PCV fire investigation called for

Transport trade union RMT has demanded a thorough investigation of bus and coach fires.

The urge comes after newspaper The Scotsman obtained figures suggesting PCV fires have increased for three consecutive years. The paper quoted the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service statistics of more than 200 incidents north of the border since 2015.

RMT has warned that the figures obtained in Scotland are mirrored by a spate of fires on buses across the south-west.

RMT General Secretary, Mick Cash, said: “These figures show a concerning increase in the number of bus fires in Scotland recorded in recent years.

“We believe it is important this trend is thoroughly investigated and action taken to tackle the causes of bus fires.

“RMT has long-standing concerns about the risks to bus workers and passengers of vehicle fires.

“There should be a consistent, industry-wide approach to bus safety which ensures all operators are complying with their health and safety duties, there is a comprehensive evacuation procedure that is communicated to bus workers and passengers, operators ensure bus drivers can directly and easily contact emergency services in the event of an incident, all vehicles are regularly maintained and inspected, and the potential for fires is thoroughly risk assessed.”