Protect yourself when using public transport:
- Thinking things through and planning for the unexpected helps you to feel confident
and react well in emergencies.
- If travelling at night on public transport or in an unfamiliar area, try to walk
near other people with whom you feel safe, and walk purposefully to your destination.
- If possible, wait for a bus or train in a well-lit place near other people.
- Take note of where the emergency alarms are and try to sit near to them - there are
alarms on every bus, in every train carriage and on every platform.
- If a bus is empty or it is after dark, it is safer to stay on the lower deck and
sit near the driver or conductor. On trains avoid compartments which have no access
to corridors or other parts of the train. Try to sit with other people and avoid
empty carriages.
- If you feel uneasy, it makes sense to move to another seat or carriage or get off
at the next stop if you know the area.
- If you feel threatened on public transport, make as much noise as possible to attract
the attention of the driver or guard. Sound the emergency alarm and if on a station
platform you can use the telephone at the Help Points. It will immediately connect
you to the British Transport Police.
Advice provided by The Suzy Lamplugh Trust
Using Taxis or Minicabs
Only black cabs can be hailed in the street. Any other car cruising the
streets looking
for customers is illegal and could be dangerous. Click
on the image opposite to download
or print the Suzy Lamplugh Trust guide
on using taxis and minicabs: