Boris Johnson unveiled his plans to improve safety on public transport in West Croydon today.
The mayor, the Met's commissioner, Sir Ian Blair, and transport commissioner, Peter Hendy, announced 440 uniformed officers will be used to establish the new teams.
Each team will consist of one sergeant, one PC and seven PCSOs, and the teams will be supported by 1,200 special constables.
The teams will be deployed in a variety of interchanges across London, particularly at the places with the most problems.
The scheme will be implemented over the next 12 months with three pilots at bus hubs in West Croydon, Wood Green, and Canning Town. They are due to be up and running by December.
Between next January and June the initiative will be rolled out across London at the rate of six teams a month.
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At the launch Maureen Reynolds from West Croydon, who said she regularly uses the 289 bus service, told Mr Johnson he should try travelling on buses in the area, especially after children finish school each day.
"Why don't you jump on one of the buses and see what they are like with the kids?" she asked the mayor. "I'm just an ordinary person but it's terrible. Why don't you get on the buses and see what people have to put up with? It's not very nice."
Mr Johnson told her: "That's exactly the point of what we are trying to do today. Superhuman though I am I don't think I could solve the problem by myself."
Sir Blair said: "We are extremely grateful to the Mayor and Transport for London (TfL) for providing additional funding which has allowed us to enhance the service we already provide to London.
"This is about ensuring that Londoners can travel safely around the city."
Boris Johnson
"Building on the success of the Met's safer transport teams and safer neighbourhoods teams, this additional resource will allow us to provide extra security and safety on the transport network to make using public transport as safe and enjoyable experience as possible."
Mr Johnson added: "I was elected Mayor because of my commitment to work tirelessly with all communities to put a stop to the violent crime and antisocial behaviour that is devastating so many lives and families across London.
"Recent tragic events have further highlighted the need to get a grip on crime, and the creation of these new teams, with some 440 new officers, is a crucial part of our strategy for taking back our public spaces, cutting so-called minor crime' and antisocial behaviour, and increasing people's sense of safety.
"This is about ensuring that Londoners can travel safely around the city, and that they can do so in confidence, reassured by a visible police presence from the moment they leave their doors, to when they are waiting for their bus, through to when they travel home at night."
Posted by: ronald, sutton on 10:58am Fri 16 May 08
I welcome this 100%. I don't mind part of my high fare ticket going to protecting me and my family on frankly dangerous buses. This is the only way to save lives and that has no monetary value. Ken only put up the rates but gave no additional servie like safety. I avoid going on buses with my children and never allow them on alone, I don't care if it is free, it's not presently safe. Anything that makes London a safer place to be is to be appauled. We're taxed and charged enough as it is, at least if we get increased safety in return it will be better than being taxed/overcharged with out any additional perks.
I welcome this 100%. I don't mind part of my high fare ticket going to protecting me and my family on frankly dangerous buses. This is the only way to save lives and that has no monetary value. Ken only put up the rates but gave no additional servie like safety. I avoid going on buses with my children and never allow them on alone, I don't care if it is free, it's not presently safe. Anything that makes London a safer place to be is to be appauled. We're taxed and charged enough as it is, at least if we get increased safety in return it will be better than being taxed/overcharged with out any additional perks.
Posted by: get a clue granny, sutton on 2:15pm Fri 16 May 08
let's answer the question why children have to take public buses and not school buses. What are they suppose to do, not go to school? parents can't use cars, so how do kids get to school? a lot of these whining free bus pass elders could easily avoid peak times right after 3pm but they choose to get on buses and complain. they don't have jobs to go to either and yet these elders get on the buses right before 9am and take seats from those of us going to work and complain about us too. it's simply a case of the older people pushing their way onto buses during peak times. those of us going to work or school must use the buses. and then they wonder why it's crowded??? get a clue granny. when i'm elderly and not working i'll simply arrange my outings not to conflict with those times. simple. i arrange my days off on the trains specifically not to clash with people coming home from or going to 9-5 jobs, if i can change my timing why can't they? you can help yourselves by simply not boarding a 9am or 3pm bus, all other times are fine and uncrowded. these kids are tired coming home from school, i've been on these buses, they cause no trouble, they simply want to get an education as law states and go home safely after school. it's the kids who skip school and are on buses in between the hours of 9am-3pm to watch out for, not those who have been to school. no sympathy for moaning hateful rude elders. most elders are good people but some, just because they are old doesn't make them nice people. my daily encounters with the general public has made me think these teens who are good students are much more polite and mind their own business compared to a lot of older people who push and shove their way into seats, push you out of the way without saying excuse me in stores, if you open a door for them or let them pass not even a hint of thanks. sorry, but a lot of older people are not sweetness and light. it may not sound politically correct but the truth sometimes must prevail.
