THE risk of assault has become an “intolerable occupational hazard for bus drivers daily,” Unite said today as Keith Rollinson was named as the driver who died following an assault in the Scottish town of Elgin.

The union called for legislation to be enacted that would make it a specific offence to assault, threaten or abuse transport workers while at work as it expressed its condolences to the 58-year-old Unite member’s family.

A 15-year-old boy charged in connection with the incident on Friday was due to appear at Elgin Sheriff Court today.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “The stark reality is that bus drivers regularly and routinely confront dangerous incidents.

“It has become an intolerable occupational hazard for bus drivers on a daily basis, especially for those working late at night and in remote areas.”  

Unite Scottish secretary Derek Thomson urged the Scottish government to introduce the necessary measures for transport workers to be properly protected.

The government was contacted for comment.