Safety fears after narrow escapes

4:10pm Thursday 24th July 2008

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BUS drivers turning into a Kidderminster depot are in danger of running into pedestrians because of an overgrown tree, it has been claimed by a man who has had three narrow escapes.

Bernard Rewbury says when buses leave the Worcester Road Ringway to enter the First Bus Garage, drivers cannot see people crossing the road because the tree is blocking their view.

He told the Shuttle/Times & News he had a “lucky escape” after almost being hit by a bus three times and said he feared for other people’s safety.

The 67-year-old, who uses a mobility scooter, also explained that it was impossible for pedestrians to see buses coming off the ringway and wants to see the tree felled.

He said: “The last time I nearly got hit was three weeks ago. I was crossing the road and I couldn’t see anything because the tree was in the way.

“As I crossed, I happened to see the bus just in time.”

Mr Rewbury, of Gamson Close, added: “Bus drivers can’t see pedestrians because of the tree. It needs to be cut down. Even If the buses slowed down, people would still be in danger because the tree is just too big.”

Keith Thomson, a member of Friends of Worcester Road Woods, also uses the road. He blamed bus drivers for failing to look to their right as they approached the depot.

Gary Danks, assistant safety health and environmental manager of First, said notices had been put up at the bus depot to alert drivers of the hazard.

He added that the speed of drivers was monitored and that all First Bus depots had a 5mph speed limit.

A spokesman for Worcester-shire County Council, said: “An inspection was carried out on Worcester Road to ascertain if any urgent action needed to be taken with regards to the tree.

“At this time, we believe the area is safe but we will continue to monitor the situation for any deterioration.”