Lothian Buses suspend services in Edinburgh neighbourhood over firework night safety fears

Lothian Buses have taken the decision to suspend all services through Niddrie in Edinburgh on Bonfire Night amid concerns over antisocial behavior and safety. The affected routes include 2, 12, 14, 21, 30, 46, 48, and 400. The company emphasized their commitment to prioritising the safety of both passengers and staff, stating their zero-tolerance stance on antisocial behavior. In a statement, Lothian Buses highlighted, “The safety and well-being of our colleagues and customers is our absolute priority.” They expressed regret to impacted customers and explained that the decision was made in the interest of safety, beyond their control.

The operational team at Lothian Buses is closely monitoring the situation and additional services may be suspended if safety concerns persist. The public has been urged to report any incidents of public disorder to Police Scotland. This announcement comes in light of previous incidents of violent behavior during Bonfire Night, including last year’s riots in Niddrie, where individuals targeted police officers with fireworks and rocks. Similar disturbances have been reported in Dundee and Glasgow in recent years, with 79 people charged for using fireworks to assault emergency workers over the past two years.

Calls have been made for stricter penalties, with Scottish Conservative shadow justice secretary Liam Kerr MSP condemning the violence, stating, “These appalling statistics highlight the mindless violence our brave emergency workers face during firework season.” He emphasized that police officers should not have to endure being targeted by dangerous individuals. The community is encouraged to remain vigilant and report any incidents to ensure public safety during Bonfire Night festivities.

Insights and Summary:
The decision by Lothian Buses to suspend services in Niddrie on Bonfire Night underscores the importance of prioritising safety and security in the community. Antisocial behavior during such events not only poses risks to individuals but also creates challenges for essential services. The incidents of violence involving fireworks highlight the need for stricter penalties to deter such behavior and protect emergency workers. It is crucial for the public to collaborate with authorities to ensure a safe environment for everyone during seasonal celebrations.