 The inspectors aim to cut anti-social behaviour aboard buses |
Nine workers on buses in Cardiff have been given powers by police in attempt to prevent anti-social behaviour. The inspectors, who work for Cardiff Bus, have been given limited authority by South Wales Police to take action against people causing problems.
The staff have powers to issue fixed penalties for those who litter and graffiti, and to confiscate cigarettes and alcohol from young people.
The staff can use the powers to take people's names and addresses.
It is an offence if people fail to comply.
The scheme, funded by the city's community safety partnership, aims to cut anti-social behaviour and youth disturbance on board services and free up police time.
Mike Strange, one of the inspectors and supervisors taking part, said staff received "a lot of verbal abuse and threats".
"I think it is getting out of hand, I think in the last 10 to 15 years it has got worse," he said.
Operations director Chris Dexter said they had experienced problems both on the buses and off them, and this scheme aims to tackle both.
"The new powers we have will enable staff to travel on board services, to deal with the anti-social behaviour," he said.
"Likewise we can also patrol the area as well, if we have suspicion, to do so."
The powers to the inspectors extend to issuing fixed penalty notices for illegal and inconsiderate cycling on pavements.
Mr Dexter said that the powers of detention and arrest remained with South Wales Police, but his staff would be working closely with officers.
"What the training does enable us is to diffuse situations much better but also provide the police with infomation which will enable the courts to prosecute in future."
'Safest capital'
All nine Cardiff Bus accredited employees are due to receive certificates and badges denoting their status from Chief Superintendent Bob Evans of South Wales Police at a ceremony in the city's bus depot on Friday.
Chief Supt Evans, commander of the Cardiff police division, said: "Combating anti social behaviour is one of my top priorities as I strive to make Cardiff the safest capital in the UK".
Cardiff Bus is among the first UK bus operators to take part in the scheme, and the nine staff will be among only 250 people throughout the UK who are accredited in this way.
In Wales, both Gwent and North Wales Police forces have accredited neighbourhood wardens but Cardiff Bus is the first bus company to get involved.
David Brown, managing director of Cardiff Bus said: "Passenger and driver safety is one of our top priorities and we are constantly striving to make the environment as safe, secure and pleasant as possible. "
One-Minute World News 
News services
E-mail this to a friend 
Printable version 
Combating anti social behaviour is one of my top priorities as I strive to make Cardiff the safest capital in the UK. 
