Inspectors make an impact on Hamilton buses

Aug 7 2008 by John Rowbotham, Hamilton Advertiser

BLAKEY-STYLE bus inspectors are already making their presence felt in Hamilton.

They were introduced in February to crack down on drivers who breach traffic regulations.

Strathclyde Partnership for Transport say that, since then, the number of infringements has largely fallen, indicating that drivers and companies were, in the main, sticking to the rules.

Data released this week by SPT shows that, since March, infringements for drivers parked with engines running had fallen from 22 in March to 12 in June.

Cases of illegal parking jumped from 22 in March to 26 in the following four-week period, but were down to one in June.

The number of drivers failing to display the destination of their vehicle rose from four to eight between March and April but was down to one by mid-summer.

Cases of ‘illegal manoeuvres’ numbered 16 in March and April but were down to four in June.

SPT currently have 10 bus wardens but aim to increase that number to 14 by the end of this month and, ultimately 20.

Breaches of bus regulations are reported to Traffic Commissioner Joan Aitken, who has the power to impose fines or take away operating licences.

Wardens, who wear bright yellow jackets, operate across Lanarkshire but have only been deployed in Hamilton since February.

An SPT spokesman said: “The figures seem to show that the wardens are having an impact and improving the performance of bus operators.

“We are delighted that the operators are respecting the team’s presence, and as far as I am aware there have not been any confrontations. Clearly, some drivers take it with a bit more grace than others.”

The spokesman said the wardens welcomed comments and complaints from members of the travelling public.

SPT required the agreement of both the Traffic Commissioner and North and South Lanarkshire councils before introducing the bus wardens scheme.

Details of the numbers of drivers snared by the wardens in Hamilton was outlined to the latest meeting of SPT’s operations committee.

* Blakey was the dictatorial bus inspector in the popular 70s television series ‘On the Buses’. The character, played by Stephen Lewis, terrorised drivers, and his catchphrase, “I ’ate you Butler”, was directed at one of the show’s other major characters, played by Reg Varney.