Response to Preston bus station safety fears

Transport bosses say a raft of security measures are in place at Preston Bus Station after it was identified as the place in the city that is most feared by women at night.

Lancashire County Council stressed the existing safety regime in operation at the facility – including extensive CCTV coverage, night-time lighting and security patrols.

The authority – which runs the landmark interchange – was responding to the results of a survey revealed by the Local Democracy Reporting Service last month that found 73 percent of women felt at risk when using the bus station after dark.

More than one in four women expressed similar concerns about travelling from the site during the day, according to work undertaken by the Lancashire Police and Crime Commissioner to assess the problem of violence and against women girls across the county.

County Hall says the bus station is covered by comprehensive security arrangements – but noted that it was reliant on the “prompt” responses of the police when staff had to call officers for assistance.

Warren Goldsworthy, cabinet member for highways and transport, said the county council “takes the safety of passengers and staff at Preston Bus Station extremely seriously”.

“The site is monitored by more than 250 CCTV cameras covering the bus station and car park, and following refurbishment, the whole area is extremely well lit. External and car park lighting remains on throughout the night.

“We have security staff on site throughout the day and evening, with additional Public Transport Safety Officers present on some nights. These officers also travel across the local bus network, providing extra visibility and support for passengers beyond the station itself.

“After closing, an overnight security officer patrols the building and monitors CCTV covering the external coach station area where later buses depart.

“Our teams work hard to maintain a safe environment and regularly respond to incidents of anti-social behaviour, including significant challenges over the Christmas period. While we do everything possible to intervene and manage situations, we remain reliant on police support for enforcement and would welcome continued partnership working to ensure prompt responses when required.

“We recognise the concerns raised in the recent Police and Crime Commissioner survey and will keep working with the police and other agencies to make sure passengers are safe – and feel safe – when travelling,” County Cllr Goldsworthy added.

The Commissioner’s county-wide survey attracted responses from 431 women in Preston, 68 percent of whom said they were worried for their safety when out in the city centre at night, with 45 percent being equally fearful during daylight hours.