2000 sign up to call to end pram bus ban

Published on Friday 17 October 2008 10:33

CAMPAIGNERS are set to hand in around 2000 signatures to the Scottish Parliament today, calling for prams and buggies to be allowed on buses.

They are protesting against Lothian Buses' controversial policy, which they say discriminates against parents with babies.

All eight candidates in the Forth ward by-election signed the petition, saying they will continue to put pressure on the bus company if elected. They join MSPs, councillors, disability groups and the Equality and Human Rights Commission in opposing the ban.

The petition is due to be considered by the parliament's Public Petitions Committee on Tuesday, November 4.

Caroline Burgess, 27, of Barnton, who started the campaign after she was refused access to a bus in the summer, said: "It's fantastic to receive such universal support for our campaign. All we want is access to public transport. It's crazy that Lothian Buses has allowed this to go on so long when everyone is clearly against their ridiculous policy."

Catriona Black, who started the petition seven weeks ago, said: "I never dreamed our petition would attract so many signatures. With support from across the political spectrum, I hope Lothian Buses will finally sit up and listen.

"They have steam-rollered this unfair policy through without any thought for the parents and babies who will suffer and sooner or later they will have to move into reverse."

Lothian Buses has insisted their policy is to conform with the Disability Discrimination Act and ensure space is kept free for wheelchair users.

The company says only fully foldable prams and buggies are allowed on buses, although campaigners say these are not suitable for children under six months. The company has said it does not intend to change the policy.

Seven out of the eight council candidates joined parents in person outside the Scottish Parliament yesterday in their final push to collect signatures.

Kate Joester, a mother-of-two, who is the Green candidate, said: "They've got to see sense soon. We want to bring up a generation who use public transport rather than being dependent on cars."

Iain McGill, the Conservative candidate, added: "This is having a serious effect on parents with young children. Lothian Buses should follow other companies, such as First, who have a more flexible approach."

George Gordon, the SNP candidate, Lib Dem candidate Sanne Dijkstra-Dowie, Independent John Loughton, and Labour's Cammy Day have all said they are supporting the campaign. Willie Black of Solidarity, and Socialist Robert Richard have also signed the petition.

The mothers took to the streets around Princes Street and Holyrood this week, gathering hundreds of signatures, and they won support from many bus drivers when they protested outside Lothian Buses HQ on Tuesday.