Extra Plymouth Safe Bus shifts offer no tricks and a Happy Halloween for those on a night out

The 'spooktacular' Plymouth Safe Bus team are gearing up for a busy Halloween and will make sure those on a night out get the support they might need – no tricks just treatments.   

The mobile treatment centre bus is usually parked at Derrys Cross in the city on Saturday nights from 10pm until 4am on Sundays but will also be available this Friday to help people in the city and make sure 31 October is not a ‘fright night’.

The fantastic bus will also be available over the festive party period – on Friday 5,12,19 December as well as Christmas Eve (Wed 24 Dec) and New Year’s Eve (Wed 31 Dec). 

Staff from Western Medical Services are on hand with vital first aid support, water, phone charging services and free advice about drink spiking or other issues. Local volunteers from City Pastors also help those on nights out in the city. The bright green Safe Bus offers a safe space for anyone feeling vulnerable, as well as a useful meeting point for friends.   

Local PC Deb Hart said: “We are pleased that people enjoying a night out in Plymouth can be reassured that the Safe Bus is available for even more dates over the party season. This is fantastic news as the Safe Bus team has helped protect and advise hundreds of people on nights out over the last few years. Around 90% of individuals treated on board the bus are discharged at the scene by medical staff, reducing pressure on police, ambulance, and hospital services.

“Plymouth Citybus ensures the upkeep and reliability of the vehicle, consistently providing drivers to transport it to and from its location. We are very grateful to them for their dedication and commitment.”  

The Safe Bus, organised by Devon & Cornwall Police and partners, can be found at bus stop DC2 Derry’s Cross roundabout outside Timbervault Escape Rooms.

The Safe Bus is just one of the reasons why Plymouth was recently awarded national Purple Flag status for the sixth year in a row. This achievement signals that Plymouth is a welcoming city which offers a safe and fun night out. Police work with organisations such as Best Bar None and the city council to keep the community safe. Licensed premises accredited by Best Bar None have been assessed for their excellence in safety, alcohol management and customer service. They promote the Ask Angela scheme which allows vulnerable people who need help to approach specially trained bar staff for help in getting home safely.    

Plymouth Police Commander Chief Superintendent Matt Longman explained: “We are delighted that police and partners have once again been recognised for our efforts to keep people safe on nights out. Our officers are out and about to help others and prevent as well as detect crime. We confiscate illegal drugs where possible, stop any incidents escalating and make sure residents and visitors can have a good time in the city without any worry. Congratulations to everyone who works so hard to make the city a great place to be as we once again celebrate flying the Purple Flag.”

Plymouth is one of only eight areas in the UK to achieve full Purple Flag accreditation in 2025.  

The Safe Bus was set up to provide support to people feeling vulnerable or unwell during the late night and early hours of the morning. The bus was organised by Devon & Cornwall Police and a number of local partners including Plymouth City Council. Partners involved in funding the initiative include University of Plymouth, Safer Streets 4 (Govt), Victim Support and Plymouth City Council. Best Bar None, the NHS and Western Medical Services help the running of the bus. 

The Devon and Cornwall Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) has contributed £10k funding this year to support the annual costs of the Safe Bus.