One of the region’s busiest transport hubs has been given a national award for keeping passengers safe during visits to Middlesbrough.
Middlesbrough Bus Station has once again been honoured with the Safer Bus Station Award having received the accolade several times in previous years.
The Bus Station welcomes around 30,000 travellers every day through local and regional bus routes and national travel through the Express Lounge.
The award highlights standards of good practice in security and community safety and reassurance for passengers and staff, and also recognises operators’ efforts to reduce crime and disorder, as well as fear of crime.
It is owned by the Association of Chief Police Officers – Secured by Design and is managed by the British Parking Association.
Councillor Peter Gavigan, Middlesbrough Council’s Executive Member for Environment, said: “I’m delighted that this vital transport hub has once again been recognised as one of the best in the country.
“The dedicated team at Middlesbrough Bus Station go above and beyond with a range of partners to ensure the site is as safe as it can possibly be, and this renewed Safer Bus Station Award is deserved recognition of all the work they do.”
Middlesbrough Bus Station has held the award on a number of occasions in previous years, although the scheme was put on hold during the Covid-19 pandemic.
British Parking Association Senior Area Manager Ryan Davey said: “I am very impressed with Middlesbrough Bus Station.
“The station is clean, tidy and the staff are all very friendly, welcoming and happy to help anyone within the station.
“I have used the bus station myself and it has always felt like a safe environment.
"Local police officers and police community support officers are in regular attendance at the bus station and the staff are in regular contact with Cleveland Police.
“This type of partnership working should be applauded and is clearly working well within the station.”
Steve Cranston, Designing Out Crime Officer with Cleveland Police, added: “The Safer Bus Station Award establishes standards of good practice and accredits individual bus and coach stations whose operators have demonstrated a commitment to working with the local police force and other partners, to reduce crime and create a safe and non-threatening environment.
“Staff at Middlesbrough Bus Station work hard to achieve this award and it is thoroughly deserved.”