Time for a job-related blant, I think.

I want to highlight some of the completely brainless things that other road users - both private and commercial - perform. With this in mind, here's something that both bus and truck drivers have in common:

* First, our licences are what are called "Vocational Licences". There is no absolute right to have them (unlike the ordinary car driving licences). There is only a privilege to possess such a licence. In order to obtain one, we have to take very stringent tests, involving both the theory component (including, now, extensive technical aspects relating to the mechanics of buses) and the practical component of actually driving the buses - and remember, it's not like a car. The front wheels are normally BEHIND the driver, not in front, as in most cars, and the 'swing area', where the front and rear of the bus swing out to a large area, MUST be taken into account when driving the things! These tests are overseen by the Driver Standards Agency (DSA). They judge us far more harshly than the more 'ordinary' car and bike licence takers, for obvious reasons.

* Secondly, we have regular driving assessments, both overtly, by our own Bus Operating Companies, and covertly, by DSA examiners (who travel as regular passengers on buses). These covert examiners have the power to revoke our licences, on the spot, if they feel that any given bus driver is driving dangerously.

* Lastly, we have to take and maintain a certain level of fitness - I know that this sounds mad, given that a fair few of my colleagues have shapes resembling beach balls, but the medical clearance is called a "group two" clearance. You have the medical when you apply for the licence, then at age 45, and every five years thereafter to age 60, when it's annually, if I recall correctly. You also have to have a re-medical test if you have a serious medical complain, such as, in my case, a heart attack. I'm having mine (the medical fitness test, I mean, not the heart attack, I've already had one of those and I don't intend having another!) in about ten weeks or so, I think. They've yet to tell me, of course.

So, with that out of the way, why am I blathering away about my job?

Simple. Since my heart attack, I've been a passenger on more than my normal share of buses, rather than driving them, and I've had the time to actually pay attention to a lot more road users than I would normally have to in the course of driving - I know this sounds mad, but it's true - driving, you're very concious of the vehicles around you, most especially the ones in front and to the forward side of you, but you're not always paying attention to what the cars you've completely passed are doing; Your main concern is to drive safely, and not hit anything, so anything that doesn't concern you, you don't pay attention to!

So, why this blant? I'm in a strop about a number of you car, cab, and LGV drivers. Allow me to remind you of certain sections of the Highway Code:

Bus Lanes: Rule 120

Bus and tram lanes. These are shown by road markings and signs. You MUST NOT drive or stop in a tram lane or in a bus lane during its period of operation unless the signs indicate you may do so. If there are NO times shown (as in the illustration to the left), then it's in operation 24/7!

Law: Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 sects 5 & 8

Single-track roads: Rule 133

These are only wide enough for one vehicle. They may have special passing places. If you see a vehicle coming towards you, or the driver behind wants to overtake, pull into a passing place on your left, or wait opposite a passing place on your right. Give way to vehicles coming uphill whenever you can. If necessary, reverse until you reach a passing place to let the other vehicle pass.

Now, I've added the italics to this one. remember that like any large vehicle, buses take a while, especially going uphill, to get moving. Once they're moving, it's easy enough to keep going. However, there are many of you out there that, when you see a bloody great vehicle coming, seem to think that you're a bull, and the vehicle is a red flag. WRONG. Be nice. It doesn't take much to slow down, and let us up that narrow road. You'll be helping others (the passenger of the bus, many of whom may be elderly and trying to get to the post office before it closes for the day) as well. Do a good deed for the day - let the bus up that damned hill!

Box Junctions: Rule 150

Box junctions. These have criss-cross yellow lines painted on the road (see Other road markings section). You MUST NOT enter the box until your exit road or lane is clear. However, you may enter the box and wait when you want to turn right, and are only stopped from doing so by oncoming traffic, or by other vehicles waiting to turn right.

Law: Traffic Signs Regulations & General Directions 1994 reg 10(1)

Bus Stops: Rule 198

Buses, coaches and trams. Give priority to these vehicles when you can do so safely, especially when they signal to pull away from stops. Look out for people getting off a bus or tram and crossing the road.

HINT: The thick yellow line against the kerb is a reminder as well - don't even THINK about parking on a bus stop.

Here's the carrot: You won't get fined if you do not park on a bus stop.
Here's the stick: Buses carry enforcement cameras in London. You even STOP on a bus stop, and a bus comes along, there's a better than even chance that you'll get a fixed penalty notice in the post for stopping there. That's £100 and several points, ladies!

Bus Lanes: Rule 217

DO NOT park your vehicle or trailer on the road where it would endanger, inconvenience or obstruct pedestrians or other road users. For example, do not stop:

* at or near a bus stop or taxi rank

HINT: The thick yellow line against the kerb is a reminder as well - don't even THINK about parking on a bus stop.

Here's the carrot: You won't get fined if you do not park on a bus stop.
Here's the stick: Buses carry enforcement cameras in London. You even STOP on a bus stop, and a bus comes along, there's a better than even chance that you'll get a fixed penalty notice in the post for stopping there. That's £100 and several points, ladies!

Now, why am I telling you all of the above? Easy. Bus operating Companies get fined for being late. Most often, this is due to traffic, like someone parking in a bus stop, right on the edge of a bus stop, or in bus lanes. Think about the size and the position of the wheels of a bus. Yeah, it's a bloody great big thing, and carries a lot of people. However, in order to get close to the kerb at a stop, and parallel to it to allow wheel-chair users off (we have ramps for this, by the way), we NEED to get within six INCHES (15cm) of the kerb. If you're parked right up against the bus stop, the chances are better than even that we won't be ABLE to get near enough to the kerb. Result: More delays. Other results: We block the road at bus stops, because you were inconsiderate enough to block the bloody bus stop.

So, a little care and attention, and a little bleedin' consideration for buses, if you please!

It'll be nice, after all, when I return to work as a driver, to see you all giving bus drivers the consideration we deserve!

Thank you!