During Spokesperson’s Questions, Welsh Conservative Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Transport & Infrastructure, Sam Rowlands MS, highlighted the latest British Transport Police Authority (BTPA) report that shows violence against women and girls on the rail network is rising, with over 11,000 offences recorded last year. In Wales, sexual offences on trains and at stations are up 29% in the last year alone.
Mr Rowlands underlined that too many stations in Wales still don’t have the lighting, CCTV, or on-site presence needed to make women feel safe and deter harmful behaviour. When women don’t feel safe using public transport, particularly at night, they’re effectively being excluded from it. Additionally, there is still a major issue with underreporting, especially when it comes to sexual harassment and so-called ‘low-level’ assaults.
Commenting, Welsh Conservative Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Transport & Infrastructure, Sam Rowlands MS, said:
“The shocking figures from the BTPA paint a worrying picture for women and girls on the transport network across Wales.
“With stations still lacking CCTV or adequate lighting, many women who may feel unsafe are effectively being excluded from using public transport.
“It is disappointing that simple safety fixes are being overlooked, leaving women and girls vulnerable, the Labour Government must commit to working with BTP, transport providers, and local authorities to improve reporting, transparency, and outcomes for violent crimes.”
