London Councils’ TEC Executive Sub Committee London Assembly Investigation into Item no: 11 Combating Crime and Disorder on the Bus Network Report by: Ruth Bradshaw Date: 13 September 2007 Contact Officer: Ruth Bradshaw Telephone: 020 7934 9909 Summary Job title: Email: Transport and Planning Section Manager [email protected] The London Assembly Transport Committee is currently investigating crime and disorder on London’s buses. On 12 July 2007, London Councils TEC Executive members received a report on crime and anti-social behaviour by young people on buses and agreed to gather evidence on this problem to submit to the London Assembly investigation. This paper provides details of the proposed London Councils’ evidence to be submitted to the Assembly’s investigation. Recommendations The Committee is recommended to comment on and agree that the paper in Appendix 1 be submitted as evidence to the London Assembly investigation into combating crime and disorder on the bus network. Background 1. The London Assembly Transport Committee is currently investigating crime and disorder on London’s buses. Further details on this investigation can be downloaded from: http://www.london.gov.uk/assembly/transport/2007/jun07/item07.pdf 2. The terms of reference for the investigation are: to conduct a review of the measures TfL have put in place to deal with crime and anti-social behaviour on the bus network and the extent to which they help passengers feel safe; and to establish what staffing and technological measures would make people feel safer on the bus network and the extent to which these correspond to TfL’s current policies towards the allocation of such resources. 3. The investigation does not focus specifically on the behaviour of young people. However, at their meeting on 12 July 2007, London Councils TEC Executive members received a report on crime and anti-social behaviour by young people on buses and agreed to gather information on this problem to submit to the London Assembly investigation. The report Combating Crime and Disorder on the Bus Network TEC Executive Sub Committee - 13 September 2007 Agenda Item 11, Page 1 discussed concerns about the increase in criminal and anti-social behaviour by young people on buses and the Mayor’s free travel scheme for young people. It also looked at some of the measures to address young people’s behaviour on buses. 4. The London Assembly has written to TEC requesting a written submission to the investigation. They are particularly interested in TEC’s views on the following questions: TfL have recently brought in a variety of measures designed to make the bus network safer, such as CCTV and Safer Transport Teams. Are these the right measures to ensure people feel safe when using buses? Do you think TfL have the right mix of measures (in terms of staffing and technology) on the bus network to reduce anti-social behaviour and create a pleasant travelling environment? Are there any examples of best practice you know of that could be applied to the bus network? Examples could include initiatives from other parts of the country or other modes of transport other than buses. What more needs to be done to ensure passenger safety and perceptions of safety on the bus network? 5. London Councils asked transport policy officers and community safety officers in boroughs for their views on these questions and other evidence they would like to submit to the Assembly’s investigation. Responses were received from Bexley, Bromley, Camden, Havering, Islington, Merton, Richmond, Southwark and Wandsworth. 6. The Assembly has also written to London Councils Social Policy and Grants Division (as they have policy responsibility for Chiildren and Young People’s services), with a separate set of questions. This response is in preparation and London Councils officers will ensure that the two responses are consistent. Main issues to be covered in London Councils’ submission to the Assembly 7. London Councils’ draft submission to the Assembly is attached as Appendix 1. The main points that London Councils will be emphasising are as follows: Providing free travel for young people: There are clearly benefits to allowing young people to use the bus network for free in terms of allowing them to access opportunities they would not otherwise have. However, several boroughs expressed concerns about some bus routes being overtaken by young people. London Councils welcomes the changes being introduced to the policy on withdrawal of free travel but believes that this will only be effective if TfL takes swift action against the minority of young people who are causing trouble and prevent them from using the network. Young people are themselves being deterred from travelling and the majority will benefit from measures to tackle troublemakers as they are disproportionately likely to be the victims of crime by other young people. Evidence provided by Islington CID (based on data from crimes which are ‘flagged’ and therefore not definitive) shows that the victims of crimes by young people are most likely to be aged between 11-25. Young people need to be made clearly aware that free bus travel is a privilege not a right and will be removed if they engage in antisocial behaviour. London Councils believes that, in consultation with young people, there may be a case to impose time limits on the use of free Oyster cards. Addressing school travel: Residents from several boroughs have indicated that they do not like using public transport when school pupils are about, due to