Minister beefs up security at Midland train station

5/2/04

Additional security will be provided at Midland train station until new surveillance cameras are installed, Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan said today.

Following a recent incident of vandalism, Ms MacTiernan said the Public Transport Authority would allocate extra resources from its Transit Guard division to supplement existing security at Midland.

"In the meantime security at the Midland station will undergo a further upgrade," Ms MacTiernan said.

"Site work will start within a few weeks for the installation of a high tech CCTV (closed circuit television) surveillance system.

"Ultimately every station on our urban network will be linked back to a continuously-monitored central depot - the depot will be in constant radio contact with our transit guards and have direct access to the police.

"Stamping out all random acts of anti-social behaviour is not realistic.

"However our new system will greatly increase the prospects of perpetrators being identified and prosecuted.

"At the end of the day, these improvements will make our car parks safer and more secure."

Ms MacTiernan said she was concerned about the recent incident of vandalism at Midland - the first such reported incident since Pay 'n' Display car parks were introduced.

The incident is being investigated by the PTA.

Local MLA Michelle Roberts welcomed the additional security.

"Today's announcement is part of the Gallop Government's commitment to provide a safer, more secure public transport system and will provide Midland commuters with greater peace of mind," Mrs Roberts said.