Curfew brings tougher action on bus violence
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FOLLOWING a curfew on bus services in Edinburgh after 9.30 pm which resulted from crews being injured by violent passengers, tougher measures against offenders are to be taken. Scotland's Lord Advocate has directed that all offences on buses in Edinburgh be dealt with in the Sheriff Court. This court can impose stiffer penalties (up to three months jail) than the lower Burgh Court where such cases have been taken in the past.
The action is confined to Edinburgh because the city was the only one to make representation — a letter from the general manager and transport committee chairman urging such a step.
Mr Terry Weir, a local Transport and General Workers' Union official, said he was "very happy" with the decision and called the curfew off immediately.
Meanwhile, crews employed by Eastern SMT in Lanarkshire took strike action early this week in protest against attacks on a bus crew On Saturday night. Two men have been charged in connection with the attack.