Police presence could be increased on York to Scarborough train after students and MP raise safety concerns

The train operator TPE has said that the presence of police and security staff could be increased on services between York and Scarborough after students and Scarborough and Whitby’s MP highlighted safety concerns of passengers, with some saying there is a lack of security.

Speaking at an event with sixth form students at Scarborough UTC earlier this month, Alison Hume, MP for Scarborough and Whitby, said that Transpennine Express “should be doing much more”.

One student said: “There’s a lot of drunk people on the York to Scarborough train, especially during the races.”

Another student added: “That train is one where you have to be careful who you sit next to.”

The company has since offered two different responses about arrangements for safety and security.

Speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS), Andrew McClements, Customer Experience and Transformation Director, said: “Customer safety and comfort remain our top priority, and we’re working closely with the British Transport Police (BTP) to review additional security measures across our routes.

“We have a range of support in place, including staff on-board our trains who are available to assist customers throughout their journey.

"In addition we have communication devices located by the doors which allows customers to speak directly with a member of staff that is on-board the train.

“We encourage anyone who sees something that doesn’t feel right to contact BTP by texting 61016.”

However, Ms Hume said she received a different response from the company.

Writing on social media, she shared the answer she had received separately from Transpennine Express: “British Transport Police (BTP) are to look at increasing officer presence on the York to Scarborough route

“…We are reviewing our own existing security arrangements and, subject to a budget settlement for the 2025/26 financial year from the Department for Transport that allows additional security resources to be resourced, additional security would be provided by us on the York to Scarborough route.

“This includes, but is not limited to, looking to have more dedicated BTP officers that can be dedicated to specific routes direct by us, such as the York to Scarborough route.”