Surveillance cameras on Belgian trains

Railway operator SNCB has equipped some of its new fleet with surveillance cameras in order to curb physical attacks on both staff and passengers, it announced yesterday. More than 300 ‘Desiro’ trains, built by Siemens, have been equipped with the devices.  Last year, there were 1,178 reported attacks on SNCB staff, a 4% drop on the previous year (1,230). The new surveillance system was activated on Monday and allows for the entire train to be covered by cameras and, if necessary, for perpetrators of violence or vandalism to be identified. This device, like the presence of Securail agents, is meant to act as a deterrent, SNCB explains, adding that the use of surveillance cameras on trains complies with the privacy laws. The railway operator also wants its next order of trains to come with built-in surveillance cameras.