MacAskill calls for 'common sense' solution to pram ban

Published on Tuesday 2 September 2008 10:01

JUSTICE Secretary Kenny MacAskill has called for a "common sense" solution to Lothian Buses' controversial pram ban.

Mr MacAskill staged what he said were "productive" talks with the bus company over the issue, in his capacity as MSP for Edinburgh East and Musselburgh.

And he said he was hopeful a solution would be found.

Mr MacAskill's intervention comes as parents continue their campaign to persuade Lothian Buses to accept prams, provided there is no-one using the wheelchair space.

More than 100 people have signed a new petition which has been launched on the Scottish Parliament website.

Mr MacAskill said today: "Lothian Buses are trying to engage with parents and we are trying to work towards a solution. We've got to balance wheelchair access to buses with access for parents.

"We need to allow drivers to use their common sense. There's a difference between a crowded bus at peak times and one where there is plenty of space for a pram or buggy."

Lothian Buses first came under fire last month for refusing to allow a mother on board in the city centre because she had a pram.

She was told it was company policy only to allow foldable buggies on buses to ensure space for wheelchair users was always available and drivers therefore complied with the Disability Discrimination Act.

The incident sparked outrage among parents across the Capital who insist they travelled freely with prams for years, unaware of any "pram ban".

They argued that in the event of a wheelchair user needing space – something they say rarely occurs – they would get off, ensuring priority was given to that person.

But Lothian Buses insists it has always been its policy not to allow prams on board, but that many drivers only recently began to enforce it, following clarification from management.

A company spokesman confirmed the Justice Secretary had been in talks with Lothian Buses regarding many issues, including the pram ban, but claimed that Mr MacAskill supported the company's position.

The company says at least 300 wheelchair users travel with Lothian Buses every day.

The spokesman said: "Mr MacAskill was happy with what we are doing and what our policy is.

"He supports what we are doing, believing it is common sense because of the number of wheelchair users we have."