HAUD THE BUS..

Proposals to crack down on football supporters' buses slammed by fans, administrators and rival politicians

-  ANDREW QUINN

A PROPOSED crackdown on supporters buses in Scotland has been slammed for "demonising" football fans.

The UK Government has published a controversial consultation document from the Traffic Commissioner which proposes restrictions on sports fans travelling to events in Scotland.

The "Guidelines for taking passengers to sporting events in Scotland" include curbs on where buses can park, would restrict pub stops and ban picking up fans from unauthorised locations without police permission.

This would bring the Scottish guidelines in line with those in England and Wales - but have been slammed by politicans north of the Border, fans' groups and the football authorities.

Ajoint statement from the SFA and league bosses said the proposals "demonise football fans and interfere unnecessarily in people's lives." Fans have labelled the guidelines "diabolical" and said that they will put coach companies out of business and destroy supporters' clubs.

The SNP, Labour and the Scottish Greens slammed the curbs.

The proposals would mean that bus companies must tell a dedicated football officer the number of supporters expected to travel, the number of vehicles booked and the name and contact number for the person who made the booking, 48 hours before the game.

Buses would also be prevented from stopping anywhere within 10 miles of a ground without police permission and would not be allowed to stop at any pub for a beer unless it is sold with a substantial meal.