Safety on our railways

While sitting on a train back from York a week or so ago I noticed a half-full supermarket bag under a seat. I drew this to the attention of the ticket collector, remarking it was probably rubbish but enquiring whether it should be checked to ensure it contained nothing more sinister. He hooked it out with his foot and stamped on it.
"That's checked it," I observed dryly.
"Best way to check that sort of thing," he agreed, and, kicking it toward the end of the carriage added, "and now I'm going to check it all the way to the litter bin."
Oh how I'd have laughed had he blown his foot off or destroyed the carriage. I'd certainly have been glad I was travelling on a very cheap ticket.