Eleven bus stops at Grimsby Riverhead Exchange now have CCTV coverage to help combat anti-social behaviour in the area, creating a safer environment for bus passengers and bus drivers.
Four new CCTV cameras have been installed to cover bus stops A to L, and these cameras will not only prevent anti-social behaviour at bus stops, but will also reduce security costs, prevent crime and vandalism, and make bus drivers feel safer.
The initiative transpired after the Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) surveys concluded that people didn’t feel safe at bus stops, particularly those across the town centre.
Cllr Stewart Swinburn, portfolio holder for environment and transport, said: “It’s great to see CCTV cameras being used to prevent anti-social behaviour at bus stops in the local town centre. We are sure that they will have a positive impact for local people and bus drivers by creating a greater sense of security and reassurance. I am looking forward to seeing the impact of the new CCTV cameras which will hopefully prevent vandalism and anti-social behaviour in the Riverhead area.”
Lani Lamming, Enhanced Bus Quality Partnership Coordinator at Equans, added: “From the results of both the 2021 and 2023 surveys, we knew that it was crucial to provide more security at our bus stops for individuals, students and families to help them feel safe and more comfortable when boarding and disembarking the bus in the town centre. We hope to see bus passenger numbers increase as a result of the new CCTV cameras as survey responses suggested safety around the bus stops is one of the things which deters people from using the bus.”
Roads Minister Richard Holden said: “People up and down the country deserve a modern, reliable, and affordable public transport system. That is why we have provided North East Lincolnshire Council with over £5.2 million to boost its bus services. Supporting the council with introducing CCTV at 11 bus stops across the Grimsby Riverhead Exchange is great for local residents, who will now be able to use the bus more safely and with greater piece of mind.”
Matthew Cranwell, Managing Director at Stagecoach, added: “This is a big matter for our customers and staff, given the antisocial behaviour in the area. Security is always listed as one of the key drivers for customer satisfaction, and as a key interchange point this is critical to help with getting passenger numbers up.”
Article and image from NELC.
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