Wheelchairs Or Pushchairs: Who Should Take Priority On Buses? (Part 2)

[SlackAlice]

Update on an earlier thread

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leeds-30376446


Earlier thread

http://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/News/Question1379089-6.html

[woofgang]

sounds like that appeal is likely to get overturned though....

[SlackAlice]

woofgang

I've not seen any counterclaim details, got a link?

[woofgang]

"But earlier, judges at the Court of Appeal ruled the "proper remedy" for wheelchair users to get improvements in such cases was to ask parliament."

and the fact that they have already asked leave to Appeal.

Sounds like the Court of Appeal saying "That one is above my paygrade"

[dunnitall]

It states on buses in my area that the designated space is for wheelchairs! Pushchairs IMO should 'give way' to wheelchairs! In my day, prams used to be for walking with not riding on buses! If you used a bus with a pram/pushchair you had to fold it to put under the stairs. This modern day lark is ridiculous and as for the person in giving up the space....curses on her for the narrow minded ness that prevails in the younger generation of today!!

[Prudie]

I didn't see the earlier thread and it's too long to read. I can only say what I think after hearing it on the news tonight. I cannot begin to understand why a woman with a pushchair thinks she should take priority over a wheelchair user, not in a million years. Unbelievably selfish, she should be ashamed (hope this won't develop into the breastfeeding saga).

[dunnitall]

Prudie I agree with you.

[WesterRoss]

Dunnitall, couldn't have put it better myself.
Well done.

[dunnitall]

Divebuddy,on our buses it states that the designated area is for wheelchairs, but some low grades either cannot read or are selfish enough to don't give give a damn.

[dunnitall]

Yup divebuddy I know what you're saying, have had experience of bus companies and their couldn't car less attitude as long as they get their money. I just feel it's terrible that THAT sort of person can win over the most vulnerable people of our society and then are vindicated when they are shown to be 'right' by some stupid judiciary who no nothing of how the other half lives. No offence intended.

[horseshoes]

I only ever got on a us once with a pushchair and had so much hassle trying to the toddler, pushchair and shopping off the bus, I missed my stop! I walked EVERYWHERE after that! In answer to your question, I'd say wheelchairs should have priority.

[TWR]

On some buses the Disabled badge is visible, that should indicate who has priority, discretion should be used by the person in charge of the Bus, that being the Driver, should there be room for the Pushchair then that should be up to the parent to store their child's chair.

[bert_h]

Now wait a minute, folks, the Appeal Court isn't saying that the selfish pushchair owner was RIGHT. It's just saying that, in law, the bus company can't be held responsible for her actions, therefore they shouldn't have to pay the wheelchair user damages. That sounds as straight as could be to me.

[TWR]

They can be held responsible for her actions?? the Driver has the responsibility to the Disabled person & not a child asleep in a pram. If they did not take action to put an Area for wheelchairs & signed, why put in place in the first place.

[dunnitall]

Can see what u mean bert but the bus company owns the bus and they should surely uphold the right of the disabled person because the space is designated for wheelchairs. If the driver is too lax in acknowledging this fact then the bus company should advise their staff accordingly. Nah...ok it saved them a fine so do they give a hoot....do they heck!

[Mamyalynne]

It is of course so easy to speak after the fact and I think I said this on the first thread - with a moments hands on cooperation with the other passengers then baby,shopping and pushchair could have been sorted.

The young man could have boarded the bus - all done.

What the appeal is saying really that the driver (who is the person on the spot) should not have to enter into altercations whenever this situation or similar happens.

[tamborine]

Chuck out baby....coz it hasnt got a ticket ;)

[dunnitall]

Yes that's ok mamya but someone is in charge surely and it has to be the driver! His decision on behalf of the company goes IMO. Wheelchair designated areas are purely for those in wheelchairs, not prams whatever the person in charge of the pram says!

[Mamyalynne]

The wisdom of Solomon according to Tambo.



I am not disagreeing that the young mother was selfish ,but doubt Bus Drivers want to become referees.


I only wish I'd been there.