Bus stations in West Yorkshire have launched “Safe Zones” to help protect passengers and people passing by. If anyone feels unsafe or thinks they might be in danger, they can ask for help from specially trained staff members.
This comes after the creation of a “Safer Travel” police team, which was set up with the help of West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin. As Mayor, she is in charge of setting the direction for West Yorkshire Police.
She has focused on getting more police officers and making things safer for women and girls.
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When visiting Huddersfield Bus Station, Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, Alison Lowe OBE, and Leader of Kirklees Council Councillor Cathy Scott, talked about their plan for a “Safe” West Yorkshire.
Their plan includes working with West Yorkshire Police and local leaders to reduce crime in neighbourhoods, stop people from reoffending, make people feel more confident in the police, and make women and girls feel safer.
Alison Lowe OBE, Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, said: “We’re dedicated to creating a safer, fairer West Yorkshire and this is the latest step. I would encourage anyone needing support to take advantage of the scheme, and the brilliant Safer Travel Team.”
Councillor Cathy Scott, Leader of Kirklees Council, expressed her delight at the launch of the Safe Mission at Huddersfield Bus Station. She said: “We’re delighted to be launching the Safe Mission at Huddersfield Bus Station with this initiative which will undoubtedly make a real difference to local people.”
“We are hugely committed to ensuring our residents and visitors are able to enjoy a safe environment and also have support available if they need it.”
“We are working with the Mayor, the police and community safety partners to keep residents safe, and deliver the West Yorkshire Plan, in building a brighter region for everyone.”
The Safer Travel Team is made up of 15 PCSOs led by a police sergeant. They patrol bus stations and buses with the aim of reducing crime and anti-social behaviour, increasing the safety of women and girls, and providing reassurance and protection for vulnerable travel users.
West Yorkshire’s Safe Zones were first launched by Kirklees District Crime Prevention Officers, Stephen Forrest and Sharon Charlesworth in 2022. Since then, over 240 zones have been created in Kirklees, and now the scheme is being extended to bus stations across West Yorkshire.
Stephen commented on the success of the scheme, saying: “We know from very recent feedback from officers in Kirklees that staff at the zones in our communities have been exemplary when people have come in seeking help, showing real care and compassion.”
“Businesses, local authority and 3rd sector partners involved have been tremendously supportive and it has been heartening to see so many people responding so positively to a concept designed to help those in need.”
“The zones are an integral part of our ongoing work to make women and girls safer and we continue to seek to open more.”
The regional mission for a “safe West Yorkshire” is one of five recently announced as part of the “West Yorkshire Plan” a collaboration between the Mayor and all five district council leaders. It will see a targeting of local investment and partnership working to boost jobs, housing and transport, cut crime, and achieve Net Zero.
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