Bus drivers slammed after spate of collisions (From Bucks Free Press)

Bus drivers slammed after spate of collisions

9:24am Thursday 14th March 2002 in News By Kris Hall

TRADERS and councillors have criticised bus drivers for taking no notice of traffic calming measures around Princes Risborough after a spate of collisions.

Flower beds in containers were built to narrow roads and ease traffic flow but they are being left damaged or destroyed at an alarming rate.

Bus chiefs have blamed "illegally parked" vehicles for the damage to sections of Duke Street and the adjacent roundabout. They say drivers are having to go wide on tight corners to avoid further smashes which have damaged buses.

Daniel Weston, who works at Desborough Pets in Duke Street, has collected parts of buses knocked off in collisions.

He said: "Ever since the flowers were installed they've never actually slowed traffic down. If it continues like this, very soon we're going to have enough bus parts to build our own bus."

The measures were introduced by Buckinghamshire County Council's highways department to ensure motorists adhered to traffic regulations around the town while maintaining the towns good looks.

But Mr Weston, 21, of Haddenham, said: "About two or three weeks ago they [the council] came and rebuilt a demolished flower bed. A week or so ago they had to come back and replace it again. It's a joke."

The smashes have become a regular occurrence in the town and subsequent suggestions have been made by Princes Risborough Town Council for highways bosses to liaise with them and police to find a suitable alternative. Cllr John Coombs, town council chairman, believes it has become ridiculous with several incidents this month alone. He puts it down to the increasing regularity with which buses are passing through the town.

Ian Reed, local area coordinator for the highways department, said: "We are investigating three or four occurrences already this month where containers have been struck by buses. If we find bus drivers were responsible we shall be asking the companies about getting money back towards the repairs."

However, David Shadbolt, a spokesman for Arriva buses, hit back saying: "The level of service through Princes Risborough is the same as it has been for years. The regional manager is only aware of two separate incidents involving Arriva buses and on both occasions drivers were forced to go wide on tight corners by illegally parked vehicles."