Islington Tribune - by PETER GRUNER Published: 28 September 2007
Bendy buses face EU probe
AN investigation is being launched into whether London’s bendy buses meet European safety standards, following pressure from Islington Lib Dem MEP Baroness Sarah Ludford.
Bendy buses were involved in five accidents a day last year, a total of 1,751. Ms Ludford added: “Indeed, each bendy bus in London’s fleet has on average five accidents a year, an accident rate 75 per cent higher than for other types of bus. Pedestrians are twice as likely to be injured on bendy bus routes and cyclists three times as likely.”
When European Commissioner for transport Jacques Barrot cited relevant EU legislation on articulated vehicles and drivers’ training, Ms Ludford asked him to check that Transport for London was properly applying the rules.
Ms Ludford said: “I am pleased that the European Commission is going to investigate whether EU laws are being observed in the interests of Londoners’ safety.”