It is with great regret that BTPA announces the death of James King, aged 60, member for passenger interests and Scotland.
James passed away on Sunday 12 June. He had been a member of the Police Authority since its inception in 2004, including five years chairing the stakeholder relations committee.
Under his watch, BTP became more accountable and transparent to its colleagues in the rail industry, and James particularly invested himself in BTP’s work to more effectively engage with the diverse community it serves. He also helped pioneer BTP’s project to introduce neighbourhood policing teams on the railway.
BTPA chairman Millie Banerjee said: “I always admired James’s dedication and sense of duty. He had such a conscientious approach to his work, a trait all his colleagues will fondly remember, and he championed the interests of consumers in Scotland, particularly its rail passengers.
“His contribution to BTPA was huge, and he is a great loss. He will be sadly missed.”
Chief Constable Andy Trotter said: “James was a highly respected and valued BTPA member and our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time.
“James used his passion for the rail industry and, in particular its passengers, to make a real impact in his role on our Authority.
“He set an effective strategy for how BTP and BTPA liaised with the industry and was committed to diversity, leading on BTP’s National Independent Advisory Group for many years.”
David McCall, Assistant Chief Constable (Scotland) said, “As the Scottish member on the Police Authority, he was always in contact with me about policing issues in Scotland; not just those issues affecting BTP.
“His easy-going yet challenging style, I welcomed very much. He kept us all on our toes in Scotland but always in a straightforward and pleasant way.
“I will miss his wise counsel on all railway-related matters, as will all of our officers in Scotland who he made it his business to get to know.”
Colin Foxall, Passenger Focus Chairman and fellow BTPA member said: “We are all sad to learn of the passing of James King.
“James was a founder board member of Passenger Focus, a valued colleague and friend. He was an energetic and enthusiastic passenger champion, tireless in his commitment to passengers in Scotland and Great Britain. We shall miss James very much.”
James’s work for Passenger Focus goes back to 2002 when he was appointed a member of the then Rail Passengers Committee for Scotland. Previous to this he was Vice Chairman of the Rail Action Group East of Scotland. His extensive business and marketing expertise were greatly valued by both the board and staff at Passenger Focus.
A service of Thanksgiving will be held at St. Andrew Blackadder Church, High Street, North Berwick on Friday 1st July at 2.30 pm, to which all family, friends and colleagues are invited. Donations, if desired, to The Edington Cottage Hospital and The Railway Children.
For more information contact
Michael Daventry
British Transport Police Authority
Tel: 020 7383 5678
Email: [email protected]
About the BTPA
BTPA is an independent body of that oversees the British Transport Police. It is composed of 15 members who represent the rail operators and passengers. It maintains the force’s budget, allocates resources and makes senior appointments to the force. For more information, visit www.btpa.police.uk.
British Transport Police is the specialist, national police service for Britain’s railways. It deals with major and minor crime, disorder and incidents, and covers the rail system in England, Wales and Scotland. Its police officers, Police Community Support Officers, Special Constables and support staff are recruited and trained like those of local forces and have the same powers.