Burstow launches investigation into free-travel

3.59.01pm UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 10th Jan 2007

Paul Burstow, MP for Sutton and Cheam, has launched an investigation to discover whether the introduction of free travel for under-16 year olds has led to an increase in crime committed in Sutton by non-residents.

Mr Burstow took action following concerns among residents in the Fairland Park and Sutton Common Road area. Residents complained to Mr Burstow about large groups of young people travelling to Sutton from areas such as Mitcham or Streatham in order to commit antisocial behaviour offences.

Mr Burstow has written to Sutton Police, asking for information about the number of arrests of non-resident children and young people. He plans to expand the investigation to other London boroughs in an effort to learn more about these possible negative consequences of free travel for under-16s.

Commenting on his investigation, Paul Burstow MP said:

"Thousands of youngsters here in Sutton and across London use their free travel passes to access sporting, social and educational opportunities."

"It appears however that a small minority are abusing this privilege, by travelling far from home to commit offences and behave badly."