ERLAND PARK Garage Safer journeys NORTHUMBERLAND Park garage rolled out a twoweek accident prevention training programme in April. Drivers with less than one year’s service, who had had two or more accidents, spent half a day with a leading mentor. Accident Prevention Manager Ricky Field said: “The retraining was aimed at correcting bad habits and driving behaviours that have crept in since leaving the training school. “We wanted to offer support and guidance to our drivers so that they could be more confident on the road.” The mentor opened with a feedback session looking
at previous accidents before observing the driver on a one-hour drive, much like a driving test. A debrief session followed to discuss and identify the driving faults which then led to a second one-hour drive under the mentor’s guidance to correct any faults observed in session one. Ricky said: “We had some really good feedback. A lot of accidents can be avoided and so we wanted the sessions to be an informative, positive experience. “I am in the process of assessing the results and preparing a plan to move forward with the training.”
Imran is a knockout in new role!
the difference The mentors were trained at the driver training centre in Camberwell. Mark said: “We’ve had some good feedback from the drivers. Our mentors are experienced in all aspects of the job and so by providing the right support, they can give our drivers the confidence and skills they need on the road.” Pictured from left, Patrick Brice, Paul Smith, Brendan Fleury, Syed Raza and Birku Dirik.
FORMER Docklands bus driver and boxing fan Imran Patel is learning the ropes in his new role as Accident Prevention Supervisor. Imran was a driver for the company for six and a half years. He said: “Making the move to APS is a big step. There is a lot to take in but I enjoy a challenge! “My aim is to minimise the risk of accidents and give the drivers as much support as they need.” In his free time, Imran loves to socialise with friends and family, explore new places and watch IBF heavyweight champion Anthony Josua defeat his opponents. "He's unstoppable," he said.
Retirements n Ali Malik and Javed Mirza. TWO long-serving members of the Operating team retired in June. Ali Malik gave nearly 46 years of service to London’s buses. He joined London Transport at West Ham in 1970 before enjoying a series of promotions. He moved on to Capital Citybus at Northumberland Park in 1992 and stayed loyal to the garage through its transitions to FirstGroup and Go-Ahead London. Javed Mirza completed 39 years of service
in the London bus industry. After working at London Transport for 15 years, he also joined Capital Citybus at Northumberland Park in 1992. He later progressed into a supervisory position to become a Counter Supervisor with First and a Senior Garage Administrator with Go-Ahead London. General Manager Nick Faichney said: “On behalf of the entire management team at Northumberland Park, I would like to wish Ali and Javed the best of health and good fortune as they begin their well-earned retirements.”
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