Gareth Evans learns about how First West of England’s partnership with Bristol City Council and the police is working in practice, delivering a better service for the public by deploying resources seamlessly
At a top secret location in the heart of Bristol lies a nerve centre which plays a pivotal role in managing the city’s traffic flow. Such is the level of security that I had to be ‘checked out’ before I was allowed inside the opaque walls.
Thankfully, it would appear they didn’t find anything dodgy… Joking aside, it’s a prime example of partnership working between a bus operator, a local authority, police and social services – professionals who work together for the benefit of society, in an efficient manner.
In layman’s terms, it’s a modern version of the depiction of Turin traffic control centre in the original 1969 version of The Italian Job film, but with other elements to manage crime and assist vulnerable members of society – hence the heightened security.
On the face of it, the modern open plan office looks like any other – members of staff are grouped around clusters of desks, beavering away. A striking feature however, is the wall containing a bank of screens showing life out on the streets. In addition to CCTV operatives, the office is also home to staff responsible for the traffic signals (lights), police and those who answer personal alarms from vulnerable members of the public. Last but by no means least, is the team from First West of England (WoE) who help deal with incidents, service disruption and headways. In short, being in the same room works for the benefit of all and streamlines communication.[…]
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