https://northeastbuses.co.uk/ Sat, 02 May 2026 23:27:05 +0000 MyBB https://northeastbuses.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=4739 Mon, 13 Apr 2026 16:03:24 +0100 Malarkey]]> https://northeastbuses.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=4739
While taking photos of buses, I was followed from Sunderland Road into Gateshead Town Centre by individuals from Shomrim. For clarity, Shomrim are a volunteer security / neighbourhood patrol group who support and look after the Jewish community.

There were four individuals, all communicating with each other (including via mobile phones), who followed me across multiple locations. I attempted on four separate occasions to disengage and asked to be left alone, after briefly explaining I was a transport enthusiast. Despite this, they continued to follow and confront me, eventually surrounding me, which caused alarm and made me feel unsafe.

Police (Northumbria Police) were contacted, attended, and confirmed I was acting within my rights and allowed me to continue my day. They also spoke to the individuals involved separately.

? Key reminders for all spotters:

✔️ Photography in public is legal
You are well within your rights to photograph buses in public spaces across the UK.

✔️ You do NOT have to show or delete your photos
Only police have limited powers in certain situations—not volunteer patrol groups or members of the public.

✔️ You are not required to stop or engage
You can politely refuse and walk away if approached.

✔️ Keep interactions brief and calm
A simple line like:
“I’m a transport enthusiast taking photos in public”
…is enough. Avoid arguments.

✔️ Do not be intimidated by numbers or persistence
Even if multiple people approach you, they have no additional powers.

✔️ Trust your instincts
If something feels off, remove yourself from the situation early.

✔️ Stay in safe, public areas
Use busy locations, shops, or transport hubs if you feel uncomfortable.

✔️ Contact police if needed
Call 101 for non-emergencies or 999 if you feel threatened, followed, or unsafe.

✔️ Log and report incidents
Make a note of times, locations, and descriptions—this helps build a picture if behaviour is repeated.

⚠️ Take seriously if:
You are being followed between locations
You are repeatedly approached after refusing
You are surrounded or feel intimidated

This is NOT normal and should be reported.

Sharing this so others are aware—not to cause concern. Bus spotting is a completely normal hobby, and everyone should feel safe doing it.

Stay safe ?]]>
While taking photos of buses, I was followed from Sunderland Road into Gateshead Town Centre by individuals from Shomrim. For clarity, Shomrim are a volunteer security / neighbourhood patrol group who support and look after the Jewish community.

There were four individuals, all communicating with each other (including via mobile phones), who followed me across multiple locations. I attempted on four separate occasions to disengage and asked to be left alone, after briefly explaining I was a transport enthusiast. Despite this, they continued to follow and confront me, eventually surrounding me, which caused alarm and made me feel unsafe.

Police (Northumbria Police) were contacted, attended, and confirmed I was acting within my rights and allowed me to continue my day. They also spoke to the individuals involved separately.

? Key reminders for all spotters:

✔️ Photography in public is legal
You are well within your rights to photograph buses in public spaces across the UK.

✔️ You do NOT have to show or delete your photos
Only police have limited powers in certain situations—not volunteer patrol groups or members of the public.

✔️ You are not required to stop or engage
You can politely refuse and walk away if approached.

✔️ Keep interactions brief and calm
A simple line like:
“I’m a transport enthusiast taking photos in public”
…is enough. Avoid arguments.

✔️ Do not be intimidated by numbers or persistence
Even if multiple people approach you, they have no additional powers.

✔️ Trust your instincts
If something feels off, remove yourself from the situation early.

✔️ Stay in safe, public areas
Use busy locations, shops, or transport hubs if you feel uncomfortable.

✔️ Contact police if needed
Call 101 for non-emergencies or 999 if you feel threatened, followed, or unsafe.

✔️ Log and report incidents
Make a note of times, locations, and descriptions—this helps build a picture if behaviour is repeated.

⚠️ Take seriously if:
You are being followed between locations
You are repeatedly approached after refusing
You are surrounded or feel intimidated

This is NOT normal and should be reported.

Sharing this so others are aware—not to cause concern. Bus spotting is a completely normal hobby, and everyone should feel safe doing it.

Stay safe ?]]> https://northeastbuses.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=4651 Sat, 07 Jun 2025 18:51:59 +0100 V514DFT]]> https://northeastbuses.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=4651 https://northeastbuses.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=4636 Mon, 14 Apr 2025 15:46:44 +0100 idiot]]> https://northeastbuses.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=4636
The parents are going to a wedding in May in Durham. Unfortunately this will require going via bus from Sunderland. This will mean 3 different bus companies.

Now I've had a look into tickets for them and it seems the cheapest option would be a family explorer. Surely I'm wrong?

Look forward to your reply. Unfortunately I'm at work that day or I would give them a lift!]]>
The parents are going to a wedding in May in Durham. Unfortunately this will require going via bus from Sunderland. This will mean 3 different bus companies.

Now I've had a look into tickets for them and it seems the cheapest option would be a family explorer. Surely I'm wrong?

