To ask the Minister of State, Department for Transport how many incidents of violence and abuse on public transport in (a) Ashford and (b) Kent have been reported in each of the last five years; and what steps he is taking to reduce the number of such incidents. (304929)

The Department for Transport does not hold records of crime on public transport. Details of crime on the railways can be obtained from the British Transport police at 25 Camden road, London, NW1 9LN, e-mail

parliament@btp.pnn.police.uk

We are committed to improving the personal security of passengers on public transport. For example, new rail franchises now specify minimum levels of investment in public safety and we are encouraging Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnerships to work with the transport industry to help tackle transport crime.