The level of antisocial behavior occurring on Nottingham trams

Literature Review

Antisocial behavior can affect people in many ways; there is no exact definition as it covers an extensive range of crimes. The Crime and Disorder Act have defined it as ‘behavior which causes or is likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress to one or more persons not of the same household as the perpetrator.’ (Nottingham City Homes, 2008) As expected this definition does not cover all the aspects associated with antisocial behavior, the common definition of antisocial behavior describes a large number of criminal and non-criminal offences and behaviors. Although antisocial behavior consists of less serious offences, it can lead to greater problems in the future.

The Department for Transport found that 22% of people travelling on public transport in 2008 claimed to have been a victim of some sort of antisocial behavior. (Department for Transport, 2008). Studies in England and Scotland by Granville and Campbell-Jack have indicated that antisocial behavior is a problem that needs to be addressed, as it is the second biggest concern to travellers on public transport. It is estimated that there could be an increase of passenger use by 11.5% if antisocial behavior could be dismayed. (Moore, 2011) Certain measures have been introduced to try and improve safety on transport and the surrounding areas such as CCTV, transport police and appropriate training of staff. (Department For Transport, 2012)

The Scottish government conducted research of passenger’s experiences with antisocial behavior on public transportation, namely busses, as according to recent UK-wide research, the bus is the most regularly used form of transport. A joint approach of both qualitative and quantitative research was used. There were many objectives in this research but the main issues that the authors were looking to measure was antisocial behavior on busses, the effects and potential ways to improve antisocial behavior. This research is compromised of surveys of households, the bus company and the bus drivers, interviews with key stakeholders and a literature review. This allowed for a wholesome view from different perspectives to be gathered, both the public and bus company staff distinguished that antisocial behavior is an issue on public transport that needs to be dealt with. (The Scottish Government, 2005)

Atkins conducted a review on personal security as a transport issue, made up of a qualitative and quantitative approach drawing on many pieces of research such as The British Crime Survey, and the Department of Transport, which were done in different parts of the United Kingdom and even America. The purpose of this research was to examine how safe people felt on public transport due to antisocial behavior, compare current methods used to increase the safety of passengers and suggest improvements for the future. This research concludes that personal security is a significant factor for the public when using public transport, or deciding to use it. (Atkins, 2007)
The Transport Policy have also explored antisocial behavior on public transport in London, they have distinguished it to be a major problem for most transport authorities in Britain. The issue of antisocial behavior on public transport for the Transport Policy is down to clashing beliefs of what is seen as suitable behavior on public transport. The purpose of this research was to address what the main problems on public transport are and have them ranked in order of what people would like to change most as it concerns methods to control the problem. (Transport Policy, 2011)
Although there is a vast amount of research on antisocial behavior on public transport such as busses and trains, there is little if no research on antisocial behavior on trams. As modes of transport are developing his research intends to fill the existing gap and increase the understanding of antisocial behavior on trams in