2010 to 2015 government policy: transport security
Updated 8 May 2015
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/2010-to-2015-government-policy-transport-security/2010-to-2015-government-policy-transport-security
This is a copy of a document that stated a policy of the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government. The previous URL of this page was https://www.gov.uk/government/policies/managing-the-risk-to-transport-networks-from-terrorism-and-other-crimes. Current policies can be found at the GOV.UK policies list.
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
Background
The Department for Transport’s work to manage the risk to transport networks is part of a wider government counter-terrorism strategy. In July 2011, the government issued the latest version of its counter-terrorism strategy, CONTEST.
To shape this policy, we used economic and statistical analysis, appraisal, evaluation, modelling and research.
Bills and legislation
The main laws relating to transport security are:
- Aviation Security Act, 1982
- Aviation and Maritime Security Act, 1990
- Anti-terrorism Crime and Security Act, 2001
- Railways Act 1993
- Channel Tunnel (Security) Order 1994
The EU created a set of common rules for aviation security using Regulation (EC) No 300/2008.
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).
Who we’ve consulted
In 2010, we ran a public consultation about the use of body scanners at airports after an attempted terrorist attack on a flight from Amsterdam’s Schiphol airport on 25 December 2009.
In July 2011, we ran a consultation with airports and airlines on ways to modernise how we regulate aviation security.
Who we’re working with
We work closely with transport operators, police, security and other organisations in the UK. We also work with European and international organisations, including the European Commission, the International Civil Aviation Organization and the International Maritime Organization.
In August 2012, we worked with the Centre for the Protection of National Infrastructure (CPNI) and the British Transport Police (BTP) to produce guidance on security in the design of railway stations.
The principles behind how the Department for Transport works with the transport industry in order to support the delivery of good security outcomes are set out in the compliance framework.
Appendix 1: personnel security
This was a supporting detail page of the main policy document.
The following links give guidance on personnel security in the transport sector, including national security vetting, risk assessments, recruitment, criminal record checks and ongoing personnel security.
- Summary of Stephen Boys Smith review
- CPNI personnel security resource list
- Guidance for transport employers on including security-related conduct and behaviour issues in terms and conditions of employment
- Request for appointment of a counter-signatory for the purposes of protective transport personnel security regulation
- Correspondence on securing an exemption from the requirement of certain aviation security staff to obtain a Security Industry Authority (SIA) licence
- Further correspondence, enclosing frequently asked questions, on securing an exemption from the requirement of certain aviation security staff to obtain a SIA licence
National security vetting
Criminal record checks
- Criminal record checks in the aviation sector regulated by government
- Disqualifying convictions – aviation
- Relevant offences list for England and Wales
- Relevant offences list under Military Law
- Relevant offences list for Northern Ireland
- Relevant offences list for Scotland
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 the Home 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:
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.
Research reports
- Transport security measures: attitudes and acceptability trial at Heathrow Express
- Transport security measures: attitudes and acceptability at Canary Wharf station
- Transport security measures: security screening trial at Greenford station (qualitative)
- Transport security measures: sniffer dogs trials (London and Brighton)