Bobbies on buses (From Free Press Series)

Bobbies on buses

TWO Cwmbran officers went on the buses as uniformed police are given free bus travel in bid to cut down on anti-social behaviour on public transport.

The scheme has been dubbed Bobbies on Buses and aims to prevent aggressive behaviour and stone throwing on buses by increasing the police presence.

The all-Wales scheme is open to all uniformed officers and police community support officers.

It was organised by the assembly government-funded Bus Users UK. The Bobbies on Buses scheme is supported by all four Welsh police forces. It follows a number of recent incidents involving anti-social behaviour on bus routes throughout Wales.

Ahead of this scheme launch Gwent police conducted a similar one with officers boarding buses to Trevethin after drivers and passengers reported vandals attacking the vehicles and anti-social behaviour on board.

Leo Markham, from Bus Users UK, said problems on the buses included feelings of unease while waiting or travelling on the bus, to social exclusion when services were withdrawn following incidents like stone throwing.

"The cost to bus operators is enormous and it is the bus user who ultimately pays the cost with higher fares," he said.

"We see this scheme as the start of even better co-operation between police and bus operators and one which can give a greater feeling of security to bus users.

"A decent, safe and secure public transport system is one of the hallmarks of a civilised society."

He added that a better incident reporting scheme was also being implemented to assess the scale of anti-social behaviour on bus routes around Wales.

Gwent Police Assistant Chief Constable, Bill Horne gave his support to the scheme, describing it as a "valuable tool".

"It will enable us to increase our visibility and accessibility to the public and therefore improve safety when travelling throughout the country," he said.