their Combating Crime and Disorder on the Bus Network TEC Executive Sub Committee - 13 September 2007 Agenda Item 11, Page rude and inconsiderate behaviour which can sometimes cause delays to buses. In addition, evidence provided by Islington CID (based on data from crimes which are ‘flagged’ and therefore not definitive) shows that the peak time for offences is between 1600-1759, co-inciding with the after school travel period. London Councils believes that the targeted use of school buses by TfL could reduce a significant area of friction and the wider benefits for all bus passengers would justify the cost associated with providing dedicated vehicles. Those boroughs where there is already work with local schools recognise the benefits this brings in terms of providing greater awareness to young people of how they should behave on buses and the consequences of not behaving. TfL should expand its work with schools and should introduce some form of recognition for students with good behaviour on buses to encourage schools to get involved. The London Councils draft evidence (in Appendix 1) includes a number of examples of initiatives with schools. The need for increased staffing on buses: It is clear that the best way to combat crime and anti-social behaviour is to have a greater staff presence on buses. London Councils believes that the selective re-introduction of bus conductors would provide a number of advantages. Not only would it enhance people’s safety and perceptions of safety but there would also be benefits in terms of customer service, revenue protection and heightened awareness of potential acts of terrorism. The London Councils draft evidence provides a number of other suggestions for an increased staff presence on the bus network. Data on incidents on the bus network: Concerns have been raised about the accuracy and quality of the database used to record incidents on the buses. It has been reported that there are still considerable difficulties in verifying the data that is stored, particularly in terms of the location of incidents and identifying which borough they take place in, for example, where only a road name is supplied and that road crosses a borough boundary. Although there are plans to improve the sharing of data across agencies, particular concern has been expressed about the London Analyst Support Site (LASS) which records all incidents on buses. It has been reported that this is constantly out of date, with the most current data running up to August 2006 which creates difficulties in proactively responding to crime trends. The police in one area are going to introduce mandatory flagging for all bus related crime so that there is a clearer picture of the extent of the problem. TfL should be encouraging this to take place across all boroughs. Timetable 8. London Councils has agreed a deadline of 14 September 2007 for submitting evidence to the London Assembly’s investigation. The London Assembly Transport Committee will be holding hearings in connection with this investigation on 30 October and 21 November with the aim of publishing a report of its findings early in the New Year. Recommendation 9. The Committee is recommended to comment on and agree that the paper in Appendix 1 be submitted as evidence to the London Assembly investigation into combating crime and disorder on the bus network. Financial Implications for London Councils There are no financial implications for the boroughs or London Councils arising from this report. However, if the free travel scheme were to be removed, there may be an increase in the costs that boroughs have to pay for school journeys where pupils are eligible for statutory school transport. Legal Implications for London Councils Combating Crime and Disorder on the Bus Network TEC Executive Sub Committee - 13 September 2007 Agenda Item 11, Page There are no legal implications for the boroughs or London Councils arising from this report. Equalities Implications for London Councils There is some evidence that young people from low income families have benefited the most from the free travel scheme and would, therefore, be the ones who would lose out if the scheme was withdrawn or time limits imposed. Combating Crime and Disorder on the Bus Network TEC Executive Sub Committee - 13 September 2007 Agenda Item 11, Page Appendix 1: Draft evidence to be submitted to the London Assembly Transport Committee Roger Evan AM Chairman of the London Assembly Transport Committee City Hall The Queen’s Walk London SE1 2AA Contact: Direct line: Fax: Email: Nick Lester 020 7934 9905 020 7934 9932 [email protected] .uk Our 070913 TEC EXEC reference: Your reference: Date: 13 September 2007 Dear Mr Evan Combating crime and disorder on the bus network Thank you for your letter of 31 July 2007. London Councils is pleased to take up this opportunity to submit written evidence to your Committee’s investigation into crime and disorder on London’s bus network. London Councils Transport and Environment Committee (TEC) is a statutory joint committee representing all 32 London boroughs and the City of London. In addition, Transport for London is a member of London Councils TEC. It is the main voice of the London boroughs and of their electorates on a wide range of issues relating to transport and the environment in London and related matters of concern to Londoners. It also carries out a number of statutory functions and works closely with the Local Government Association and with many private, voluntary and public sector bodies. The attached