This snapshot, taken on
15/07/2006
, shows web content acquired for preservation by The National Archives. External links, forms and search may not work in archived websites and contact details are likely to be out of date.
 
 
The UK Government Web Archive does not use cookies but some may be left in your browser from archived websites.

Public services all in one place
Skip Navigation

Main Navigation

Saturday, 15 July 2006

Travel and transport

Bus and coach safety

Buses are a great way of getting around but there are certain steps you should take to ensure your safety while travelling, particularly if you are travelling at night or on your own.

Personal security

When travelling alone:

  • keep an eye on your bags
  • do not put your wallet in your back pocket
  • if you are a visitor to the area, try to keep your camera and map out of sight as much as possible

If you are travelling late at night:

  • check timetables to limit your waiting time
  • keep looking around you to make yourself less of a target for thieves
  • stay in well lit areas in and around bus stops and stations
  • try and arrange to be met

Mobile phone safety

There are simple precautions you can take to help prevent you from becoming a victim, and methods of making your phone difficult to use if stolen:

  • before taking out your mobile, check to see who is around and position yourself in a way that will make it more difficult for thieves
  • try to be where a CCTV can see you
  • record the details of your mobile; its reference number and PIN 
  • always use the keypad lock function
  • register your mobile with the service provider
  • avoid talking on your mobile while walking
  • report a theft to the police and to your mobile service provider as soon as possible

Dealing with bus crime

Bus crime can range from assaults and anti-social behaviour to vandalism and other problems such as the behaviour of school children on school buses.

The bus industry, along with the Department for Transport, is helping to tackle such crime, not only by fitting alarms and protective screens around drivers and CCTV in buses but also by training staff to deal effectively with any incidents.

Although crime against passengers is rare on buses, if you do experience or witness such a crime you should call the police.

Accidents involving buses/coaches

The police are responsible for investigating all road traffic accidents.

If it is reported by the police that a collision may have been caused by a defect that was as a result of lack of maintenance, then the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency's (VOSA) Vehicle Safety Branch can investigate the incident.

If the collision is discovered to have been caused by a design or construction fault then VOSA will require the manufacturer to carry out a Safety Recall.

In this section...

Secondary Navigation - links to other pages in this section

Current section:

Bus and coach travel

Global Tools - quick links to useful sections