Safer Travel on Buses and Coaches Panel (STOP)

We are determined to reduce crime and the fear of crime wherever it occurs on the public transport system, and particularly at bus stops and in bus and coach stations. Criminal and anti-social behaviour against bus and coach staff and passengers is quite unacceptable. We know that crime acts as a barrier to travelling on public transport

In 2002 the Department issued guidance to local authorities and bus operators on improving personal security for passengers and staff. `Get on board: An Agenda for Improving Personal security - Guidance and Case Studies' covers all parts of the journey, including stations, stops and shelters as well as on vehicles.

STOP has been established to look at ways to combat assaults, anti-social behaviour and vandalism on vehicles and property. The panel is working to bring together those involved in dealing with the issue of safety and security. Representatives of bus operators, unions, transport and local authorities, the police, passengers and Government Departments are members of the Panel.

The terms of reference for STOP are as follows:

• To bring together those agencies and other bodies that have a role to play in improving bus and coach security and to promote, encourage and co-ordinate relevant action by them.
• To commission regular data collection of assaults on bus and coach staff and passengers and of vandalism of vehicles and property.
• To consider problems arising in the collection of accurate bus and coach crime data and make recommendations for improvements.
• To commission related research as necessary on an ad hoc basis.
• To study the results of the regular data collection and any ad hoc research, facilitating the exchange of ideas between members with operational experience and professional expertise on good practice for combating the crime problems, and when necessary making recommendations for improvements.
• To disseminate information on good practice in improving personal security and tackling crime in bus and coach travel and consider the need for a code of practice for operators on preventing it and dealing with it when it occurs. If a need for such a code of practice is identified, to agree, disseminate and keep it under review.
• To keep Ministers appraised of trends and developments.