Police support introduction of ‘night buses’ to keep people safe this summer
Night buses will be available to party-goers in North Devon and Newquay from 6 July until 7 September 2024.
Following a successful trial in Barnstaple in December 2023, Devon & Cornwall Police are working with partners to introduce night buses in North Devon and Newquay for the summer.
Night bus services, provided by Stagecoach in North Devon and First Bus in Newquay, will operate on Saturdays throughout July and August in a bid to reduce drink and drug-related incidents.
The services have been set up by Devon & Cornwall Police and funded by Devon County Council, North Devon Council, Torridge District Council, Cornwall County Council, OPCC and CrimeStoppers.
Sector Inspector Andy Wills covers the Barnstaple area in North Devon. He said: “As the weather gets warmer, we understand that people want to get out and enjoy themselves. We just want to make sure they’re able to do so safely.
“Alcohol and drugs affect a person’s ability to accurately judge a situation, which can contribute to issues such as drink or drug driving, violence against women and girls and anti-social behaviour.
“These trial night buses offer party-goers a cost-effective and convenient way of getting home safely and we hope that the provision of these services will help to reduce the number of drink or drug-related incidents, allowing those out partying to end their nights safely.”
Alison Hernandez, Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, is chair of the Vision Zero South West road safety partnership. She said: “The vast majority of road users are safe and responsible drivers who respect the law and take the safety of others seriously. But as the summer weather approaches, with beer gardens and barbecues to enjoy, there can often be the temptation to drive after consuming too much alcohol – whether that’s on the night or the morning after.
“This bus service offers people of all ages the opportunity to leave their cars at home, safe in the knowledge they have a cheap and convenient way of getting home safely – right up until the early hours of the morning.
“We want everyone to enjoy summer in the South West, so please don’t drive under the influence of drink or drugs – it’s just not worth the risk.”
Commissioner Hernandez is also committed to improving female safety and tackling the scourge of violence in our communities, whether in the home or in public places.
She added: “Getting home safely, whether from work or a night out in town, should not be a nice-to-have, it should be a given. All women and girls deserve to stay safe at night and feel confident that their safety is our concern.”
Tickets for the services cost just £2 for a single journey, and full timetables are available on the provider websites:
Stagecoach, covering Barnstaple, Bideford and Ilfracombe (search Route 21) – https://www.stagecoachbus.com/timetables
First Bus, covering Newquay, St Column Major and Indian Queens (Search Route N1) – https://www.firstbus.co.uk/cornwall/plan-journey/timetables?search=Newquay
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