POLICE thoughout part of the county will be travelling by bus as part of a new plan to increase local visibility and help the environment at the same time.

Police officers, police community support officers and Special Constables in West Kent are being encouraged to make more use of buses as they travel to and from work and as they go about their daily business.

It is hoped this will reduce the number of car journeys being made and provide a visible presence, which police hope will become a welcome sight for fellow travellers.

Superintendent Martin Very said: "We want to encourage officers to take full advantage of the Arriva services because of the benefits to the travelling public in seeing a uniformed presence on the bus.

"We need to be realistic and accept that this isn't going to happen all the time but where it can, it will be a good thing. Additionally, it's good to know we're making a positive environmental contribution."

The plans come after an agreement was formed between Kent Police and Arriva buses which allows officers to travel free on presentation of their warrant card.

Arriva's marketing manager, Richard Lewis, said the company was pleased to be working in partnership with Kent Police.

He added: "The sight of a uniformed police officer on board from time-to-time can only add further reassurance, as well as helping the officers to go about their duties or to travel to and from work."

The West Kent police area covers Malling, Sevenoaks, Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells and Swanley.