Bus driver right not to tackle gang
Tuesday, 8th October 2002.
A YOUNG bus driver has been defended for refusing to take any action against a gang of youths who were openly smoking cannabis on her bus.
Despite complaints from other passengers the driver declined to confront a group of around 15 youngsters who were smoking cannabis and drinking on the late-night 113 Stagecoach service from Cambridge to Haverhill.
Stagecoach chief executive Inglis Lyon praised his driver for using her common sense.
“Here was a 25-year-old woman in charge of a 10-tonne vehicle late at night,” he said.
“What would you do if you were faced with a gang of kids laughing and smoking upstairs?”
According to Mr Lyon, anti-social behaviour is rare on buses in Cambridgeshire.
“We are very fortunate in this area as we have few incidents of this sort,” he said.
“In Peterborough we’re fitting anti-assault screens into our vehicles because of the regular abuse our drivers suffer.
“To their credit, drivers in Cambridge are not keen on the screens as they want to maintain a good relationship with passengers.”
Mr Inglis said it was sad a handful of unruly youngsters were making life a misery for other passengers but stood by the actions of his driver.
“Drivers do use their common sense and 99 per cent of the time that is sufficient,” he said.
The incident with the youngsters took place on the 11.25pm service on September 25.
John Bowyer, a passenger on the bus, said: “It was very hazy and there was a very strong smell all through the bus.
“I was very annoyed as kids using the bus in the morning could probably still have smelt it.”
A police spokeswoman said: “If someone reported illegal drug use was taking place and we caught people involved in this type of behaviour we would take action. It is against the law and we would act upon it.”
Despite complaints from other passengers the driver declined to confront a group of around 15 youngsters who were smoking cannabis and drinking on the late-night 113 Stagecoach service from Cambridge to Haverhill.
Stagecoach chief executive Inglis Lyon praised his driver for using her common sense.
“Here was a 25-year-old woman in charge of a 10-tonne vehicle late at night,” he said.
“What would you do if you were faced with a gang of kids laughing and smoking upstairs?”
According to Mr Lyon, anti-social behaviour is rare on buses in Cambridgeshire.
“We are very fortunate in this area as we have few incidents of this sort,” he said.
“In Peterborough we’re fitting anti-assault screens into our vehicles because of the regular abuse our drivers suffer.
“To their credit, drivers in Cambridge are not keen on the screens as they want to maintain a good relationship with passengers.”
Mr Inglis said it was sad a handful of unruly youngsters were making life a misery for other passengers but stood by the actions of his driver.
“Drivers do use their common sense and 99 per cent of the time that is sufficient,” he said.
The incident with the youngsters took place on the 11.25pm service on September 25.
John Bowyer, a passenger on the bus, said: “It was very hazy and there was a very strong smell all through the bus.
“I was very annoyed as kids using the bus in the morning could probably still have smelt it.”
A police spokeswoman said: “If someone reported illegal drug use was taking place and we caught people involved in this type of behaviour we would take action. It is against the law and we would act upon it.”
Comment on this story
[board listing] [login] [register]
You must be logged in to post messages. (login now)