

Issuing fines for trespassing on a railway, throwing stones at trains, dog fouling, dropping litter and cycling on a footway.Taking the name and address of a person acting in an anti-social way. Enforcing laws on drinking and smoking
Requiring the removal of abandoned vehicles Transport Minister Kim Howells said:

"We are all aware that the activities of a few inconsiderate people disturb the journeys of many people."

"The new measures that we are proposing today will give people at the front line of our rail services the powers they need to deal swiftly and effectively with crime and antisocial behaviour," said Mr Howells.

"I believe that by training key staff, we can greatly reduce the inconvenience that some people's behaviour causes, and free up some of the valuable resources of the British Transport Police." The Government's consultation on the plans will run until 27 October. Councillor Phil Bateman said " I hope that the Minister will consider allowing Metro staff the same level of powers that he is considering for Heavy Rail staff. I shall be writing to him in the hope that I can encourage him to make that change so that the new legislation can encompass new LRT schemes and their staff."