Bus drivers scrap polite gesture

National Express, which now runs bus services in the West Midlands, keeps the back of its fleet of new vehicles largely blank apart from a large advert.

It has continued a theme started five years ago by Travel West Midlands, which started to phase out the thumbs-up signs, which were designed to remind other road users to let buses pull out into traffic.

The signs are still visible on many of the older double and single deckers that still have the old style red, white and blue branding that started to be phased out in 2007 when the company changed its name in favour of its parent company.

The sign reminds drivers of the Highway Code section that insists they give way to buses, with a thumb and hand and the words "please let buses pull out".

Until recently, it was common to see a driver copy the gesture to thank a courteous driver who had let him or her pull out into traffic.

But as the signs disappear, so does the custom.

National Express said today that the expansion of the public transport net-work and bus lanes across the region has nearly eliminated the need for a friendly thumbs up.

But Councillor Roger Horton, who represents Sandwell on transport authority Centro, would like to see the sign and the gesture return.

He said: "A lot of drivers just flash their hazard lights but you get the odd one who still gives you a thumbs up.

"I'd like to see the signs come back because they were a popular sight on the roads and they went a long way to encouraging people to be courteous.

"People should give way to buses but bus drivers could help themselves a lot by being appreciative."

Carly O'Donnell, of National Express, said: "Our drivers do a fantastic job navigating the region with co-operation from fellow road users.

"We find the majority of people are happy to give way. As professional bus drivers, it is not always possible to signal 'thanks' to drivers who give way, as the Highway Code encourages, but the consideration of fellow road users is always appreciated."