Train users may face airport-style security: X-ray machines for high-speed services and 'rail marshals' could be introduced in wake of attack in France 

  • British rail passengers could face airport-style security before boarding
  • Surveillance cameras could be mandatory and X-ray machines introduced 
  • Officials in Brussels considering the possibility of armed ‘rail marshals’
  • Comes after attack on train between Brussels and Paris was foiled Friday

By JOHN STEVENS IN BRUSSELS FOR THE DAILY MAIL

Published: | Updated:

British rail passengers could face airport-style security before boarding trains under EU plans being considered after last week’s attack in France.

Surveillance cameras could be mandatory and X-ray machines introduced for high-speed services, along with the possibility of armed ‘rail marshals’.  

The options are being discussed by officials in Brussels as they look at the possibility of drawing up EU-wide rules on railway security for the first time after an attack on a train between Brussels and Paris was foiled on Friday.

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The plans are being discussed by officials in Brussels as they look at the possibility of drawing up EU-wide rules on railway security for the first time after an attack on a Paris-bound train. (The attacker is pictured)

The plans are being discussed by officials in Brussels as they look at the possibility of drawing up EU-wide rules on railway security for the first time after an attack on a Paris-bound train. (The attacker is pictured)

Ayoub El Khazzani boarded a Paris-bound train with an assault rifle and 270 rounds of ammunition.

Paris prosecutors said the gunman, restrained by passengers, was also carrying a bottle of petrol.

An atrocity was avoided after fellow passengers successfully restrained him.

EU officials will hold a meeting with transport security experts in Brussels on 11 September to set out the options before transport ministers from all 28 countries are due to meet in October.

An EU source said the measures under discussion would cover international routes as well as domestic high-speed trains, describing France’s TGV network as a ‘ sexy target, far more attractive than commuter rail’.

He said the installation of CCTV on trains would not necessarily prevent an attack but could allow staff to respond more quickly.

Suspect: Ayoub El-Khazzani (above), 26, has denied accusations that he was trying to carry out a terrorist attack on Friday. The prosecutor dismissed his robbery story as a 'complete fantasy'

Suspect: Ayoub El-Khazzani (above), 26, has denied accusations that he was trying to carry out a terrorist attack on Friday

The European Commission will look at the possibility of requiring X-ray machines, metal detectors and other security scanning equipment at train stations.

The source said extensive consultations would be undertaken with the rail industry because of the likely resistance due to the costs involved and inconvenience for passengers.

He added: ‘Systematic screening of bags and passengers is an option, but they will want to first talk to the industry to see how practical that is.

‘Perhaps a compromise is that the equipment is in place, and it is would be used on a more random basis. It wouldn’t have to be every single passenger is controlled on every single train. In the first instance you need to have the equipment in place.’

Recommendations could also include creating common standards for security training to make sure staff know how to respond.

Legislation would require support from member states and the European Parliament.  

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