CCTV to be fitted in Rochdale bus shelters

Date published: 29/04/2006

A new initiative is being launched to tackle vandalism and anti-social behaviour at bus shelters in Rochdale by fitting CCTV.

Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive (GMPTE) is investing £60,000 in installing the technology in the worst affected shelters in the county. Each shelter will be fitted with up to eight miniature cameras to monitor activity in and around it.

GMPTE is working with Rochdale Metropolitan Borough Council, Greater Manchester Police and bus shelter manufacturer JC Decaux to implement the scheme as part of the Rochdale Safer Communities Partnership.

The decision was taken to install CCTV in bus shelters across the county following the success of similar projects in Salford, West Yorkshire and Lancashire. Footage from the cameras has been used to convict offenders not only for vandalism to shelters but also for other offences such as theft, robbery, criminal damage to vehicles and assault.

GMPTE’s Strategy Director, Keith Howcroft, said: “Vandalism to bus shelters causes a massive nuisance to bus passengers and can put off some people from using public transport altogether.

“We are currently deciding which bus shelters are in most need of having CCTV installed and will be fitting the cameras in the next few weeks. It’s vital that people feel safe and secure while they wait for a bus and I’m sure that this initiative will help to achieve that.

“I’m delighted that we’ve been able to work with the Police, the Council and JCDecaux to tackle this issue and I would urge anyone who witnesses criminal behaviour at bus shelters to contact the police immediately or to report vandalised shelters to us.”

Vandalised stops and shelters can be reported to GMPTE by calling 0161 242 6960 and will be made safe within 48 hours during weekdays.

Information on all public transport services in Greater Manchester is available on the GMPTE website (www.gmpte.com) or by calling Traveline on 0870 608 2 608. Lines are open from 7am to 8pm, Monday to Friday, and from 8am to 8pm at weekends and on Bank Holidays. Textphone users should ring 0870 241 2216.