Closed circuit television cameras (CCTVs) have been installed at bus stops in the Launceston CBD and on all Metro Tasmania buses.
The installations are part of the Safer Public Bus Stops and Travel (SPBST) project, which focuses on providing safer public transport.
The SPBST project is a community safety program coordinated by the Launceston Safer Communities Partnership, formed to support Launceston’s crime prevention initiatives.
The partnership includes Launceston City Council, Tasmania Police, Launceston Chamber of Commerce, Cityprom, Metro Tasmania and Northern Regional Crimestoppers.
Launceston City Council received a $439,000 grant through the Australian Government’s National Community Crime Prevention Program to implement the project.
The SPBST Steering Committee has since launched a public education campaign, featuring television, print and billboard advertising.
This will create awareness of the CCTV cameras, target antisocial and criminal behaviour and provide safer public transport.
Launceston Mayor, Albert van Zetten, said Council is committed to creating a safer public bus transport system and to increasing the number of users of public buses.
“This will provide social, economic and environmental benefits to the wider community,” he said.
“The public education campaign will deter antisocial and criminal behaviour both on buses and at bus stops by educating regular offenders that they are being watched and their behaviour is not acceptable.”
