PCSOs responsible for policing Newport’s bus network have done their first year in the job.
The four PCSOs are sponsored by travel company Newport Bus in a three-year deal with Gwent Police in south Wales, with an option for both parties to extend the deal at the end of the term. Last March, Newport Bus announced they will pay £180,000 over the three years for the PCSOs and services from police officers when required.Gwent Police has managed and additionally funded the project with the help of Home Office grants.
The PCSO team provides a presence on Newport’s bus network with the aim of reducing crime and antisocial behaviour. They can also use traffic enforcement powers, similar to those of a traffic warden, to help with the smooth running of roads used by buses in the city.
Since their appointment in March 2008 the Newport Bus PCSO team has:
• Assisted 55 arrests
• Issued 343 fixed penalty tickets
• Stopped and searched 202 people
• Made 32 seizures of alcohol
• Significantly reduced criminal damage to buses
A passenger survey carried out by Newport Bus last month revealed that 44% of people feel safer on the bus network since the beginning of the PCSO initiative, 83% have seen a PCSO on the bus network, and 34% have spoken to one of the PCSOs during their journey.
Inspector Colin Prosser, of Newport Central Police Station, said: "The PCSOs have worked hard with bus drivers and Community Safety Wardens to eradicate problems on the transport network in Newport. Through regularly accompanying drivers on the city’s main bus routes they have had many opportunities to reassure and engage with passengers. They are also on hand to deal with incidents of anti-social behaviour as they arise to the benefit of the wider community." Managing director of Newport Bus Trevor Roberts added:
"The partnership arrangement with Gwent Police and the introduction of PCSOs to the bus network in Newport has delivered a reduction in the number vandalism incidents, the creation of a safer travelling environment, and many benefits to the free flowing of the bus services in and around the city centre. Newport Bus looks forward to building and developing the partnership further in the next year."
