Crime-cutting night bus experiment may be repeated

The Night Bus in North Devon has impressed police and the councils that funded it

An experimental night bus service designed to cut anti-social behaviour in north Devon has proven so successful it may return next year.

Police suggested it to help tackle the typical summer rise in crime and anti-social behaviour associated with longer evenings and increased population as holidaymakers flood in.

Crime and anti-social behaviour fell by 35% compared with the same period the previous year, while town centres cleared of people more quickly once pubs and clubs had closed.

"It's difficult to know how many crimes we managed to prevent but it's heartening that those on a night out felt confident and reassured to use this handy form of public transport," said Sgt Dave Flynn of Devon and Cornwall Police.

Getting home safely

There were also fewer drink-driving offences than the year before - an outcome the force's police and crime commissioner Alison Hernandez had hoped for when the service launched.

"Getting home safely, whether from work or a night out in town, should not be a nice-to-have, it should be a given,” she said.

"All women and girls deserve to stay safe at night and feel confident that their safety is our concern.

“This bus service offers people the opportunity to leave their cars at home, safe in the knowledge they have a cheap and convenient way of getting home safely."

'Successful and much-valued'

Torridge and North Devon councils said feedback from a 2023 trial and the Saturday service in July, August and September had been positive.

Councillor Philip Hackett, who represents Broadheath, said Torridge District Council would consider funding the service again.

North Devon Council contributed £750 towards the night bus but said it would see if it could find more money, describing the service as “successful and much-valued”.

The service was set up by the police and funded by Devon County Council, North Devon Council, Torridge District Council, Cornwall County Council, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner and Crimestoppers.

Operated by Stagecoach, it covered Bideford, Barnstaple and Ilfracombe, carrying 1,485 passengers who paid a government-subsidised maximum fare of £2 per journey.

"We’re delighted with the results," said Stagecoach South West. "Being part of an initiative that has provided a safe and affordable evening travel option for people that has made a clear positive impact on the community is fantastic."