Ban on shorts gets bus drivers heated up (From The Oxford Times)

Ban on shorts gets bus drivers heated up

7:30am Friday 3rd July 2009 in

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IN the middle of a heatwave, bus companies in Oxford are split over the best route for their drivers when it comes to summer uniforms.

While Stagecoach managers are happy for staff to wear shorts in the cab, Oxford Bus Company insisted its drivers must wear trousers.

Drivers said this week’s high temperatures were creating uncomfortable driving conditions and asked managers to allow them to wear shorts.

But the company refused to accept the suggestion, maintaining it was important for staff to look smart.

Oxford Bus Company driver and city councillor Stuart Craft said: “Every year drivers get upset about this, because those (city) buses get really hot and sticky.

“We have to put passengers’ safety first.

“If the driver is comfortable, then they’re going to be able to drive properly. I would urge the company to reconsider.”

Fellow driver Joe Jennings, 59, added: “A few years ago, when it got really hot, drivers would turn up in shorts, which were not company issue, so the company stopped drivers from wearing them.

“There’s only air-conditioning on the new Mercedes buses and it’s pretty stifling in this weather when you’re in trousers.

“I think drivers should be given the option to wear shorts, but with my fat little legs I wouldn’t want to wear them.”

The Oxford Bus Company runs 150 buses and coaches and more than two-thirds of them have air-conditioning.

Operations director Louisa Weeks said: “Our drivers haven’t worn shorts for many years now.

“Over two thirds of our fleet of buses and coaches are air-conditioned.

“We have special uniform rules for the warmer weather.

“We issue our drivers with short-sleeved summer shirts and allow them to take off their ties if they choose.

“The question of wearing shorts has not been brought up at any of our regular meetings with the drivers’ representatives.

“Our drivers are the face of the bus company and the first point of contact with the public. It’s essential that they look smart at all times.”

Stagecoach abandoned restrictions on shorts in the summer in the late 1980s, when managers said drivers could wear shorts and open-neck shirts or blouses.

Managers at the firm, which has its city depot in Horspath Road and employs 400 drivers, relax normal uniform restrictions between May 1 and September 30.

For the rest of the year, male drivers are asked to wear light blue shirts, a tie, navy blue trousers and a jacket.

In the summer, they can leave their ties off and wear navy blue shorts.

Spokesman Chris Child said: “For many years, in the summer months, we have had a policy to allow drivers to wear shorts and open-neck shirts.

“We want to make sure they’re comfortable when they’re driving.”

Stagecoach driver Roy Hunt, 44, from Garsington, said: “The blue cotton shorts keep me cool when I’m driving. I feel sorry for the Oxford Bus Company drivers – they must get really uncomfortable.”

Seventy drivers at Wallingford-based Thames Travel are also allowed to wear shorts in the summer months.

Manager Barbara Wood said: “Men and women drivers can wear shorts, provided they’re smart and not too short. They have to be proper shorts – not beach shorts.”

affrench@oxfordmail.co.uk