Body cams for Metro workers

Photo: Matty Worrall

ATTACK . . . a rock was thrown at a tram in Derker in May

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ALL Metrolink workers will be kitted out with body cams as part of a massive security boost on the network.

Transport bosses say that by next year, every staff member on the trams, including drivers and customer reps, will be equipped to film vandals and thugs at the touch of a button.

The ranks of the dedicated TravelSafe team are also set to be bolstered, with nearly 80 police and security staff armed with body cameras patrolling buses and trams.

It is hoped the decision to film would-be misbehavers will act as a deterrent and help crack down on anti-social behaviour.

Transport bosses hope it will also ramp up their armoury for prosecutions and court hearings.

Along with CCTV footage, it could help secure tougher sentences ­- and see more people slapped with public transport banning orders.

Message

It is likely to prove particularly helpful at big events, such as concerts and football matches, when there is a heightened risk to safety.

A Unite spokesman representing Metrolink staff said the move sent out a strong message to people who think they can get away with abusive behaviour.

He added: "This is a positive step in making the network a safer place for the people who staff it, keep it running and for the travelling public.

"It's another example of Unite working closely with the new operator to bring forward initiatives to ensure a safe environment to travel on.

"What body cams do is not only act as a deterrent to those who know if they commit anti-social behaviour or attack a staff member they will be recorded ­- but if they do it then they will be recorded and that will be used in prosecution."

Part of a zero-tolerance approach to anti-social behaviour, security efforts have been ramped up following a spate of shocking incidents. In May, a driver was left seriously injured and in hospital after a brick was thrown through his windscreen from a bridge near Derker.

The latest figures show that between January and June this year, there were 651 reported incidents of anti-social behaviour on the network ­- an average of more than four a day.

Incidents range from verbal and threatening abuse to vandalism, improper door activation and physical attacks.

The TravelSafe Unit was originally formed in 2015, when just a small number of police members had body cams.

But, as announced by Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham last month, the security squad has now been boosted and re-deployed by new operator KeolisAmey, who began their tenure last month.

It is now made up of 33 security officers and police officers, all equipped with body cams.

As part of their commitment to improve safety, KeolisAmey have cut agency staff from the team and recruited 24 dedicated security workers who report to them.

Also new to the squad are five PCSOs ­- the first of 50 to be deployed by the end of the year.

They are led by four police constables and a dedicated sergeant. The team has been split into four units covering different geographical areas so they can get to grips with their communities.

A Transport for Greater Manchester spokesman said: "In a year's time when all the customer service representatives and drivers have body cameras that will be a huge benefit to the network. There will be so many more mobile cameras recording and that will be more of a deterrent than anything else."

A KeolisAmey Metrolink spokesman said body cams would provide evidence to support future prosecutions.