The Transport Committee met on Tuesday 24 February 2026 to discuss assaults on transport workers in London. The committee heard harrowing accounts from frontline staff detailing their experiences of violence and aggression, and discussed the effectiveness of current reporting mechanisms, training, and support systems.

Assaults on Transport Workers in London

The committee heard deeply concerning testimonies from transport workers regarding the prevalence and impact of work-related violence and aggression. Deban Adaremi, a TfL Enforcement Officer, described encountering frequent verbal abuse and hate crime, stating, the reality is that the job that I do as an enforcement officer, I'm not particularly a welcome person on the network. Luke Banks, a Revenue Control Officer for London Underground, recounted a severe assault where he was punched twice, resulting in concussion, and highlighted the lengthy and often frustrating process of reporting and seeking justice. Paul Feeks, also a Revenue Control Inspector for London Underground, detailed a similar assault and the subsequent lack of communication and support from management and the British Transport Police (BTP).

Kola Olekhan, Branch Secretary of the Professional Drivers Branch, GMB London Region, spoke about the disproportionate impact on ethnic minority workers and the difficulties faced by privately employed drivers, who feel thrown under the bus by Transport for London (TfL). Sellington Rock, a bus driver, shared a traumatic experience of being physically assaulted, leading to significant physical and mental health issues, and expressed frustration at the lack of support from his private bus operator.

Concerns were raised about the effectiveness of current reporting systems, with many workers feeling that incidents are underreported due to the laborious nature of the Electronic Incident Report (ERF) system and a perceived lack of action. The effectiveness of training was also questioned, with some participants feeling that de-escalation training, while useful, does not adequately prepare them for the reality of unpredictable and often irrational aggression.

The role and effectiveness of the British Transport Police (BTP) were heavily scrutinised. Multiple speakers highlighted a perceived decrease in BTP presence and slow response times, with some officers stating they were told police would not attend incidents. This lack of visible policing and effective follow-up was seen as a significant factor contributing to the problem.

Assembly members probed TfL representatives, Siwan Hayward OBE, Director of Security, Policing and Enforcement, and Emma Croxall, Work Related Violence and Aggression Strategy and Support Manager, on TfL's strategy and actions. They acknowledged the scale of the problem, noting approximately 10,500 incidents reported annually, with a recent increase in verbal abuse and threats, particularly among rail and bus operators. While TfL has seen a reduction in physical incidents against directly employed staff, the overall figures remain a concern.

TfL outlined its commitment to tackling work-related violence and aggression through its strategy, including conflict management training, body-worn video cameras, and the deployment of Transport Support Enforcement Officers (TSEOs). However, the panel's testimonies suggested a significant gap between TfL's stated zero-tolerance policy and the lived experiences of its staff, particularly regarding middle management's response and the perceived victim-blaming culture.

The discussion also touched upon the unique challenges faced by privately employed drivers, such as those in the taxi and private hire vehicle (PHV) sector. Concerns were raised about the lack of direct TfL support, the acceptance of audio recordings as evidence, and the need for collaboration between TfL, app operators, and the police to ensure repeat offenders are banned and drivers receive adequate support.

The committee also explored the impact of wider societal issues, such as anti-immigrant sentiment, on hate crimes experienced by transport workers, particularly those from global majority backgrounds. The need for a more coordinated approach between TfL, police, and app operators was stressed, alongside a call for transport workers to be classified as emergency workers.

Finally, the committee discussed the potential for a standalone offence for assaults on transport workers, similar to that for retail workers, to provide greater legal protection and signal the seriousness of these incidents. TfL representatives expressed their support for this legislative change.

The committee concluded by noting the report and delegating authority to the Chair to agree any output arising from the discussion. The work programme and the date of the next meeting were also noted.