Reforms needed to combat cable theft
Summary
‘Cable Theft on the Railway’ (HC 1609) identifies urgent reforms needed to combat cable theft which last year cost Network Rail more than £16 million and lead to over 35,000 disrupted journeys.
The metal recycling industry is worth £5.6 billion a year and employs almost 8,000 people, but police dismiss the 'Scrap Metal Dealers Act - 1964' which the report refers to as "Steptoe and Son" legislation.
Bristol East Labour MP Kerry McCarthy said the coalition had blocked a Bill that had cross-party support, and would have introduced cashless payments, photo ID and stricter licensing for scrap metal yards.
The Committee suggests that the Government introduce a new offence of aggravated trespass on the railway to help deter cable thieves.
The British Transport Police should also be given new powers so that officers can enter both registered and unregistered scrap metal sites.
Further recommendations of the report concluded that:
- the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 1964 should be reformed so that individuals selling metal have to provide proof of their identity before a transaction can take place;
- the Government should test the use of cashless trading in the scrap metal industry;
- there should be greater clarity around compensation arrangements so that train operators cannot profit from disruption caused by cable theft; and
- the Department for Transport should update the Committee on work being undertaken to help passengers stranded on trains near stations to complete their journey.
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