MSP backs our bus driver red lights campaign
A POLITICIAN has praised an Evening Times campaign to make Glasgow’s streets safer, stating she hopes irresponsible behaviour by bus drivers is being monitored by transport bosses.
Glasgow Conservative MSP Annie Wells has given her backing to the ongoing Busted campaign, which is calling for an end to dangerous driving across the city.
While the vast majority of bus drivers in Glasgow are conscientious and safe, images captured as part of the campaign show some are taking risks by running through red lights – and putting pedestrians and other drivers at risk.
This message has been echoed by the Scottish Conservative MSP, who said the examples exposed so far by the Evening Times clearly show “irresponsible” driving.
She said: “Buses play a vital role in connecting our communities across the city and provide a lifeline for many elderly and vulnerable residents.
“We must always ensure however that our drivers are acting in a responsible way as they carry out their duties.
“This important campaign from the Evening Times has highlighted a minority of incidents where pedestrians and passengers have clearly felt drivers have acted irresponsibly.”
The Tory politician has also raised the issue of employee monitoring, with any problems of this type being dealt with internally.
Ms Wells added: “I would hope that transport providers monitor their employees on a regular basis to ensure that they are driving to the high- est standards.
“I am confident the majority of drivers will be adhering to the law but hope that this sends a strong message that any unacceptable behaviour is going to be highlighted.”
The Evening Times call for an end to dangerous, inconsiderate driving on our public transport has now seen multiple transport companies across Glasgow speak out on the issue.
The paper has published pictures of buses running red lights in the city at junctions busy with cars and pedestrians.
First Bus, Stagecoach and McGill’s have all now said they will investigate issues raised, while regional transport executive Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) warned that drivers who run red lights could face the sack from their employers.
Dozens of incidents documented as part of the campaign so far, show drivers flouting the laws and putting the public at risk.
As the campaign enters its second week, we want Evening Times readers to tell us of their experiences.
• Have you seen buses jump red lights? Do drivers sit in yellow boxes and block the roads?
If you’re a cyclist, do you ever have trouble sharing your route with buses or coaches?
Share your stories, photographs and videos by emailing news@eveningtimes. co.uk.