12 January 2004

SPT officer targets transport safety

Strathclyde Police and Strathclyde Passenger Transport have set the wheels in motion to implement crime reduction campaigns aimed at enhancing safety on public transport.

Constable Sharon McRoberts is Strathclyde Police's first officer dedicated to crime reduction campaigns directed towards the problem of stoning buses and general disorder and crime on buses.

The officer - usually based at Partick police office - has been seconded for one year to work full-time with Strathclyde Passenger Transport based in the City Centre at Consort House, West George Street, Glasgow.

The post is partly funded by Strathclyde Passenger Transport and supported by local authorities and West of Scotland transport companies.

Sharon said:

"I am looking forward to new challenge working with Strathclyde Passenger Transport and the partner organisations. By working together I believe that we can go some way towards resolving issues faced by transport companies and members of the public."

Councillor Alistair Watson, Chair of Strathclyde Passenger Transport said:

"Anti-social behaviour and violence toward bus drivers and passengers is simply unacceptable. Crime, and the fear of crime can prevent people using the bus, and can threaten the provision of some service, where attacks are frequent.

"We are delighted to be able to work with Strathclyde Police and transport operators to tackle this anti-social behaviour, and I welcome Constable Roberts to SPT. We are confident that this new position will improve safety for passengers and encourage more people to use the excellent services we have in the west of Scotland."

Strathclyde Police Assistant Chief Constable (Community Safety) John McLean added:

"Strathclyde Police is pleased to be working in partnership with Strathclyde Passenger Transport to tackle all aspects of public transport safety.

"Offences such as the stoning of buses and general disorder on buses can all have an extremely negative impact on our communities. They can contribute to the fear of crime and can have damaging long-term effects on communities.

"No single organisation can tackle these crimes and offences alone - it is vital that we work with our partner agencies.

"I am confident that this pilot initiative with Strathclyde Passenger Transport will lead to positive improvements in addressing crime on public transport."

ends

NOTES TO NEWS EDITORS

The full list of organisations that are contributing towards the cost:

SPT
East Ayrshire Council
East Dunbartonshire Council
North Ayrshire Council
North Lanarkshire Council
First Glasgow
Stagecoach Western
Arriva Scotland West
Scottish Citylink
McKindless Coaches
Henderson Travel
Hutchison's Coaches
Scottish Travel
Wilson's Coaches
Val-ew Tours
Allander Coaches