Bus Fires

Our ref: HSR

Head Office Circular NP/032/25

25^th January 2025

To: The Secretary

ALL BRANCHES

REGIONAL COUNCILS

 

Dear Colleague

 

BUS FIRES

 

Your Truro Bus branch submitted the following resolution:

 

1. In 2023 the DVSA concluded an investigation into bus and coach fires after a significant rise in their number.

 

2. Despite this report finding evidence that repairs to buses were not being carried out correctly leading to vehicle fires and that conclusions from this study be shared with the industry, the Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT) and DVSA operational teams, the number of bus and coach fires has continued to be an all too familiar feature in the UK.

 

3. In the last nine months there been two catastrophic fires in the South West, one leading to complete disintegration of the bus, the other causing enough damage for the bus be written off. In the latter incident 30 minutes before the fire, the vehicle had been carrying 50 children.

 

4. As a branch we are concerned the lessons of previous bus and coach fires and DVSA investigation have not been learnt by companies and it is only a matter of time before a fire causes serious injury or worse still a death.

 

5. Given the seriousness and complexity of the issue, we believe it is time Parliament looked at the situation through the Transport Select Committee.

 

6. We also believe with the Better Buses (no2) bill currently starting its journey through Parliament, now is the time to take a fresh look at the root causes of catastrophic bus and coach fires as well measure on how best to prevent future ones, with such measures such as fire suppression systems, the provision of  improved  fire-retardant materials for new builds and any repairs or replacement in any existing fleets and the removal from the road of any vehicles that represent a higher likelihood of posing a significant risk to the public and bus  and coach drivers.

 

We therefore call on the NEC and General Secretary to use its influence to ask the Transport Committee Chair to:

 

1. Investigate the underlying causes of bus fires to understand how they can be stopped, how they can be minimised, and the risk reduced.

 

2. Bring about new industry standards and legislation for the design, construction, and furnishings to significantly reduce the likelihood of catastrophic fires that will make public transport a safe way to travel without fear.

 

3. Produce a report to government that could influence the regulatory regime of the bus and coach sector.

 

4. Consider the introduction of an independent investigatory body such as the RAIB and the AAIB provide to the rail and air industry.

At its meeting on 18^th February your National Executive Committee noted and adopted the following report from its health and safety subcommittee:

 

We note the resolution on file from our Truro Bus Branch regarding the increasing number of bus and coach fires and the concerns raised about safety within the industry. 

 

While we recognise the seriousness of these incidents, it is not the role of this union to investigate their causes. That responsibility lies with the government and its regulatory bodies. 

 

We note that since October 2011, new buses and coaches have been subject to harmonised international safety standards through the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE). These evolving standards include fire protection measures covering: 

 

• Engine compartments, including automated fire suppression systems 

• Electrical equipment and wiring 

• Battery safety 

• Fire extinguishers and detection systems 

• Flammability of materials used in vehicle construction 

 

These regulations also outline emergency exit requirements to facilitate swift evacuations in case of fire or accident. 

 

This union is committed to improving safety standards within the industry and is currently producing a report for our parliamentary group to raise key concerns in Parliament. Furthermore, we already have policy in place supporting the establishment of an independent investigator branch for the bus and coach industry, like those in the rail and aviation sectors. 

 

We call on the General Secretary to continue applying pressure on the government to strengthen regulations, ensure proper enforcement, and prioritise the safety of workers and passengers alike. 

 

Relevant Regional councils, branches, and members to be advised.

 

I am acting in line with these instructions. 

            

Please bring this circular to the attention of relevant members.

 

Yours sincerely

 

 

 

Michael Lynch

General Secretary