Enforcement officers with the power to dish-out fixed penalty notices will patrol Greater Anglia trains and stations in a new half-a-million-pound initiative.

The rail operator is rolling out Transport Safety Officers (TSOs) as part of a joint project aimed at improving safety across its Essex network.

In collaboration with local and county councils, including Thurrock, Southend-on-Sea, and Essex, alongside a £490,000 grant from the Department for Transport, the six TSOs will patrol targeted areas between Southend Victoria and Clacton-on-Sea.

Along with promoting safety and maintaining public order, the officers also hold powers to issue fines for anti-social actions.

Matt Wakefield, Greater Anglia’s head of Safety, Security and Sustainability, said: "We are very pleased to welcome TSOs to our network.

"TSOs are committed to reducing anti-social behaviour and violence against women and girls by working with other established agencies, fostering a safe, inclusive environment for all.

"They will patrol throughout the day and into the evening, visiting stations, boarding trains, and helping anyone who is vulnerable, distressed, or in need of some assistance."

Working alongside Greater Anglia, c2c, Ensign Buses, and law enforcement agencies such as the British Transport Police and Essex Police, the TSOs will primarily focus on "engaging and educating," but will enforce fines when necessary.