20 July 2023
RMT Press Office:
Response to DVSA report.
Responding to the
DVSA report, RMT General Secretary Mick Lynch said: "This report makes some important recommendations around improved comprehensive and regular maintenance schedules, insisting that operators report fires in a timely manner and better training of drivers to encourage reporting of defects as soon as possible.
"Academic research shows that buses may be significantly riskier than cars, trains, ships or aircraft, mainly due to the less-stringent fire-safety requirements governing them, and concern that the probability of bus fires is 2 to 3 times higher than cars.
"We need to have legislation introduced that governs the manufacture of buses in this country, ensuring that the least flammable materials are used.
"The union has had successes in our campaigning on bus fires and will continue to push for the maximum health and safety protections for our members in the cabs and at bus garages and depots."
Unity House
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