The Department for Transport, as part of the Government's Anti-Social Behaviour Action Plan, has allocated £2.5 million over a span of two years to initiate the expansion of the West Midlands' Transport Safety Officer model to other regions of England, including here in Lancashire.
Transport Safety Officers, a specialized team of professionals, have been specifically trained to address low-level nuisance and disorder, focusing on hotspot routes and locations across the country.
Today Lancashire County Council has been confirmed as one of the four local authorities selected to participate in this pilot scheme, representing a significant step in the ongoing commitment to tackling anti-social behaviour.
Commenting Antony Higginbotham, Burnley and Padiham’s MP said:
Public transport is an essential for many and I want as many residents as possible to access it. A big part of that is affordability which is why I welcomed the extension of the £2 bus fare cap only a couple of weeks back.
But we also need to recognise the negative impact anti-social behaviour can have for those using the buses and trains. It’s this type of low level ASB that can put people off and is why we need to nip it in the bud. I’m pleased to see that the positive work taking place in the West Midlands is being brought to Lancashire in this new pilot scheme.
The objective is to have Transport Safety Officers fully operational by the end of January 2024, with the pilots continuing until March 2025. Government officials are collaborating closely with the participating pilot areas to provide support and guidance throughout the implementation process.
