Issue
The government needs to protect people and transport infrastructure while allowing transport systems to operate efficiently and effectively. We do this by managing the risk of terrorist attack on our transport systems.
Actions
We aim to provide effective, risk-based and proportionate security on our transport systems, including:
• security of passengers, workers and cargo in airports and during transit
• security of ports, shipping and cargo, including counter-piracy measures
• security of passengers and staff on the national rail network, underground and light rail systems, bus and coach networks, and on services using the Channel Tunnel
• security of dangerous goods transported on the road and rail network within Great Britain
• training, monitoring and vetting of transport security personnel
The EU also has a set of common rules on enhancing ship and port facility security, contained in Regulation (EC) No 725/2004.
The International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS) sets out maritime security standards, established by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO). These standards are enforced through the Ship and Port Security Regulations (2004).
Appendix 2: land transport security
This was a supporting detail page of the main policy document.
The government is responsible for managing the risks to passengers and staff on the national rail network, underground and light rail systems, bus and coach networks, and on services using the Channel Tunnel. We do this by regulating and providing guidance to transport operators and services and other relevant organisations.
In August 2012, we published a guide on security in station design.
In August 2012 we produced guidance on bus and coach security best practice for operators of buses and coaches, bus stations and depots. You can also order a bus and coach security DVD.
In January 2010, we produced a guide for potential new rail passenger operators through the Channel Tunnel.
We also provide guidance on the security of dangerous goods by road and rail
Appendix 3: aviation security
This was a supporting detail page of the main policy document.
The government is responsible for managing the risks to passengers, workers and cargo in airports and during transit.
We’re developing an integrated approach for aviation and border security involving theHome Office, the Department for Transport and UK Visas and Immigration. This will help us to co-ordinate systems and processes more effectively across the range of organisations involved in aviation and border security checks.
We are proposing to move to an outcome focused risk based (OFRB) approach to aviation security. This would give operators the flexibility and responsibility to design security processes. We would introduce a security management system (SeMS) to manage this approach.
Our consultation in July 2011 proposed that the new arrangements should be phased in over 3 years, starting in April 2013.
Security training for the aviation industry
We continue to run mandatory training courses for the aviation industry through:
• aviation security training
• approved equipment list
• airport security planning quick guide
We require a basic criminal record check for certain roles within the aviation industry.
Security scanners
We’re making changes to pre-departure checks so we can more effectively identify people who pose a terrorist threat and prevent them from flying to or from the UK.
In November 2011, we published the final security scanners code of practice for airports to use. It states that passengers will not be selected to be scanned on the basis of ethnic origin, gender, or destination of travel.
Air cargo
Air cargo originating in the UK must be subject to security checks to ensure that it does not contain prohibited articles such as explosives or anything capable of causing fire. The cargo can be screened using a number of different techniques by a regulated agent or by a known consignor.
We have a list of regulated agents and suppliers and application forms if you wish to be a regulated agent or supplier.
We have information for air carriers wishing to bring cargo or mail into the EU from a third country: ACC3: request for declaration of commitments
We are accepting applications for pre-certification for European Union independent validator status.
Appendix 4: developing an evidence based transport security policy
This was a supporting detail page of the main policy document.
To ensure that transport systems are effective, transport decisions and policies made by government are informed by economic and statistical analysis, appraisal, evaluation, modelling, and research.
To provide the best evidence base for planning transport policies and schemes, mathematical models are used to analyse complex transport patterns.