'Tram staff have been slapped, spat at and pushed and it just isn't right'

OPERATION SAFENET PATROLS KEEPING PASSENGERS AND EMPLOYEES SAFE

- By OLIVER PRIDMORE

POLICE tackling antisocial behaviour on Nottingham’s tram network say they have seen NET staff spat at during disputes about fare dodging.

An operation running since last summer has seen dedicated police patrols on the tram network, aimed at reassuring passengers and addressing incidents that may arise.

The lead officer working on the operation, funded by the Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner in partnership with Nottinghamshire Police and NET, says it is also to reassure those working on the trams.

The Nottingham tram operator's zero-tolerance approach to fare dodging now sees those found without a valid ticket being issued with a £70 penalty - a situation that can often lead to conflict.