Unite, the UK’s leading union, which represents tens of thousands of bus drivers is demanding an immediate change to practices regarding bus driver safety, after the second serious attack on a London driver in 10 days.

The latest incident involved a bus driver at approximately 06:00 this morning (29 May) in Southall, West London. The driver was waiting at a bus stop for a changeover to take over the driving a bus, when he was stabbed.

Just last week driver Sergi Krajev died after being assaulted.

Shocking attack

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “This is another shocking attack on a bus driver. No one should go to work fearing they will be attacked.

“The Mayor of London together with TfL, the private bus operators must be brought together with Unite to develop concrete solutions to better protect London bus drivers.” 

New advice needed

Unite believes that the advice to drivers that they should remain in their cab at all times needs to be urgently revised. In both recent cases it was impossible for the driver to have remained in their cab.

Unite is also calling for training provided to London Underground workers on how to diffuse potentially violent situations, must be extended to all London bus drivers.

Driver training needed

Unite regional officer Nadine Edwards: “The current advice to drivers to always remain in their cabs is both flawed and impractical.

“We urgently need fresh guidance and full training for drivers to ensure that they do not put themselves in danger.”

ENDS

Notes to editors:
 
For media enquiries ONLY please contact Unite senior communications advisor Barckley Sumner on 07802 329235.
 
Email: barckley.sumner@unitetheunion.org
 
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