annex contains London Councils’ response to the questions in your letter. We would particularly like to highlight the following issues: Providing free travel for young people: There are clearly benefits to allowing young people to use the bus network for free in terms of allowing them to access opportunities they would not otherwise have. However, several boroughs have expressed concerns about some bus routes being overtaken by young people. There is some evidence from consultation by boroughs showing that people are less likely to use buses now as they feel that young people travelling in large groups are likely to cause trouble. There is also anecdotal evidence of gang fights taking place on buses. London Councils welcomes the changes being introduced to the policy on withdrawal of free travel but believes that this will only be effective if TfL takes swift action against the minority of young people who are causing trouble and prevent them from using the network. Young people are themselves being deterred from travelling and the majority will benefit from measures to tackle troublemakers as they are disproportionately likely to be the victims of crime by other young people. Evidence provided by Islington CID (based on data from crimes which are ‘flagged’ and therefore not definitive) shows that the victims of crimes by young people are most Combating Crime and Disorder on the Bus Network TEC Executive Sub Committee - 13 September 2007 Agenda Item 11, Page likely to be aged between 11-25. Young people need to be made clearly aware that free bus travel is a privilege not a right and will be removed if they engage in anti-social behaviour. London Councils believes that, in consultation with young people, there may be a case to impose time limits on the use of free Oyster cards. The technology should allow this to be done an age basis e.g. 14 year olds would not be allowed to travel after 10pm. Addressing school travel: Residents from several boroughs have indicated that they do not like using public transport when school pupils are about, due to their rude and inconsiderate behaviour which can sometimes cause delays to buses. There are regular requests from residents for more school buses at sites where high numbers of pupils overwhelm scheduled services at the end of the school day. Some elderly residents state that they feel excluded from using bus services during these times for fear of being knocked over. In addition, evidence provided by Islington CID (based on data from crimes which are ‘flagged’ and therefore not definitive) shows that the peak time for offences is between 1600-1759, co-inciding with the after school travel period. London Councils believes that the targeted use of school buses by TfL could reduce a significant area of friction and the wider benefits for all bus passengers would justify the cost associated with providing dedicated vehicles. Schools should be more involved with their pupils’ behaviour on the bus system and providing dedicated vehicles would encourage this as the buses would be linked to a particular school. Those boroughs where there is already work with local schools recognise the benefits this brings in terms of providing greater awareness to young people of how they should behave on buses and the consequences of not behaving. TfL should expand its work with schools and should introduce some form of recognition for students with good behaviour on buses to encourage schools to get involved. The issue of behaviour on buses should also be addressed as part of school travel plans. The annex includes a number of other suggestions for addressing school travel. The need for increased staffing on buses: It is clear that the best way to combat crime and anti-social behaviour is to have a greater staff presence on buses. London Councils believes that the selective re-introduction of bus conductors would provide a number of advantages. Not only would it enhance people’s safety and perceptions of safety but there would also be benefits in terms of customer service, revenue protection and heightened awareness of potential acts of terrorism. The annex provides a number of other suggestions for an increased staff presence on the bus network. Data on incidents on the bus network: Concerns have been raised about the accuracy and quality of the database used to record incidents on the buses. It has been reported that there are still considerable difficulties in verifying the data that is stored, particularly in terms of the location of incidents and identifying which borough they take place in, for example, where only a road name is supplied and that road crosses a borough boundary. Although there are plans to improve the sharing of data between agencies, particular concern has been expressed about the current state of the London Analyst Support Site (LASS) which records all incidents on buses. It has been reported that this is constantly out of date, with the most current data running up to August 2006 which creates difficulties in proactively responding to crime trends. The police in one area are going to introduce mandatory flagging for all bus related crime so that there is a clearer picture of the extent of the problem. TfL should be encouraging this to take place across all boroughs. I hope you find this submission useful. