Lothian Buses chiefs told to sort out pram ban 'fiasco'

LOTHIAN Buses is to be told to sort out the "fiasco" created by its contentious pram ban.

A cross-party delegation of councillors is to visit the local authority-owned bus company to make clear their unhappiness at the situation.

Drivers have been instructed to turn away passengers with prams or buggies which can't be folded.

City transport leader Councillor Phil Wheeler today led the growing criticism of the firm, accusing it of taking a "heavy handed" approach.

The move comes after city officials concluded the disabled rights legislation on which the ban is based is open to interpretation.

The council has noted a recent Department of Transport statement which said the legislation allows the wheelchair space to be used by other users, but that it should be vacated when a wheelchair user requires it.

This is the compromise that campaigners – and the Evening News – have been calling for in recent months.

Lothian Buses today said it was sticking to its interpretation of the disability rights laws to ensure there is always a space for a wheelchair.

Cllr Wheeler said: "I am disappointed that Lothian Buses has been so heavy handed in this issue. I don't see why they can't allow the drivers to use their discretion.

"I would like to ask the company to close out this fiasco and change their stance."

Although Lothian Buses is 91 per cent owned by the city council, the local authority is not allowed to interfere with its day-to-day operations because of legislation set up during the deregulation of the bus industry in the 1980s.

The council does, however, elect the people who sit on Lothian Buses' board of directors.

Steve Ryan, commercial director for Lothian Buses, said: "Our own experience is that in fact many mothers are refusing to fold up their buggies or move to make way for disabled passengers.

"We are trying to adhere to the law, it is as simple as that."

Mr Ryan admitted the firm's evidence was anecdotal rather than based on research.

Councillor Mark McInnes, the city's Tory transport spokesman, said: "Lothian Buses has been going through a public relations disaster since June and now we find there is no statistical support for their argument.

"It seems strange to me that Lothian Buses are pushing down this path."

Lothian Buses' ban on prams is not a new policy, but the issue came to the fore in July when drivers were told by the company to enforce it.

Councillor Ian Perry, the city's Labour transport spokesman, said: "I understand that the council cannot interfere with the operational side of Lothian Buses but we are the biggest shareholder, and we have a moral duty to step in because people are being denied access to vital services."

Campaigners revealed at a charged transport committee meeting yesterday that more than 1000 people have signed their petition at the Scottish Parliament.

Caroline Burgess, 27, from Barnton, one of the mums leading the campaign, said: "The policy is frankly unfair and discriminates against young parents."