Look forward to your reply. Unfortunately I'm at work that day or I would give them a lift!]]> https://northeastbuses.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=4634 Thu, 10 Apr 2025 08:18:10 +0100 V514DFT]]> https://northeastbuses.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=4634
352- Newcastle- Newbiggin-by-the-Sea]]>
352- Newcastle- Newbiggin-by-the-Sea]]> https://northeastbuses.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=4593 Fri, 29 Nov 2024 10:51:34 +0000 Adrian]]> https://northeastbuses.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=4593
[quote]
Louise Haigh has resigned as transport secretary after it emerged she pleaded guilty to a fraud offence a decade ago.

She has admitted telling police in 2013 she had lost her work mobile phone in a mugging, but later found it had not been taken.

She was given a conditional discharge by magistrates, following the incident which happened before she became an MP.

Full story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cdxy1kp73y9o
[/quote]

Pretty big blow for Starmer, as she's been leading on a lot of key legislation, including yesterday's [url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/transport-secretary-unveils-her-vision-for-integrated-transport-across-england]vision for integrated transport[/url] announcement.]]>
[quote]
Louise Haigh has resigned as transport secretary after it emerged she pleaded guilty to a fraud offence a decade ago.

She has admitted telling police in 2013 she had lost her work mobile phone in a mugging, but later found it had not been taken.

She was given a conditional discharge by magistrates, following the incident which happened before she became an MP.

Full story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cdxy1kp73y9o
[/quote]

Pretty big blow for Starmer, as she's been leading on a lot of key legislation, including yesterday's [url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/transport-secretary-unveils-her-vision-for-integrated-transport-across-england]vision for integrated transport[/url] announcement.]]> https://northeastbuses.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=4587 Sat, 02 Nov 2024 04:52:14 +0000 fornd1311]]> https://northeastbuses.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=4587 https://northeastbuses.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=4581 Sat, 19 Oct 2024 11:01:04 +0100 L469 YVK]]> https://northeastbuses.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=4581
- Volvo THD1***
- Cummims L10
- Volvo D10

Instead of using an integral D5K, should Volvo not have sold the chassis as a B7TL2 and used the Cummins ISBe 6.7 as the main engine option? Obviously the D8K was deemed overkill by operators and Scania had the 'heavy duty' market already covered with the N250UD.

Effectively, would still give the ride quality and handling Volvo are known for, but the power and fairly decent fuel economy of an E400MMC. Not forgetting that the ISBe is fairly fuel efficient around the doors too.

In a nutshell, would've been a good 'middle ground' alternative to the StreetDeck for operators who needed something more heavy duty (but not too overkill) and didn't want to go purchase from or deal with ADL.]]>
- Volvo THD1***
- Cummims L10
- Volvo D10

Instead of using an integral D5K, should Volvo not have sold the chassis as a B7TL2 and used the Cummins ISBe 6.7 as the main engine option? Obviously the D8K was deemed overkill by operators and Scania had the 'heavy duty' market already covered with the N250UD.

Effectively, would still give the ride quality and handling Volvo are known for, but the power and fairly decent fuel economy of an E400MMC. Not forgetting that the ISBe is fairly fuel efficient around the doors too.

In a nutshell, would've been a good 'middle ground' alternative to the StreetDeck for operators who needed something more heavy duty (but not too overkill) and didn't want to go purchase from or deal with ADL.]]> https://northeastbuses.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=4561 Sat, 10 Aug 2024 09:04:43 +0100 Rob44]]> https://northeastbuses.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=4561
Man managed it in 9 days. Some great views on the way]]>
Man managed it in 9 days. Some great views on the way]]> https://northeastbuses.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=4560 Fri, 02 Aug 2024 22:58:08 +0100 Michael]]> https://northeastbuses.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=4560 Mod Edit: Split topic from Disruption and driver shortages thread. Relates to on-going rioting across the UK and mainly across 2nd/3rd/4th August. 

See articles:

• https://news.sky.com/story/uk-riots-late...e-13186819
  
• https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/cw5yyynpwnzt
  

You can report incidents at: https://www.police.uk/pu/contact-us/

⚠️⚠️Sunderland Buses⚠️⚠️

Due to the ongoing protests in Sunderland we have made the difficult decision to terminate ALL services short of Sunderland.

Service 56/35A/9/24 will terminate at Wheatsheaf.

Service 2/2A/39/39A will terminate at the Hospital.

Service 78 will terminate at the Hospital.

Service 8 will terminate at B&Q

We apologise for any inconvenience caused to customers.

Stay safe everyone!]]> Mod Edit: Split topic from Disruption and driver shortages thread. Relates to on-going rioting across the UK and mainly across 2nd/3rd/4th August. 

See articles:

• https://news.sky.com/story/uk-riots-late...e-13186819
  
• https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/cw5yyynpwnzt
  

You can report incidents at: https://www.police.uk/pu/contact-us/

⚠️⚠️Sunderland Buses⚠️⚠️

Due to the ongoing protests in Sunderland we have made the difficult decision to terminate ALL services short of Sunderland.

Service 56/35A/9/24 will terminate at Wheatsheaf.

Service 2/2A/39/39A will terminate at the Hospital.

