By Simon Lennon
BRITAIN’s biggest bus builder is to pay for mass repairs to flagship vehicles after a watchdog spotted suspension problems.
Scottish-based Alexander Dennis (ADL) will issue service kits to transport companies across the UK to fix the problem.
The move comes after inspectors at the DVSA - sister agency to the DVLA- identified concerns with the firms Enviro200 and Environ300 models, which are widely used. DVSA experts have already warned bus operators to be vigilant while the issue is dealt with. There is no suggestion of any bus being taken off the road.
READ MORE: Falkirk bus giant Dennis sold for £320 million
A spokesman said: “We have been working with ADL on the problems identified with the suspension. Operators have already been advised of some improvements that can be made to inspection regimes, ADL have now engineered changes to the vehicles which are currently being put in place.
“While this work is in progress it is right that we inform operators on what precautions to take until the permanent fix is made to every vehicle.
An Alexander Dennis spokeswoman stressed the problem only affected older models. She said: “There is no safety concern if Alexander Dennis’s service and maintenance advice is followed. However, as part of our commitment to the highest levels of safety on our buses we have proposed to the DVSA that we issue service kits to operators which they will then fit. The DVSA have agreed to this approach.”
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