Business travellers call for extra security on rail travel

Business travellers have called for increased security measures across UK rail stations in the 2008 Barclaycard Business Travel Survey.

The 12th annual survey, which polled 3,000 executives nationwide in December last year but has only just been released, found 91% of business travellers felt safe when travelling by air within the UK and overseas thanks to the heightened security at airports. Only 6% did not feel secure when travelling for business through airports, and of these, 41% indicated the global security threat was the greatest concern.

 

In contrast, 48% of respondents said they would like to see increased security measure on other forms of transport – 79% felt security on trains and at stations could be improved. Asked specifically about London Underground, only 9% felt further protective measures should be introduced.

 

Most business travellers surveyed were happy to undergo precautionary security checks (82%), and only 10% felt they were unncessary and time-wasting. Executives at a more senior level were less tolerant with 17% of chief executives feeling airport checks were a waste of time.

 

The survey results are despite the fact the government has already ruled out increasing security at rail stations.

 

The results also showed regional differences – respondents in Greater London were less concerned about travelling to an unknown location (22%) while those in the East Midlands (69%) found travelling to a new destination a concern.

 

Meanwhile, younger business travellers were more concerned about personal safety with 51% of 18-30 year olds highlighting concerns compared with 43% of those aged 66 and above.