Toulouse. SNCF authorized to search travelers by pat-down
While the international theater festival in rue d’Aurillac runs until August 20, all travelers taking the train between Toulouse and Figeac are likely to be frisked by SNCF agents. They are exceptionally authorized to do so.
The kick-off of the Aurillac International Street Theater Festival has been given since August 17th. The festivities run until Saturday, August 20. Many people perform there by train. And all travelers using the SNCF train line between Toulouse and Figeac until August 21 are subject to a pat-down search at the Matabiau station, as pointed out our colleagues from France 3.
An exceptional authorization for the SNCF on the Toulouse-Figeac line
The SNCF obtained the authorization to do so on a temporary and exceptional basis. Indeed, on August 12, the prefect of Haute-Garonne granted an exemption to the railway company authorizing it to conduct security pat-downs on users of the Toulouse-Figeac line.
” When the situation requires it, such as the organization of important events like the Aurillac street theater festival, the prefectures can authorize the agents of the internal security service of the SNCF to carry out security searches”, justifies the communication service of the SNCF to France 3. is based on events and crowds, as for this festival. »
This possibility is justified by the existence of threats to public security. It should be noted that the authorization granted to the SNCF comes within the framework of the activation of the Vigipirate plan at its level “Reinforced security – risk of attacks on the territory”. Separately, train company officers are part of a significant increase in stabbing discoveries during baggage inspections on trains.