The Government has announced a new campaign to tackle sexual harassment on public transport, as BirminghamLive reflects on its own campaign regarding women's safety on rail and bus networks.
Enough Campaign Expansion
Rolled out under the Government's flagship Enough campaign, the new partnership with major rail organisations aims to send a strong message that sexual harassment will not be tolerated on trains or at stations. The campaign challenges behaviours such as staring, intrusive questions, and unwelcome comments, encouraging passengers to report incidents to the British Transport Police (BTP).
This initiative follows BirminghamLive's ongoing campaign for change in the public transport sector, prioritising women's safety on trains, trams, and buses in the West Midlands.
Action-Focused Messaging
The Government will roll out bold, action-focused messaging on posters and digital screens, clearly signposting how to get help—whether by texting BTP, speaking to rail staff, or reporting online. This directly responds to BirminghamLive's calls for better reporting mechanisms.
Developed alongside the Department for Transport, Network Rail, the Rail Delivery Group, and BTP, the campaign aims to put women's safety at the forefront of the rail network. It will run across stations, in carriages, and online, urging passengers to report abuse and ensuring it is taken seriously.
Safer Railway Scheme
In addition to the campaign, the Department for Transport and BTP have launched the national Safer Railway Scheme. Train operators must now demonstrate how they prevent harassment, support victims, and train staff to respond appropriately. The scheme recognises rail companies that meet safety standards, from tackling crime to empowering staff to report abuse.
Its goal is to place the safety of women and girls at the heart of railway operations. Accreditation involves BTP independently assessing operators against eight standards, with a minimum 70% overall score required.
Legal Framework
The Public Sexual Harassment Act, now in force, makes intentional sex-based harassment in public a criminal offence. Perpetrators can face a criminal record, fines, and up to two years in prison.
Minister for Safeguarding and Violence against Women and Girls Natalie Fleet stated: "I know what it is like to experience this kind of behaviour—the fear, the anger, and the way it changes how you move through the world. Too many women carry this every day, including on their journeys to work or home. By working with the rail sector through the Enough campaign, we are using every opportunity to challenge abuse and make public transport safer for women and girls. But we will not stop there. We will deploy the full power of the state to make this country safe for women and girls."
BTP Assistant Chief Constable Charlie Doyle added: "We simply will not tolerate sexual harassment on the railway network, and stamping out this unacceptable behaviour relies on us all working closely together to ensure that stations and trains are a safe place for everyone. Our officers are out 24/7 across the railway network, but we need to know exactly what’s going on so we can take action. Save 61016 in your phone and text us if you ever need us. It’s free and discreet, and every report helps us to build a picture. Enough is enough."
