EU not to blame for changes to local bus service

11.10.00am GMT Mon 5th Nov 2007

It's a shame that when faced with public backlash over a business decision, the EU is often used as a convenient scapegoat, says Graham Watson

A suggestion that the suspension of local bus services in the region is the result of EU legislation on Drivers' Working Hours amounts to little more than scaremongering claims local MEP Graham Watson.

Commenting, Graham Watson said:

"It's a shame that when faced with public backlash over a business decision, the EU is often used as a convenient scapegoat. My initial reaction that the decision to cut local bus services was not EU-inspired is now proven by the letter I received from First's Chief Executive."

In a letter from 'First' Chief Executive Moir Lockhead there is no mention of EU legislation being to blame for the suspension of bus services. Instead, having been quizzed by Mr Watson as to why parts of the bus service on the Bridgwater and Wells route had been suspended, Moir Lockhead explains that the decision to cut the service at Leg-of-Mutton Road in Glastonbury is instead down to the area being recognised as a potential accident blackspot due to poorly parked cars.