Media Centre

National Express Dundee cracks down on anti social behaviour

25 Jun 2009

National Express Dundee and Tayside Police have launched a crackdown on anti social behaviour and fare evasion through a series high visibility checks at bus stops throughout the city.

Over 140 vehicles were inspected by bus officials during the three day operation. Passengers found travelling with an invalid fare were issued with a £20 fixed penalty on the spot.

Inspectors from National Express Dundee, working in partnership with officers from Tayside Police, boarded the vehicles to check travel passes and fares.  Whilst the police officers did not board the buses, they were on hand to support public safety and protection of property.  Where necessary, checks were carried out with persons found committing offences.

Tony Dallison, Safer Travel Manager for National Express Dundee, said; “We want to reassure our customers that anti social behaviour will not be tolerated on our buses.  We’re pleased to be working in partnership with Tayside police and following the success of last week's operation we will continue to hold random gateway checks to identify people committing acts of anti social behaviour and fare evasion.”

The gateway operations took place at various locations in and around the City Centre, including Lochee, Stack Leisure Park, Arbroath Road, Royal Exchange and Whitehall Street earlier this month. 

National Express Dundee staff were joined by bus inspectors from sister company National Express West Midlands for the operation. High visibility checks have proven highly effective in Birmingham, where bus crime has reduced by a third over the past twelve months.

Bob McKelvie, Chairman for 723 Branch of the Union, commented: “The feedback from drivers has been positive and it is good to see the police supporting us out on buses.  We are pleased that this will be happening on a regular basis.”

National Express Dundee operates 132 vehicles across 32 routes throughout the city.
-ENDS-

For further information, please contact:
Carly O’Donnell
Tel: 0121 460 8867
Email: Carly.ODonnell@nationalexpress.com