Award-Winning Partnership Tackles Anti-Social Behaviour at Barnsley Interchange

A collaborative project aimed at improving safety and tackling anti-social behaviour at Barnsley Interchange has won Best Alliance/Partnership at the prestigious National Transport Awards 2025.

The initiative, led by South Yorkshire’s transport partners, brought together Barnsley Council, Youth Justice, Stagecoach Yorkshire, Northern Rail, South Yorkshire Police, British Transport Police, Bidvest Noonan and Travel South Yorkshire to address rising incidents during the winter of 2023/24.

The project was launched in response to a seasonal rise in crime and anti-social behaviour, often referred to by police as the ‘dark nights’ period (November to March). In January 2024, a working group was formed to share intelligence, align resources, and deliver targeted interventions.

Thanks to successful funding bids, the partnership introduced:

•    Enhanced CCTV and PA systems
•    Increased town centre warden and police patrols
•    A dedicated anti-social behaviour mobile response team
•    Regular police engagement stands at the interchange

These measures led to a 45% reduction in incidents at Barnsley Interchange compared to the previous year, including a 26% drop in anti-social behaviour, 50% reduction in crime, 75% fewer public order offences, and a 10% increase in town centre footfall.

Travel South Yorkshire continues to work with partners to ensure public transport spaces are safe, welcoming, and accessible for everyone.