let's answer the question why children have to take public buses and not school buses. What are they suppose to do, not go to school? parents can't use cars, so how do kids get to school? a lot of these whining free bus pass elders could easily avoid peak times right after 3pm but they choose to get on buses and complain. they don't have jobs to go to either and yet these elders get on the buses right before 9am and take seats from those of us going to work and complain about us too. it's simply a case of the older people pushing their way onto buses during peak times. those of us going to work or school must use the buses. and then they wonder why it's crowded??? get a clue granny. when i'm elderly and not working i'll simply arrange my outings not to conflict with those times. simple. i arrange my days off on the trains specifically not to clash with people coming home from or going to 9-5 jobs, if i can change my timing why can't they? you can help yourselves by simply not boarding a 9am or 3pm bus, all other times are fine and uncrowded. these kids are tired coming home from school, i've been on these buses, they cause no trouble, they simply want to get an education as law states and go home safely after school. it's the kids who skip school and are on buses in between the hours of 9am-3pm to watch out for, not those who have been to school. no sympathy for moaning hateful rude elders. most elders are good people but some, just because they are old doesn't make them nice people. my daily encounters with the general public has made me think these teens who are good students are much more polite and mind their own business compared to a lot of older people who push and shove their way into seats, push you out of the way without saying excuse me in stores, if you open a door for them or let them pass not even a hint of thanks. sorry, but a lot of older people are not sweetness and light. it may not sound politically correct but the truth sometimes must prevail.
Posted by: ANNE GILES, selsdon on 2:32pm Fri 16 May 08
Unfortunately, you just cannot discriminate in that way. Everyone has the right to travel at whatever time suits them. Most senior people with Freedom passes prefer to use them rather than have to pay, but if a senior citizen has an appointment in Harley Street, for example, and the only appointment available is at 9.30 a.m., then the citizen has to pay and travel at peak times in order to get there. There just is no other choice.
Unfortunately, you just cannot discriminate in that way. Everyone has the right to travel at whatever time suits them. Most senior people with Freedom passes prefer to use them rather than have to pay, but if a senior citizen has an appointment in Harley Street, for example, and the only appointment available is at 9.30 a.m., then the citizen has to pay and travel at peak times in order to get there. There just is no other choice.
Posted by: London Worker, Out and About on 2:32pm Fri 16 May 08
'get a clue granny' is a total príck.
Children have always used buses to get to school but now many more just get on for one stop or two and get off; all because they pay nothing.
Many of the elderly persons you cite as being rude, pushy or perhaps a nuisance, had a hand in ensuring this Country remained free so others could live as they like.
Unfortunately, life has changed. Gangs, Knives, Guns, ignorance from youngsters, especially black yobs, all take their place in society.
We also have a rotten government; youngsters are doing ok because lots of them just pop out a baby, get benefits and carry on doing it. Free housing, free travel and so on. They don't bother to vote nor do a glut of other benefit snaffling gíts. Like breeds like, so watch this space next year...
We have around us two generations who have no respect, discipline for themselves or anyone else.
Workers who come home after earning a living who get on a bus deserve a seat - they pay in excess of £100 a month for the pleasure of having some foul mouthed and self opinionated, chip on the shoulder scrote spreading themselves out on a seat, often putting their dirty shoes on the seat opposite, sitting in a seat they rightly deserve.
From what you have written 'get a clue granny' I suspect that you are one of them.
'get a clue granny' is a total príck.
Children have always used buses to get to school but now many more just get on for one stop or two and get off; all because they pay nothing.
Many of the elderly persons you cite as being rude, pushy or perhaps a nuisance, had a hand in ensuring this Country remained free so others could live as they like.
Unfortunately, life has changed. Gangs, Knives, Guns, ignorance from youngsters, especially black yobs, all take their place in society.
We also have a rotten government; youngsters are doing ok because lots of them just pop out a baby, get benefits and carry on doing it. Free housing, free travel and so on. They don't bother to vote nor do a glut of other benefit snaffling gíts. Like breeds like, so watch this space next year...
We have around us two generations who have no respect, discipline for themselves or anyone else.
