The British Transport Police (BTP) has warned that funding shortfalls could lead to the closure of dozens of stations across Britain, despite a sharp rise in assaults on railway passengers. The force faces an £8.5 million budget gap, prompting a hiring freeze and the potential reduction of its operational footprint.
Record Levels of Assaults
Recent statistics from the Office of Rail and Road reveal that assaults on passengers and the public reached a record 9,542 incidents in 2023-24, a 17% increase compared to the previous year and 50% higher than pre-pandemic levels.
While the rise partly reflects increased train usage post-Covid and improved reporting via smartphone apps, the figures include a significant number of harassment cases and common assaults.
Funding Crisis and Station Closures
BTP’s budget for 2025-26 will rise by 4.6%, well below the increase needed to maintain current commitments. The force has indicated that some of its stations may no longer be viable to operate, leaving gaps in police presence across England, Scotland, and Wales.
Chief Constable Lucy D’Orsi said:
“The funding settlement leaves the force with an £8.5m shortfall. This means we are going to be a smaller organisation, with a reduced presence. We are working quickly to develop plans and will share more details in due course.”
The Transport Salaried Staffs’ Association (TSSA) estimates that up to 300 jobs could be lost, with 17 stations earmarked for closure. In the north of England, this could leave a significant gap, with no BTP presence between Preston and Scotland.
Safety and Service Concerns
The potential cuts have raised alarm among rail unions, operators, and passenger advocates. Maryam Eslamdoust, General Secretary of the TSSA, called on the government to prioritize safety:
“Women and girls are particularly at risk from reduced police numbers. The government must fully fund BTP to ensure the rail network remains secure for all.”
Rail operators have also voiced concerns that fewer officers could lead to longer delays during incidents such as trespass, suicides, and cable theft, which BTP officers are often called to handle.
A senior industry source stated:
“We are worried that reduced funding may impact response times, leading to increased disruption and delays for passengers.”
Government and Network Rail Responses
The Department for Transport emphasized the importance of passenger safety and highlighted the funding increase, while urging BTP to work with stakeholders to optimize resources.
Network Rail is working with BTP to assess the potential impact on frontline policing and minimize disruption. A spokesperson said:
“We aim to minimize impacts for passengers and other rail users.”
Future Challenges
As assaults on the railway continue to rise, concerns grow over how the BTP can meet demand with fewer resources. Despite assurances that patrols are being targeted to high-risk areas, the threat of reduced police visibility is raising questions about the safety and efficiency of the rail network.
The situation underscores the delicate balance between maintaining public safety and managing financial constraints in the railway policing sector.
