Protest cards to be given to drivers over bus pram ban

Published on Monday 18 August 2008 08:36

CAMPAIGNERS will be handing out protest cards to Lothian Buses drivers in their attempt to overturn the controversial ban on prams.

They are protesting against the company's policy of refusing to allow parents on board with prams or buggies that cannot be folded.

Disability campaigners have also criticised Lothian Buses' inflexibility, saying there is no reason mothers with prams cannot use the disabled space if it is vacant.

And they also hit out at the company's refusal to carry a mother with a disabled baby daughter in a pram, as reported in last week's Evening News.

Caroline Docherty was stunned when she was told she couldn't get on several buses with her five-month-old baby Sophie, who has brain damage and requires a special pram.

However, she said she has now been offered a special badge to show to drivers.

The mum-of-two said: "I'm just relieved I'll be able to get on the bus again.

"I phoned them up and they said they'd send one out to me to show drivers. I think every mother who asks for one now will get one if they phone up."

Lothian Buses began enforcing the ban on non-folding prams in June, which they say is in line with the Disability Discrimination Act.

They have issued drivers with guidance as to what types of prams and buggies should be refused.

But councillors, parents and campaigners are calling on the company to back down and show some "common sense". They say that most parents are happy to vacate the space if it is needed by a wheelchair user.

Kate Joester, a mother-of-two from Lower Granton Road, has designed the cards. She has won the support of dozens of parents.

She said: "I'd like people to hand one to the driver of every bus they get on, saying they object to this policy whether they push a buggy or not.

"We don't want to behave in a hostile way to drivers or hold anyone up, but we just want to make it clear how many people, their customers, think this is outrageous. It's so intimidating waiting for a bus, and not knowing whether you'll be allowed on.

"What are you supposed to do if you've got a six-week-old baby who can't go in a foldable buggy? It's not possible to carry your baby all the time.

"It can be very hard for mothers with young children to get around as it is. The last thing Lothian Buses should be doing is alienating so many passengers.

"Most parents are happy to get off a bus if a wheelchair users needs the space."

Nikki McIntosh Lewis, a mother-of-two, has helped set up a Facebook group with nearly 150 members who oppose the ban. She is also organising a petition.

She said: "I would definitely support this. I think handing out cards is a good way for people to show Lothian Buses what they think."

Mothers are also planning a delegation to go and confront managers at Lothian Buses. They have won the support of Malcolm Chisholm, the MSP for Edinburgh North and Leith.

No one from Lothian Buses was available for comment.