Workers who come home after earning a living who get on a bus deserve a seat - they pay in excess of £100 a month for the pleasure of having some foul mouthed and self opinionated, chip on the shoulder scrote spreading themselves out on a seat, often putting their dirty shoes on the seat opposite, sitting in a seat they rightly deserve.
From what you have written 'get a clue granny' I suspect that you are one of them.
Posted by: Bob Peel, Croydon on 2:45pm Fri 16 May 08
[italic]"Each team will consist of one sergeant, one PC and seven PCSOs, and the teams will be supported by 1,200 special constables."[/italic]
See the Specials are still nicking overtime then!
And exactly where are the BTP in all of this?
Perhaps somebdy needs to let BTP Chief Constable Ian Johnstone BSc know his BTP blokes aren't being invited to this operation.
In my opinion Andy Trotter of Ian Johnstone would have made a better Met Chief Constable than Ian Blair. Wonder if he's nicked anyone other than when he did his street duty course; I'll wager not!
(Anne, note I haven't had a go at Mr Gore - yet).
"Each team will consist of one sergeant, one PC and seven PCSOs, and the teams will be supported by 1,200 special constables."
See the Specials are still nicking overtime then!
And exactly where are the BTP in all of this?
Perhaps somebdy needs to let BTP Chief Constable Ian Johnstone BSc know his BTP blokes aren't being invited to this operation.
In my opinion Andy Trotter of Ian Johnstone would have made a better Met Chief Constable than Ian Blair. Wonder if he's nicked anyone other than when he did his street duty course; I'll wager not!
(Anne, note I haven't had a go at Mr Gore - yet).
Posted by: Uncleboko, Selsdon on 10:35pm Sat 17 May 08
I wonder just how these young misguided youths would have coped in 1944 in the RAF, being sent on bombing raids over Germany night after night, when the chances of returning were less than 50%!!
I wonder just how these young misguided youths would have coped in 1944 in the RAF, being sent on bombing raids over Germany night after night, when the chances of returning were less than 50%!!
Posted by: Bob Peel, Croydon on 11:31pm Sat 17 May 08
[quote][bold]Uncleboko[/bold] wrote:
I wonder just how these young misguided youths would have coped in 1944 in the RAF, being sent on bombing raids over Germany night after night, when the chances of returning were less than 50%!![/quote] RAF? Come Uncle use some sense - give these b*ggers a plane.
They'd do better on D-Day landings wearing flourescent yellow tabards with a target on them.
Better for us that is.
Uncleboko wrote:
I wonder just how these young misguided youths would have coped in 1944 in the RAF, being sent on bombing raids over Germany night after night, when the chances of returning were less than 50%!!
RAF? Come Uncle use some sense - give these b*ggers a plane.
They'd do better on D-Day landings wearing flourescent yellow tabards with a target on them.
Posted by: ANNE GILES, SELSDON on 3:21pm Sun 18 May 08
Those were the days when men were men! How many are men these days, when their mothers do everything fror them? We had a neighbour whose son became a barrister, bought his own house, yet Mummy still went round to do his washing and ironing - consequently he never had a girlfriend - enough to frighten any woman off. How many young men still live at home in order to get waited on hand and foot? Half the teenagers who get into trouble could be helping in the house - i.e. washing up, doing a bit of gardening, helping Dad with DIY, etc. Yet parents think they shouldn't have to do anything at all.
Those were the days when men were men! How many are men these days, when their mothers do everything fror them? We had a neighbour whose son became a barrister, bought his own house, yet Mummy still went round to do his washing and ironing - consequently he never had a girlfriend - enough to frighten any woman off. How many young men still live at home in order to get waited on hand and foot? Half the teenagers who get into trouble could be helping in the house - i.e. washing up, doing a bit of gardening, helping Dad with DIY, etc. Yet parents think they shouldn't have to do anything at all.
Posted by: Kes, Upper Norwood on 8:21pm Sun 18 May 08
[quote][bold]ANNE GILES[/bold] wrote:
Unfortunately, you just cannot discriminate in that way. Everyone has the right to travel at whatever time suits them. Most senior people with Freedom passes prefer to use them rather than have to pay, but if a senior citizen has an appointment in Harley Street, for example, and the only appointment available is at 9.30 a.m., then the citizen has to pay and travel at peak times in order to get there. There just is no other choice. [/quote] A senior citizen with an appointment in Harley Street? Is this a wind-up?
ANNE GILES wrote:
Unfortunately, you just cannot discriminate in that way. Everyone has the right to travel at whatever time suits them. Most senior people with Freedom passes prefer to use them rather than have to pay, but if a senior citizen has an appointment in Harley Street, for example, and the only appointment available is at 9.30 a.m., then the citizen has to pay and travel at peak times in order to get there. There just is no other choice.