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to discuss any aspect of this submission in further detail. Yours sincerely Combating Crime and Disorder on the Bus Network TEC Executive Sub Committee - 13 September 2007 Agenda Item 11, Page Cllr Daniel Moylan Chair of London Councils’ Transport and Environment Committee Combating Crime and Disorder on the Bus Network TEC Executive Sub Committee - 13 September 2007 Agenda Item 11, Page Annex: Response to the Committee’s questions 1. TfL have recently brought in a variety of measures designed to make the bus network safer, such as CCTV and Safer Transport Teams. Are these the right measures to ensure people feel safe when using buses? London Councils is generally supportive of the measures introduced by TfL, but would like to see an increased emphasis on crime prevention and tackling anti-social behaviour in the future. Anti-social behaviour can have a significant impact on passengers’ perceptions of safety. We would like to make the following points about particular measures: CCTV - There are mixed views about CCTV. Although it can help people feel safer as well as contribute evidence to be used in criminal investigations, CCTV does not always function properly or provide images of sufficient quality and it may have a limited ‘life’. If the relevant bus is not identified within a few days of an incident then the evidence can be lost if the tape is reused. In the past, there have been difficulties using CCTV evidence from buses in the legal system but it is understood that this is no longer the case and this fact should be highlighted to a wider audience. Some concern has been expressed about the lack of visibility of CCTV on the upper decks of certain double deck buses. The Bus Tag database has been highlighted as a good way of publicising the use of CCTV on buses and it would be good to see this extended further. London Councils believes that CCTV has a role to play in combating crime but it should not replace or reduce the deployment of police patrols on the bus network. Safer Transport Teams (STT) – Although there has not yet been any evaluation of their effectiveness, those boroughs that already have STT are supportive of the initiative but felt the existence of the teams needed to be more widely publicised, especially on the vehicles themselves, with clear contact details for them. It was felt that the numbers of officers across the network needs to be increased to create a wider feeling of safety and that more thought needed to be given to the make-up of Safer Transport Teams. In one example cited, the team had 18 Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs), two sergeants and one constable, making it very difficult for the sergeants to organise their time. There is also some concern from inner London boroughs about the fact that STTs have been placed only in the outer London boroughs. London Councils believes that the STT initiative should be evaluated and, if found to be successful, should be rolled out to all London boroughs and the number of officers increased, with careful consideration given to the make-up of teams to ensure they can operate effectively. 2. Do you think TfL have the right mix of measures (in terms of staffing and technology) on the bus network to reduce anti-social behaviour and create a pleasant travelling environment? At the moment, there seems to be too much reliance on technology in the mix of measures employed and London Councils believes that more needs to be done to increase staffing levels on the bus network. There is only so much technology can do to enhance people’s perceptions of safety and improve their travelling experience and an increased staff presence would make it clear that surveillance is taking place. The removal of conductors and the introduction of Oystercards means passengers generally have no contact with any member of staff on board, except possibly on boarding the bus, as most people no longer have to speak to anyone to pay their fare. More staff on buses would not only reassure passengers but lead to increased revenue as it would be harder to get away without paying a fare. TfL should, therefore, consider selective reintroduction of conductors. It is suggested that the focus should be on high frequency routes served by bendy buses and double decker buses.. Combating Crime and Disorder on the Bus Network TEC Executive Sub Committee - 13 September 2007 Agenda Item 11, Page Boroughs welcome the fact that officers from the Transport Operational Command Unit (TOCU) are available on bus routes. However, there is some concern that targeting services where crime is happening, just moves the problem on to another route and it is important that additional uniformed staff are deployed selectively across the network to act as a deterrent. Although the re-introduction of conductors would be London Councils preferred solution, there are a number of other possibilities for increasing the staff presence on the bus network. For example, some boroughs are already working in partnership with TfL to increase the presence of PCSOs on the bus network. In Southwark, community wardens are prepared to use buses as part of their patrolling function between the hours of 8.30am and midnight. However, this would only be financially viable if the wardens could travel free of charge. London Councils believes that community wardens in Southwark and other boroughs that wish to adopt this initiative should be able to travel free of charge on buses in recognition of the important role that they can play in tackling anti-social behaviour on the bus network. A short bus ride by a uniformed officer is likely to have a significant impact on anti-social behaviour on that vehicle. 