Jeremy Corbyn backs women-only train carriages? (Metro)

(see also CLICK HERE)

Labour leadership frontrunner Jeremy Corbyn would push for women-only train carriages to be introduced at night to curb sex attacks, he has said.

The Islington North MP, currently the bookies' favourite for the party’s top job, made the comments while launching his campaign against street harassment.

“Some women have raised with me that a solution to the rise in assault and harassment on public transport could be to introduce women-only carriages,” he said.

"My intention would be to make public transport safer for everyone from the train platform, to the bus stop, on the mode of transport itself.

"However, I would consult with women and open it up to hear their views on whether women-only carriages would be welcome – and also if piloting this at times and on modes of transport where harassment is reported most frequently would be of interest."

British Transport Police recorded 1,399 sexual offences in 2014-15 on Britain’s trains and platforms, an increase of nearly 300 on the previous year and a new record.

The force said the hike could be attributed mainly to an increase in reporting, thanks to its own Project Guardian scheme. Earlier this year Transport for London launched the “Report It to Stop It” campaign encouraging more reporting of sex assaults on the Tube.

Mr Corbyn added: "The excellent work of individuals, campaigns, and groups like Everyday Sexism and Stop Street Harassment has highlighted just how prevalent street harassment is in our country today, and the extent to which many women feel uncomfortable, anxious, and unsafe just going about their daily routines.

"It is simply unacceptable that many women and girls adapt their daily lives in order to avoid being harassed on the street, public transport and in other public places from the park to the supermarket.

"This could include taking longer routes to work, having self-imposed curfews, or avoiding certain means of transport."

Additional reporting by Press Association

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LBC (Nick Ferrari)

Corbyn Suggests Women-Only Train Carriages

The Labour leadership hopeful believes it could help stop assaults and harassment.

Last week it was revealed sex offences on London’s Tube and train network increased by a third last year.

But commuters at Charing Cross station have told LBC they'd be against separate carriages. One said: "I'm not particularly in favour of it as it actually then would accentuate the fact that all the women are in once place.

"So if there were to be an issue, then they'd know exxactly where women were going to be getting off the train."

Another female commuter told LBC: "It shouldn't be women's fault that they are being raped. It should be the man's fault for doing the raping. I would hope that it shouldn't be necessary."

Countries such as India and Japan have specific carriages which only women are allowed to use. 

Mr Corbyn stated: "My intention would be to make public transport safer for everyone from the train platform, to the bus stop to on the mode of transport itself.

"However, I would consult with women and open it up to hear their views on whether women-only carriages would be welcome - and also if piloting this at times and [on] modes of transport where harassment is reported most frequently would be of interest." 

But Senior Tory MP Sarah Wollaston criticised Mr Corbyn's plans for women-only carriages.

The Health Select Committee chair tweeted: "Segregating women on public transport doesn't protect anyone, it just normalises unacceptable attitudes".

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The provision of women only "carriages" was common locally (on Hertford Loop) until late 1970's and usually referred to one or more single compartments on what is known as "slam door" steam trains. for more information see the images at CLICK HERE 

The electrification and introduction of class 313 electrical multiple units in circa 1977 introduced carriages with a saloon style layout 

The latest carriages being introduced ordered by a Rail Operating Company (ROSCO)  on both local railways and London Underground are concertinaed with a walk through gangways as has long been used on the West Coast Main Line...how else would you get to the buffet car!

Having listened to the debate on the Nick Ferrari phone-in on LBC on 26th August, I do wonder when the callers (and interviewers) actually last travelled by either main line train or enjoyed the wonders of the new (air conditioned) sub-surface carriages on LUL