11.12.12
TfL launches anti-violence campaign
A new campaign to tackle violence against transport staff has been launched by Transport for London (TfL).
The network-wide publicity drive will see posters displayed on London Underground, London Overground, bus and tram fleets and in newspapers. The campaign seeks to dissuade violence as well as encouraging staff to report instances of abuse.
Reported incidents of aggression against Tube staff rose 6% in 2011/12 and of those, verbal abuse increased by 17%. TfL has launched successful prosecution against around 90% of offenders for staff abuse in the last five years.
Steve Burton, director of Community Safety, Enforcement and Policing for TfL, said: “TfL takes workplace violence extremely seriously and we always encourage staff to report any instance of abuse whether physical or non-physical so that preventative measures can be taken, and the strongest penalties brought against offenders.
“Our staff do a tremendous job helping customers on and around the transport network, and we and our partners in the British Transport Police and Metropolitan Police are committed to stamp out any behaviour that intimidates staff and customers.”
Chief Superintendent Sultan Taylor, Safer Transport Command, said: “The Joint MPS/TfL Workplace Violence Unit is dedicated to investigating all assaults on frontline bus staff; we will continue to work together with TfL and bus companies to catch those who commit acts of violence.
“The partnership of the Safer Transport Command with Transport for London has a primary aim to safeguard the travelling public and provide a safe and secure transport network and we support this drive to further encourage staff to report instances of abuse.
“If you commit an offence on the transport network, you will be caught, so our message is clear: Crime on London's bus system will NOT be tolerated – we will get those responsible using any lawful means at our disposal.”
Chief Superintendent Nicki Watson of British Transport Police, said: “Our specialist Workplace Violence Unit officers work closely with London Underground to identify offenders and bring them to justice. Tube staff should not have to endure abuse or violence for simply carrying out their job and we will seek to arrest, prosecute and ban from LU services anyone who thinks this type of behaviour is acceptable.
“We actively encourage Tube staff to report instances of physical and verbal aggression directed towards them as soon as possible. By reporting incidents immediately, it helps us to gather the best available evidence to catch these suspects, and allows us to identify where we need to provide preventative resources at the earliest possible opportunity.”
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Image c. TfL