Transport Minister Tony McNulty today announced new guidance to help tackle crime on buses and coaches.
The revised guide "Protecting Bus and Coach Crews: A Practical Guide" offers up-to-date advice to bus and coach operators and staff on how they can reduce the risk of violence, anti-social behaviour and criminal damage.
In particular, the guidance offers clear steps for staff to take in the event of an incident. Developing a strategy and forming partnerships to deal with the risk of assaults and criminal damage, better reporting mechanisms, staff training, providing effective surveillance as well as how to deal with persistent offenders are just some of the measures outlined which operators can take.
Tony McNulty said,
" Buses are a vital means of transport for many people around the country. The Government is committed to quality bus services and the benefits that they bring for communities. We want services to meet the needs of passengers and to provide safe and reliable transport for the public.
"Those who provide this vital service to the travelling public are entitled to perform their work in safety and without abuse. The vast majority of bus and coach journeys are made safely but all too often bus crews are the target of assault and abuse.
"Crime and the fear of crime is not just an issue for the travelling public, it is also an issue for staff. If we are going to tackle the fear of crime on public transport we have to deal with all aspects of the journey and I welcome the publication of this guidance as a step in the right direction."
This guidance contains practical advice on how managers and staff can reduce the risk of violence, anti-social behaviour and criminal damage, not just on buses and coaches but at stops, garages and stations. It is based on good practice already in existence. The guidance has been updated and revised by the Safer Travel on Buses and Coaches Panel (STOP), which includes representatives from the unions, the police, transport operators, and local authorities.
Notes to editors
1. The guidance is comprised of two parts - a booklet for operators and a quick reference guide for staff. Both are available from the DfT website www.dft.gov.ukAlso from DfT free literature 0870 1226 236
2. The Safer Travel on Buses and Coaches Panel (STOP) was formed last year by Government to look at ways to combat assaults, anti-social behaviour and vandalism at stops and stations and on vehicles and property. The panel brings together those involved in dealing with the issue of safety and security, and includes operators, local authorities, police and unions. It is charged with the important task of facilitating the exchange of ideas and spreading best practice.
3. Attached is the document "Guidance on Protecting Bus & Coach Crews Case Study: Tracy Dunning", which documents one example of the abuse suffered by bus and coach crews.
