THE case of the bus driver who faced a charge of dangerous driving at Bradford Crown Court because a schoolboy passenger ended up under the wheels of his bus after falling through the doors highlights a work situation for many bus drivers on school days.

This was brought home to me with shocking full force last year in the Wakefield area, when, as one of only two adult passengers on the upper deck, the bus began to pick up more and more schoolchildren.

As a result, we became surrounded by an ear-splitting din (loaded with foul language). Children were jumping up and down on seats, banging on windows, running around and pushing and shoving one another.

Being a bus driver has to be a stressful job at the best of times. To be placed in that sort of situation as well, is outrageous. Schoolchildren are also being let down by getting away with behaviour which could lead to all kinds of accidents.

Groups of schoolchildren have always required supervision. In the confined space of a moving vehicle on our busy roads, this is essential.

The overall question is - whose "pigeon" is this one - the parents, the bus companies, or the education authorities?

L Boulton,

Beansway,

York.

Updated: 10:36 Thursday, March 11, 2004