'Safe zones' set up in West Yorkshire bus stations

Leeds Bus StationImage source, Hana Kelly/BBC
Image caption,

The zones will be put in place at every staffed bus station in West Yorkshire

  • Published

So-called "safe zones" are to be set up at bus stations across West Yorkshire in a bid to improve passenger safety.

West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) has announced plans to employ specially trained personnel at every staffed bus station in the region.

WYCA said anyone who feels "unsafe or at risk of harm" will be able to turn to staff to get the support they need.

It is the latest initiative from regional bosses to improve safety on public transport.

At the end of last year, a £1m scheme put 15 PCSOs on full-time patrol across bus stations and buses around the county.

Speaking then, West Yorkshire mayor Tracy Brabin said: "Everyone should feel safe in West Yorkshire, and that includes when travelling on public transport."

In August Arriva stopped running its 126 Dewsbury-Wakefield service visiting Ossett due to concerns about safety. It was only reinstated after security was laid on.

Last week First bus suspended services to the Farnley area of Leeds following a spate of anti-social behaviour.

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