3. Are there any examples of best practice you know of that could be applied to the bus network? Examples could include initiatives from other parts of the country or other modes of transport other than buses. London Councils would like to highlight one particular example of best practice from a borough which we believe could be applied more widely across the bus network, with the right support from TfL. Camden has recently worked with TfL to move and redesign a bus stop which was felt to be contributing to high crime levels. The bus stop was a major robbery/theft hotspot where the pavement becomes too narrow due to waiting passengers standing around and people wanting to go past into a large supermarket. The temporary resiting of the bus stop was agreed on community safety grounds and its design was reviewed to further reduce the opportunity to commit crime. The new bus stop was located to the rear of the footway rather than adjacent to the carriageway, its ‘end boards’ were removed and clear glass rear panels inserted to maintain clear sight lines along the footway and through the bus stop area. Since the move in March 2007, there has been a reduction in the number of thefts and it is anticipated that there will be a reduction in other types of crime too. There are also anecdotal reports from local police and local business and community representatives of a noticeable improvement in the area. A more detailed analysis of the impacts of the bus stop move on street based crime and anti-social behaviour should be available by the end of October. However, this move only came about after extensive discussions with TfL and a vast amount of partnership working. London Councils believes that TfL should do more to simplify and speed up the process when a borough wishes to move a bus stop as a crime reduction measure. There are also a couple of good examples of boroughs working with schools to address the issue of young people’s travel. For example, Wandsworth Council has provided secondary schools with advice on travelling responsibly and safely by bus, with performances by a theatre company of a show called ‘Driving Ms Daisy’. Wandsworth also encourages primary schools to book the ‘safety and citizenship’ programme run by the London Transport Museum as part of their preparation for the journey to secondary school. In Brent, there has been a successful pilot to reduce anti-social behaviour on local buses used by students from two local schools. The project included a greater staff presence at the school gates, the involvement of youth workers on the bus network and engagement with local bus drivers to ensure their support. It has resulted in a reduction in anti-social behaviour and the development of a better relationship between young people and bus drivers. Full details of this project will be included in the response which London Councils’ Childrens Services will be submitting to this investigation. London Councils has a range of other suggestions, some of which are based on experience from other modes or other cities. These include: Combating Crime and Disorder on the Bus Network TEC Executive Sub Committee - 13 September 2007 Agenda Item 11, Page Introducing train-station style Help/Emergency Call Points linked to CCTV at bus stops, perhaps starting with those that have the highest crime rates or where the fear of crime is greatest. Taxi Marshals – These have been introduced in Leicester Square and piloted in other parts of London and around the country. Their role is to manage late-night taxi queues. A similar scheme could be introduced to manage bus queues at school closing time and other busy times. Train companies often employ additional platform staff at busy stations to despatch trains and assist passengers and the same principle could be applied to buses. Increasing security staff on night services – Passengers may even be prepared to pay a premium for such a service. Existing examples include a dedicated University night service in Brighton and Hove which operates with onboard security marshals. There are also examples in Manchester and on South West Trains. Increasing staffing levels generally – in addition to the driver, Amsterdam trams have an officer on board who checks tickets, gives out information and ensures that people behave well. Further use of measures aimed at dispersal and conflict avoidance, including those designed to deter excessive loitering at bus stations (such as bright lighting or the playing of certain types of music considered to be “unpleasant” by young people). An initiative of this type would need to be introduced with careful consideration of the impacts on residents and businesses in surrounding areas. First, to ensure that the problem behaviour is deterred and not simply shifted away from the transport hub to another location and secondly, to ensure that the amenity of the area is not diminished by increased noise or visual pollution. Extra training for bus drivers such as the conflict avoidance training for drivers provided by Travel West Midlands to equip staff with the skills needed to anticipate and diffuse conflict and the training provided by First Bus to improve driver skills on bus services used by significantly high numbers of young people. The latter also involved young people and sought to improve the perceptions which young people and drivers have of each other. School visits by TfL/operators’ staff to educate and build bridges with young people, as happens in the SAFE project in South Yorkshire. This includes the SAFEmarks awards which are granted to schools that demonstrate concern about and implement a structured response to their school transport issues. Competitions for young people: The Home Office has recently run a national competition asking school students to design publicity material aimed at discouraging vandalism in their area. Not only has the competition raised awareness among students of the problems caused by vandalism but it has also provided the Home Office with new ideas about how to get messages about the impact and consequences of vandalism across to young people. TfL should consider running a similar competition in London focused on crime on buses. 