BTP now armed at major stations

Sad to say police officers with firearms are now set to become the norm at major stations.

As pictured at St Pancras on Friday...


Eye shares the concern of others, including the World's Greatest Living Transport Correspondent, about this development which does little to reassure and serves only to create a climate of intimidation and fear.

Although, to be fair, this particular BTP officer was charm itself, despite his clutching a device with the power to make quite a hole in one's diary...

UPDATE: This from the Archer...

I assume the officer in question was on riot patrol...

What with the soi disant 'veteran observer' and others making an emotional return to Derby post the IMechE Luncheon.

Underground Arms Race

This will not go well.

According to the Indie...

Mr Hammond said: "The Government has been considering the resilience of the overall police armed capability and has concluded that it would be beneficial to enhance this by providing the BTP with an armed capability of its own.

"The timing of this is not as a result of any specific threat: it is a sensible and pragmatic approach to ensuring that our police forces have the right resources to be able to respond as and when needed to protect the public."

He went on: "We will continue to work with the BTP and others to assess the use of this capability and its effectiveness and impact"

Perhaps Eye can explain the 'impact' - a relatively small hole resulting in a dramatic adjustment in one's social life.

Lest we forget - a previous deployment of armed officers on the Underground was not exactly a triumph for either policing or innocent Brazilians.

UPDATE: This from The Major...

Arming the BTP does not worry me in the slightest.

However, if they also receive ammunition then I'll admit to some concern.

UPDATE: This from Chionanthus virginicus...

Following the announcement that BTP officers will carry guns, and the previous announcement that BTP will take over control of police helicopters across the UK, (Eye passim) can we expect these machines to be replaced with more "appropriate" equipment?

Almost certainly, as soon as the MoD finishes biking them back from Romania.

Pointless signs - Hatfield

This from The Yokel...

Would these pictures from Hatfield (Herts) qualify as Pointless Sign entries?


The bridge is the only way onto and off the island platform that serves both fast and slow Down lines.


If we cannot pass the sign, then it is pointless having Down trains stop at Hatfield (except to pick up passengers from the previous train who have realised that they cannot leave the station).

With the slightly darker mood occasioned by the news that the BTP intends to award itself the authority to shoot passengers, perhaps all those pictured breaching railway bylaws should be dealt with 'Met stylee'?

BTP to turn railways into Wild West

Good news for those concerned about fare evasion!

This from Sky News...

Sky News has learned that the growing threat of terrorism has prompted British Transport Police to draw up plans for its own firearms division.

Brazilian passengers may wish to travel by coach in future.