Passengers using public transport in Liverpool City Centre will see an increased police presence over the festive period.
People using Liverpool's public transport in and out of the city centre will see an increased uniformed police presence around rail and bus stations. The increased police presence is part of a joint campaign between Merseyside's police commissioner, Emily Spurrell, and Liverpool City Council called Safer Streets.
The campaign, first launched in 2021 and funded by successful bids to the Home Office, is focused on keeping women safe in the city centre. An "extensive" consultation found safer transport routes and buses were the biggest factor to ensuring women feel safe.
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The feedback revealed high visibility police patrols at peak times would reassure women travelling at night, particularly along the main student bus routes. Students specifically asked for the 699 bus route to be targeted. Uniformed officers are expected to challenge behaviour that makes women feel uncomfortable and engage with anyone who appears to be vulnerable.
Mayor Joanne Anderson said: “Tackling violence against women and girls is a huge priority for me and I am delighted to see these additional measures being introduced. We have already had success tackling offences due to the Safer Streets Liverpool campaign, and this new scheme will provide a reassuring presence to students and other women on the way home.
“It is vital that we don’t just challenge behaviour but also seek to change it, which is why the education element is so important.”
The surge of police activity began this weekend on Friday, November 11 and will run across the festive period and into the new year. Extra patrols will also take place in transport hubs and on roads where students and young people get off to head to bars and clubs.
Ms Spurrell, who has been Merseyside's police commissioner since 2021, added: “Everyone has the right to feel safe when travelling on the public transport network at night, but sadly we know from my consultation that it is actually where many women and girls feel most unsafe. An increased uniformed police presence was the main way women told us we could address those fears and provide reassurance, so that is exactly what we are putting in place.
“By increasing high visibility patrols, we want to ensure all women and girls feel safe and are safe using our region’s buses and trains, while also making it absolutely clear to would-be perpetrators that there is absolutely No Excuse for sexual violence. I would urge anyone who feels unsafe or wants to report an incident to reach out to these officers. Alternatively, anyone sees or experiences unwanted attention or sexual harassment while travelling by bus can report it discreetly and safely by texting SAFER to 65007.”
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