A senior citizen with an appointment in Harley Street? Is this a wind-up?
Posted by: Kes, Upper Norwood on 8:29pm Sun 18 May 08
What a sad commentary on this country where it is not safe to travel on our buses. Our politicians have a lot to answer for. How many of them use buses to get around? But then, how many of them send their kids(children) to schools where English is the second language? How many of them are afraid to go out at night?
What a sad commentary on this country where it is not safe to travel on our buses. Our politicians have a lot to answer for. How many of them use buses to get around? But then, how many of them send their kids(children) to schools where English is the second language? How many of them are afraid to go out at night?
Out & About, I think you are wrong.
Not all teenagers 'pop out a baby' & live off benefits.
I am 20 & have worked since I left school. I have built a decent career for myself & not once received benefits. My friends are all the same. We work hard for what we have.
And to be honest I wouldn't get on buses anymore, I'd rather pay the congestion charge because after spending 6 years using buses & being treated like a thug by so called 'mature adults' & OAP's for no reason is disgusting. I am the first person to offer my seat for someone who needs it more but I find that these adults as they like to call themselves are more selfish than teenagers & OAPs.
Oh & another thing, you make it sound like it is just teenagers sponging on benefits, I'l think you will find the majority are adults.
Yes, most kids cant get benefits unless they are pregnant, but if you are still under your parents roof, the council will give you nothing.
So dont sit there & critisise teenagers, it aint all of us!
Out & About, I think you are wrong.
Not all teenagers 'pop out a baby' & live off benefits.
I am 20 & have worked since I left school. I have built a decent career for myself & not once received benefits. My friends are all the same. We work hard for what we have.
And to be honest I wouldn't get on buses anymore, I'd rather pay the congestion charge because after spending 6 years using buses & being treated like a thug by so called 'mature adults' & OAP's for no reason is disgusting. I am the first person to offer my seat for someone who needs it more but I find that these adults as they like to call themselves are more selfish than teenagers & OAPs.
Oh & another thing, you make it sound like it is just teenagers sponging on benefits, I'l think you will find the majority are adults.
Yes, most kids cant get benefits unless they are pregnant, but if you are still under your parents roof, the council will give you nothing.
So dont sit there & critisise teenagers, it aint all of us!
Posted by: ANNE GILES, SELSDON on 10:22am Mon 19 May 08
Good for you, Carly. There are lots of extremely nice teenagers around - I talk to groups of them around here. You are right - there are loads of adults living on benefits (and illicitly working at the same time). If I go into London on a train in the rush hour, I will always have young men in suits pushing me in order to make sure that I don't get a seat. Yet it is usually students who will happily give me one. I will give up a seat for a pregnant woman or someone with a stick or crutches.
Good for you, Carly. There are lots of extremely nice teenagers around - I talk to groups of them around here. You are right - there are loads of adults living on benefits (and illicitly working at the same time). If I go into London on a train in the rush hour, I will always have young men in suits pushing me in order to make sure that I don't get a seat. Yet it is usually students who will happily give me one. I will give up a seat for a pregnant woman or someone with a stick or crutches.
I think we found something we both agree on for once Anne!
Like I said, I would happyly give my seat up for someone, I have young legs so I can stand up!
I just dont get the audacity of some people who think that because they are older, NOT OLD, that they can disregard teenagers to all be thugs when it is just the minority.
Like the other discussion Anne, I've been in the bad crowd & even then, I had respect for older people. It doesn't get anyone anywhere like that but teens wont learn until they go through it themselves. My brother is starting to go through the same thing. Thank god he saw what happended to me & he wont go the same way but he still rebels. It's natural, just the level thaat teens are rebelling against has just got worse over the years.
I think we found something we both agree on for once Anne!
Like I said, I would happyly give my seat up for someone, I have young legs so I can stand up!
I just dont get the audacity of some people who think that because they are older, NOT OLD, that they can disregard teenagers to all be thugs when it is just the minority.
Like the other discussion Anne, I've been in the bad crowd & even then, I had respect for older people. It doesn't get anyone anywhere like that but teens wont learn until they go through it themselves. My brother is starting to go through the same thing. Thank god he saw what happended to me & he wont go the same way but he still rebels. It's natural, just the level thaat teens are rebelling against has just got worse over the years.
