A YORKSHIRE MEP has claimed local bus services could be threatened if they are subjected to the same passenger compensation rules as major airlines.

Labour MEPs have voted in favour of plans which would leave rural bus firms liable to pay compensation for delays or cancellations. Timothy Kirkhope, who represents Yorkshire and the Humber in Brussels, says that could cause problems for organisations such as Dalesbus. “The scope of this regulation should not affect local and regional bus services,” he said.

“I have no problem with paying compensation for tardy or inferior service, but we have our own rules on the amounts to be paid which Europe should not interfere with.”