Calls for new legislation following tragic death of Elgin Stagecoach driver Keith Rollinson
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THE Scottish Government has been urged to make it a specific offence to commit a crime against transport workers following the death of Elgin bus driver Keith Rollinson.
Mr Rollinson (58) died at Dr Gray’s Hospital following an incident at Elgin Bus Station on February 2.
A 15-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has been charged with murder.
Following the incident, Unite published a 15-point blueprint calling for it to be implemented to improve the safety of bus drivers and union members.
This included CCTV on buses to be checked weekly, panic buttons to be made audible, robust “bandit” screens to be fitted on all vehicles and de-escalation training to be given to staff.
North East Conservative MSP Liam Kerr has now asked the Scottish Government to make it a specific offence to commit crimes against transport workers following what Mr Kerr has described as a “surge” in anti-social behaviour on buses.
Mr Kerr asked Connectivity Minister Jim Fairlie if he would consider a move for the new legislation on Thursday at the Scottish Parliament.
He said: “A major issue in North East bus provision is the abuse and violence against drivers and passengers.
“Following the tragic death of driver Keith Rollinson in Elgin, Unite published a 15 point blueprint to improve safety, including a specific offence to commit a crime against transport workers.
“Has the minister read that blueprint?
“If so, which of those 15 particularly interest him and what’s his view on the legislation?”
In response, Mr Fairlie said that the the Scottish Government has written to Unite and that the “process is underway”.
Mr Kerr added: “No one should have to put up with being spat at, verbally abused or physically assaulted at work.
“More needs to be done by both the Scottish Government and bus operators to support drivers who are assaulted and they need the confidence that when they report it, action will be taken against perpetrators.”