Service 78 will terminate at the Hospital.

Service 8 will terminate at B&Q

We apologise for any inconvenience caused to customers.

Stay safe everyone!]]> https://northeastbuses.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=4551 Thu, 04 Jul 2024 11:14:31 +0100 Lewispark1509]]> https://northeastbuses.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=4551
Thought I'd share this little free browser game I found online not to long ago. You can drive anywhere in the world as its a Google Map image and perfect for people who enjoy simulator driving games. I'd also like to share a fictional route I've made for when I play the game. [Best compatible with PC/Laptop, also compatible with consoles and some phones]
Southbound: https://maps.app.goo.gl/4Kch3oUJjQgqdZfG6?g_st=ac
Northbound: https://maps.app.goo.gl/foB5CFWTJLFhGR3d7?g_st=ac]]>
Thought I'd share this little free browser game I found online not to long ago. You can drive anywhere in the world as its a Google Map image and perfect for people who enjoy simulator driving games. I'd also like to share a fictional route I've made for when I play the game. [Best compatible with PC/Laptop, also compatible with consoles and some phones]
Southbound: https://maps.app.goo.gl/4Kch3oUJjQgqdZfG6?g_st=ac
Northbound: https://maps.app.goo.gl/foB5CFWTJLFhGR3d7?g_st=ac]]> https://northeastbuses.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=4547 Mon, 17 Jun 2024 22:56:45 +0100 Unber43]]> https://northeastbuses.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=4547 https://northeastbuses.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=4546 Mon, 17 Jun 2024 15:32:49 +0100 V514DFT]]> https://northeastbuses.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=4546 https://northeastbuses.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=4544 Fri, 14 Jun 2024 11:49:34 +0100 streetdeckfan]]> https://northeastbuses.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=4544
Picked the car up in the morning and drove from Bishop to Stanley, had a mull about Clearance Bargains (there was nowt decent in obviously), called in for a coffee at my grandfather's, went round to IKEA for another few coffees and get a bit of work done, popped into the Metrocentre to get my £1 Caffe Nero (white chocolate mocha), then called round to Costco for a hotdog and to plug the car in for a bit of a charge.

After that I then called round to a friend's house for a catch up, but this is where it gets interesting. They finished work at 5:30, and if I'd got the bus I would have had to leave theirs at 7:45 to get back home, which would barely give enough time to put the kettle on. Instead I stayed at theirs until 11pm having played a few board games.

Now, would it have been cheaper using the bus? Of course, £6.80 for a day ticket is a bargain for my use case. The insurance cost me £20 (not bad for a one off), and it cost me nothing in electric as I charged it back up this morning for free at work, but even if I had to pay it would have only been maybe £2 in electric for the 90 or so miles I did.

Does this mean I'm going to stop using public transport? No, in fact for most journeys I think I'll still just use the bus, especially local ones, but since I'm fortunate enough to have a mother with 3 EVs, I can just steal one of them for the day and actually spend time with friends!]]>
Picked the car up in the morning and drove from Bishop to Stanley, had a mull about Clearance Bargains (there was nowt decent in obviously), called in for a coffee at my grandfather's, went round to IKEA for another few coffees and get a bit of work done, popped into the Metrocentre to get my £1 Caffe Nero (white chocolate mocha), then called round to Costco for a hotdog and to plug the car in for a bit of a charge.

After that I then called round to a friend's house for a catch up, but this is where it gets interesting. They finished work at 5:30, and if I'd got the bus I would have had to leave theirs at 7:45 to get back home, which would barely give enough time to put the kettle on. Instead I stayed at theirs until 11pm having played a few board games.

Now, would it have been cheaper using the bus? Of course, £6.80 for a day ticket is a bargain for my use case. The insurance cost me £20 (not bad for a one off), and it cost me nothing in electric as I charged it back up this morning for free at work, but even if I had to pay it would have only been maybe £2 in electric for the 90 or so miles I did.

Does this mean I'm going to stop using public transport? No, in fact for most journeys I think I'll still just use the bus, especially local ones, but since I'm fortunate enough to have a mother with 3 EVs, I can just steal one of them for the day and actually spend time with friends!]]> https://northeastbuses.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=4538 Sat, 25 May 2024 14:06:44 +0100 V514DFT]]> https://northeastbuses.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=4538 So my choice is this, build cycle lanes thats fine, but then cyclists should have to pay road tax then no?, afterall its the roads that seem to take the brunt of new cycle lanes, and narrowing roads that were already congested at peak times (im looking at you there Rake Lane Roundabout), i'd rather see investment in better Transport rather than cycle lanes that are hardly (if ever) used]]> So my choice is this, build cycle lanes thats fine, but then cyclists should have to pay road tax then no?, afterall its the roads that seem to take the brunt of new cycle lanes, and narrowing roads that were already congested at peak times (im looking at you there Rake Lane Roundabout), i'd rather see investment in better Transport rather than cycle lanes that are hardly (if ever) used]]> https://northeastbuses.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=4527 Fri, 03 May 2024 15:15:38 +0100 ASX_Terranova]]> https://northeastbuses.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=4527