The Transport Act 1985, which deregulated local bus services and modified the structure of the bus industry, made no changes in the quality control of bus operations: required standards for operators, drivers and vehicles were maintained. This research was undertaken to determine whether the competitive pressures on bus operators under the new regime would cause them to relax safety standards. National bus accident statistics were examined, and more detailed studies made in two police areas. Accident rates for several years before and after deregulation in 1986, for different types of operators, are compared. Results of two types of test - annual tests on buses and spot checks on randomly selected vehicles - have also been analysed. The standards of maintenance of buses before and after deregulation are compared, and related to type of operator and vehicle age. (A)
Abstract