Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what consideration she has given to the use of blue light at railway stations.

Network Rail has considered the use of blue lighting at stations, including its potential application to trespass, anti-social behaviour and suicide prevention. Previous trials and wider research have produced mixed results, and there is currently insufficient robust evidence to demonstrate that blue lighting is an effective standalone measure for reducing trespass or anti-social behaviour.

Blue lights were trialled by Network Rail at only a few stations, including Gatwick Airport station, over a decade ago, with some positive results in respect of reducing trespass and vandalism. However, when this trial was expanded to other stations, the train operators were not able to demonstrate any direct benefits, therefore the initiative was closed.

There is currently limited demand for a further trial of blue lighting given the significant challenges in demonstrating direct correlation between the introduction of the technology and any effect that may then occur in reductions of trespass and vandalism.

Network Rail therefore does not currently advocate its widespread deployment for these purposes, although targeted use could be considered where justified by local risk and appropriately evaluated.

Our approach remains to use evidence-based and proportionate interventions alongside established station safety, security and lighting standards, and we continue to work with international partners through the International Union of Railways to consider the evidence base for blue lighting.