Plain-clothed police officers have been patrolling Nottingham’s tram network after a spate of incidents saw new ticket machines being damaged.
The machines were recently upgraded across the network.
The new devices feature larger, easier to read information screens and contactless payments.
Head of Operations for Nottingham Trams, Trevor Stocker, spoke to councillors about problems affecting the network at a meeting held at Loxley House on Tuesday, July 12.
He said “one of the things that has been increasing” is anti-social behaviour and the tram network is working with the police and viewing the 300 cameras across the network to catch culprits.
He said: “There was an increase in damage to ticket machines – these were newly installed last year, which is disappointing they have taken that level of damage. Tram windows have also been broken.”
He said uniform and non-uniform patrols have been working across the network which has resulted in a number of arrests. He said fines of £70 were also introduced for anyone without a ticket.
“The issue of anti-social behaviour is not something as a tram operator we can solve on our own. It is working with the police and youth services,” he added.
The number of reports of anti-social behaviour were not revealed or how many ticket vending machines needed to be replaced.
In the same meeting, councillors questioned Mr Stocker on what was being done at Toton Lane Park and Ride following a resident’s concern over ‘boy racers’.
Concerns had been raised that Toton Lane Park and Ride is becoming a popular attraction for young people to drive their cars around dangerously late at night.
A resident has now called on the tram operator, NET, which manages the park and ride, to ensure action is taken to prevent further car meets.
He said there are around eight to 10 cars per evening either speeding around the tram terminal or up and down Toton and Stapleford Lane.
Mr Stocker said police have carried out regular patrols in the area and NET has ‘tweaked’ its cameras to better capture the affected areas.
He said one individual has now been fined for driving without due care and attention and this would “send out a strong message to anyone in that area”.
