North Devon night bus back for the festive season
The service operates in Barnstaple, Bideford and Ilfracombe
The North Devon night bus is returning tonight - int their mission to get passengers home safely during the festive period.
The Stagecoach service operates in Barnstaple, Bideford and Ilfracombe - and aims to help reduce drink and drug related incidents and anti-social behaviour.
It'll run over the next four Saturdays from tonight (30 November) - plus Friday 20th December, and New Years Eve.
Devon & Cornwall Police are part of the project - and they are once again working with their partners to provide the service to keep communities safe after a successful campaign over the summer.
It also ran in December 2023, and will operate from 30 November to help reduce drink and drug related incidents, anti-social behaviour and violence against women and girls.
You can find out more about the service here.
Inspector Andy Wills, who covers the Barnstaple Sector,said: “We are delighted that the night bus service is once again runningfrom Barnstaple to Bideford and Barnstaple to Ilfracombe. This givesthose on a night out a cost effective and convenient way to get homesafely.
“Alcohol and drugs affect a person’s ability to accuratelyjudge a situation, which can get them into trouble. Some people may betempted to drive home after drinking but it’s not worth the risk. Theprevious night bus services have demonstrated that it helps to reduceanti-social behaviour, as well as other offences.
“We would urge anyone who wants to enjoy a festive night outto use this fantastic bus service and also remind people to look out fortheir friends to make sure everyone has a merry Christmas and a happy andhealthy new year.
“Our officers will be out and about on patrol to keep peoplesafe during this busy time of year for shops, pubs and clubs and we wantto reassure the communities of north Devon that we are here to deal with crime incidents and listen to any concerns they may have.”
Alison Hernandez, Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon,Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, is also chair of the Vision Zero SouthWest road safety partnership, who have part-funded the night businitiative.
Commissioner Hernandez said: “Everyone should be able to gethome safely, whether they’re coming from work or a night out.
“The night bus service provides an easy, affordable optionfor late night travel, helping to reduce the risk of antisocial behaviourand drink or drug driving incidents.
“We’re committed to ensuring that North Devon is a safeplace to enjoy an evening out and I hope people take full advantage ofthis service throughout the festive season.”