McMahon seeks further guidance from Government to prevent bus driver deaths

Oldham West and Royton MP Jim McMahon

Oldham West and Royton MP Jim McMahon, Labour's Shadow Transport Secretary, is calling on the Government to urgently provide clarity and guidance to bus operators to prevent any further deaths of bus drivers from the coronavirus.

In a letter to Transport Secretary Grant Shapps, Mr McMahon said: “There is a mix of overlapping and at times contradictory scientific advice and guidance in circulation.

"While this is understandable during an unprecedented time, the job of Government should surely be to cut through that noise and give those that need it clear, unified and constant guidance and direction.

“The fact that different bus operators have diverging views on the best approach is confusing matters further.

"This can only be achieved with guidance for all transport operators which is then published and publicised by your department.

“There is concern relating to the provision of PPE, and which approach provides the best protection, the risk in transmission through cash handling, and how passengers can be managed as the lock down is lifted and patronage increases.”

The letter notes guidance should include but not be limited to:

Whether there should now be a total ban on using cash on buses, with the Government covering revenue risk, in the same way it has with train operators

Whether drivers should be issued with gloves, masks, and other PPE items as standard, what specification this PPE should be and, if there isn’t sufficient PPE, whether buses should still run

Whether physical barriers (ie. screens) should be in place for all operating buses, and if the government will provide specification on the most effective installation

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something going on in and around Oldham? Let us know by emailing news@oldham-chronicle.co.uk , calling our Oldham-based newsroom on 0161 633 2121 , tweeting us @oldhamchronicle or messaging us through our Facebook page. All contact will be treated in confidence.