Today, Monday 17 September, we have launched a new partnership with Police Scotland to train Police Officers from the Divisional Road Policing Unit how to drive buses.
Twenty officers will take part in the two week training course to gain their Public Service Vehicle driving license over the next eighteen months.
The course consists of both theory and practical exercises which will put the officers through their paces before they sit a final exam.
The training will provide Police Officers from the Unit with an understanding of buses and what it is like to drive them in the City.
Pat Toner, Training Manager, Lothian said:
We are delighted to be working with Police Scotland on this initiative. Lothian pride ourselves on the standard of training we provide our driving teams and are pleased that we can use our knowledge and expertise to enhance the great work already carried out every day by Edinburgh’s Road Policing team.
Road Policing Inspector for Edinburgh, Roger Park said:
This training is invaluable for my officers, who investigate road traffic collisions involving all kinds of vehicles. A full understanding of driving a bus can only come from actually doing so and this course will greatly enhance their skills.
We work closely with Lothian on a daily basis to ensure passengers can travel safely and with confidence around the Edinburgh area, and I am very grateful to them for this opportunity.