4. What more needs to be done to ensure passenger safety and perceptions of safety on the bus network? As already discussed above, the key thing that needs to be done is to increase the staff presence on the bus network and there are initiatives that TfL could introduce to encourage this, such as providing free travel for community wardens. There is a need for more staff on the bus network who deal not only with fare evasion but also with community safety issues. London Councils believes that the re-introduction of bus conductors would provide a number of advantages. Not only would it enhance people’s safety and perceptions of safety but there would also be benefits in terms of customer service, revenue protection and heightened awareness to potential acts of terrorism. Combating Crime and Disorder on the Bus Network TEC Executive Sub Committee - 13 September 2007 Agenda Item 11, Page In addition, London Councils would like to see the following issues considered when identifying measures to ensure passenger safety and perceptions of safety on the bus network: Sanctions against those who commit crime: London Councils welcomes the changes being introduced to the policy on withdrawal of free travel but believes that this will only be effective if TfL takes swift action against the minority of young people who are causing trouble and prevent them from using the network. Young people need to be made clearly aware that free bus travel is a privilege not a right and will be removed if they engage in anti-social behaviour. Bus drivers need to be made aware of the need to be consistent in ensuring the use of Oystercards for free travel (i.e. requiring all users to ‘touch-in’ for each journey), otherwise there is no means of enforcing any sanctions on those who abuse their free travel privilege. TfL also needs to give bus drivers greater support in ensuring the proper use of young people’s Oystercards. Drivers have a lot of other responsibilities and at busy times and at times when there is known to be trouble, proper enforcement is likely to require an additional staff member on the vehicle. It is unfair to expect bus drivers to deal with disruptive behaviour as well as check passes, sell tickets and drive the bus. An additional staff presence would be particularly useful on double deck buses, where misbehaviour tends to be concentrated on the upper deck, away from the driver. Time limits on the availability of free travel: London Councils believes that, in consultation with young people, there may be a case to impose time limits on the use of free Oyster cards. The technology should allow this to be done an age basis e.g. 14 year olds would not be allowed to travel after 10pm. Charging a nominal fee for child travel: Even if this was set as low as 20 pence, it would deter some of the unnecessary trips that are probably being made using the bus just as a place to “hang out” and would free up space for other passengers. Placing a value on the journey might also encourage better behaviour. Siting and design of bus stops: Bus stops are one of the most common venues for street crimes to occur and are natural flashpoints but as the Camden example above shows the siting and design of bus stops can have a significant impact on crime levels. For example, it is important to ensure that those used by large groups of schoolchildren or commuters are in locations with plenty of pavement room. London Councils believes that excessive advertising at bus stops should be avoided as this can mask antisocial behaviour or hide waiting passengers from wider surveillance. Types of vehicles used: There is extensive anecdotal evidence about the role of bendy buses as crime generators. In addition, to the ease of fare dodging on such vehicles, it has been suggested that the ease of access and lack of authority on board means that criminals can jump on and off undetected. More Borough Liaison Officers at TfL: One borough mentioned the important role that their Borough Liaison Officer plays in dealing with transport safety issues but were concerned that the Borough Liaison Officer’s workload seemed to be too great to allow them to do some things that might be particularly useful, such as attending regular police/council tasking meetings. The appointment of more Borough Liaison Officers by transferring them from other posts within TfL would allow closer liaison between TfL and the boroughs and better planning of partnership activities. This would also allow TfL to provide better feedback to boroughs which was another concern raised by boroughs who in turn need to be able to feed back to their residents about the safety concerns they have raised and possible solutions they may have suggested. Combating Crime and Disorder on the Bus Network TEC Executive Sub Committee - 13 September 2007 Agenda Item 11, Page
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