NIGHT buses will operate in Newquay this summer to help keep partygoers safe.

Devon & Cornwall Police is working with First Bus to run the service on Saturdays throughout July and August in a bid to reduce drink and drug-related incidents.

The initiative has been set up by Cornwall Council, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner and CrimeStoppers.

Inspector Andy Wills said: “As the weather gets warmer, we understand that people want to get out and enjoy themselves. We just want to make sure they’re able to do so safely.

“Alcohol and drugs affect a person’s ability to accurately judge a situation, which can contribute to issues such as drink or drug driving, violence against women and girls and anti-social behaviour.

“These night buses offer party-goers a cost-effective and convenient way of getting home safely and we hope that the provision of these services will help to reduce the number of drink or drug-related incidents, allowing those out partying to end their nights safely.”

Alison Hernandez, Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, who is chair of the Vision Zero South West road safety partnership, said: “The vast majority of road users are safe and responsible drivers who respect the law and take the safety of others seriously.

“But as the summer weather approaches, with beer gardens and barbecues to enjoy, there can often be the temptation to drive after consuming too much alcohol – whether that’s on the night or the morning after.

“This bus service offers people of all ages the opportunity to leave their cars at home, safe in the knowledge they have a cheap and convenient way of getting home safely – right up until the early hours of the morning.

“We want everyone to enjoy summer in the South West, so please don’t drive under the influence of drink or drugs – it’s just not worth the risk.

“I’m committed to improving female safety and tackling the scourge of violence in our communities, whether in the home or in public places.

“Getting home safely, whether from work or a night out in town, should not be a nice-to-have, it should be a given. All women and girls deserve to stay safe at night and feel confident that their safety is our concern.”

The night buses, which will also operate in North Devon by Stagecoach during the summer, follows its successful trial in Barnstaple.

Tickets for the services cost £2 for a single journey, and full timetables are available on the provider websites: First Bus, covering Newquay, St Column Major and Indian Queens (Search Route N1) - www.firstbus.co.uk/cornwall/plan-journey/timetables?search=Newquay