Enfield launches new council travel initiative

Adults with learning disabilities who live in property to rent in the London borough of Enfield are among the people who will benefit from a new council-launched travel initiative.

The aim is for people with learning disabilities to be able to get out and about in the area with some additional support.

Called First Route, the scheme will see a fully-functional, double-decker bus driving around a circuit in Edmonton for one day a month between 10.30 and 14.30.

The initiative is being operated in conjunction with Transport for London, the local police, Aviva Buses and One to One Enfield.

Many different organisations will staff the bus, which will help adults with learning disabilities get around using public transport, which is safe and allows them to be independent.

Police officers on the mode of transport will act out role plays, demonstrating some of the scenarios which could arise on a normal bus, such as arguments or aggressive behaviour.

The officers will then instruct the adults as to how to deal with these incidents.

Don McGowan, cabinet member of adult services and care, said many adults with learning disabilities have never had the opportunity to use public transport on their own, which can sometimes make them nervous about doing so.

He explained: "This project will show them how to use a bus and to familiarise them with the idea of getting on and off stops, hailing a bus and how to signal they want to get off.

"It's to make them comfortable with the idea of public travel so that they can become more independent and use real buses in the network without help."

Earlier this month, Enfield Council launched a new scheme to tackle dangerous dogs in the borough.

Parks patrol officers will identify and deal with dogs which could pose a threat to park users, as well as offering their owners help and advice.

Posted by Martyn Glynn 

Published 12th July, 2011

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