Posted by: ANNE GILES, SELSDON on 12:32pm Mon 19 May 08
I got into an awful crowd when I was 16, but I hated my home and there was quite a bit of violence. This is why I try to talk to teenagers - to find out what makes them tick. At 18 I was immensely happy - and even happier when I was able to leave home.
I got into an awful crowd when I was 16, but I hated my home and there was quite a bit of violence. This is why I try to talk to teenagers - to find out what makes them tick. At 18 I was immensely happy - and even happier when I was able to leave home.
Posted by: ANNE GILES, SELSDON on 12:45pm Mon 19 May 08
Yes - I got in with an awful crowd at 16 because I was unhappy at home. At 18 I was a lot happier and had a new circle of friends, but was even happier once I had moved out of my home. Both my parents loved hitting children.
Yes - I got in with an awful crowd at 16 because I was unhappy at home. At 18 I was a lot happier and had a new circle of friends, but was even happier once I had moved out of my home. Both my parents loved hitting children.
Posted by: ANNE GILES, SELSDON on 12:50pm Mon 19 May 08
Right, Carly. This is my third attempt to put a message in reply to yours. I click on SUBMIT and my message is not there. At the age of 16 I got in with a bad crowd because of violence at home. At 18 I was extremely happy and eventually left home as soon as I could. I talk to teenagers in order to find out what makes them tick.
Right, Carly. This is my third attempt to put a message in reply to yours. I click on SUBMIT and my message is not there. At the age of 16 I got in with a bad crowd because of violence at home. At 18 I was extremely happy and eventually left home as soon as I could. I talk to teenagers in order to find out what makes them tick.
Thats alright they have all come up now!!
I'm 20 now & working within Property & finance, nothing major but it pays my bills. I left home too so I can be responsible for myself & I'm suprised how much I've done for myself. I have new car, job, flat.
So it is possible to get out of that lifestyle but it just wasn't as bad back then as it is now! Plus, I've cut off all the people that kept me in that routine of hanging around parks drinking & smoking & casuing trouble. Thats the main thing why teens dont split from groups....they are worried they will have no friends as the only ones they have are within those groups
Thats alright they have all come up now!!
I'm 20 now & working within Property & finance, nothing major but it pays my bills. I left home too so I can be responsible for myself & I'm suprised how much I've done for myself. I have new car, job, flat.
So it is possible to get out of that lifestyle but it just wasn't as bad back then as it is now! Plus, I've cut off all the people that kept me in that routine of hanging around parks drinking & smoking & casuing trouble. Thats the main thing why teens dont split from groups....they are worried they will have no friends as the only ones they have are within those groups
Posted by: ANNE GILES, SELSDON on 9:57pm Mon 19 May 08
I bought a DVD today of a film called "This is England" - about a boy whose father has died and he gets bullied at school - but then he finds a gang - and that's the way he feels accepted. Wonderful film.
Anyway, Carly, I am proud of you - doesn't it feel good when you have managed to get away from what you were before? Good luck!!!
I bought a DVD today of a film called "This is England" - about a boy whose father has died and he gets bullied at school - but then he finds a gang - and that's the way he feels accepted. Wonderful film.
Anyway, Carly, I am proud of you - doesn't it feel good when you have managed to get away from what you were before? Good luck!!!
Posted by: stephen, croydon on 9:40am Thu 29 May 08
[quote]quote[/quote] Firstly to 'Out & About'
Why do ignorant narrow mined twats like you bring colour into everything ? I suppose England did not have crime until 'them bloody foreigners' came into your perfect white world and messed it up - crap. take a look around and you will see london filled with thick, chavvy, uneducated, trailer trash!. I have seen a number of rude old people on the bus and trams maybe beause they fought in the war they have the right to be that way which is how you think ? I thought they were supposed to be setting the example? There is a problem with youths which needs to be tackled and im glad extra police are being deployed to tackle the problem, firm but fair. If you talk to youths like scum youre more likely to get that type of response in return.
quote
Firstly to 'Out & About'
Why do ignorant narrow mined twats like you bring colour into everything ? I suppose England did not have crime until 'them bloody foreigners' came into your perfect white world and messed it up - crap. take a look around and you will see london filled with thick, chavvy, uneducated, trailer trash!. I have seen a number of rude old people on the bus and trams maybe beause they fought in the war they have the right to be that way which is how you think ? I thought they were supposed to be setting the example? There is a problem with youths which needs to be tackled and im glad extra police are being deployed to tackle the problem, firm but fair. If you talk to youths like scum youre more likely to get that type of response in return.
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