Entries Now Open for the ROSCO Award for Safety
Entries are now open for the ROSCO Award for Safety from the UK Bus Awards, recognising the individuals, teams and organisations raising standards across the industry.
With a refreshed criteria for 2026 and multiple entries encouraged from each operator, this year’s award is designed to showcase an even broader range of safety initiatives from frontline driving improvements to depot operations, training, engineering and customer safety.
As operators prepare their submissions, last year’s top entries offer valuable examples of the different ways safety innovation is being delivered across the sector.
Sharing best practice across the industry
The ROSCO Award for Safety celebrates initiatives that make a meaningful contribution to safer bus operations.
The judging panel will be looking for entries that:
- Clearly identify the risk being addressed
- Demonstrate measurable improvements
- Show how results can be sustained over time
- Highlight how initiatives could be applied more widely across the industry
Particular weight will be given to entries that demonstrate how organisations are improving driver motivation, capability and behaviour through a combination of interventions, support and learning.
Safety improvements take many forms, and last year’s entries reflected that diversity.
Learning from last year’s leading entries
Wayne Gibbins, Arriva London
As a route champion, Wayne led from the front – sharing real-time safety updates, identifying risk hotspots and supporting colleagues day-to-day. His proactive approach contributed to reduced incidents, improved performance and even the elimination of penalty charge notices on his route. Click to read the full award entry
Busway Lion Scheme, Grant Palmer
A structured development programme combining telematics, one-to-one coaching and enhanced training to improve driver performance. The scheme delivered measurable reductions in incidents and helped embed a culture of continuous safety improvement. Click to read the full award entry
Perry Avery, First Bus London
Through a people-first, data-led approach, Perry achieved a 38% reduction in accidents at Hounslow Garage. His work focused on creating a culture where drivers felt supported, recognised and motivated to improve. Click to read the full award entry
SPS – Specialist Passenger Solutions
This entry showcased a comprehensive approach to driver development, including Roadcraft-based training, structured interventions at key stages of a driver’s journey, annual “DRIVE Safe” refresher programmes and the use of telematics and geofencing technology to manage speeding risks. Click to read the full award entry
Why your entry matters
Across the industry, operators are developing innovative approaches to improve safety, support drivers and reduce incidents but many of these initiatives remain unseen outside their own organisations.
The ROSCO Award for Safety is an opportunity to recognise that work, share ideas and help promote best practice across the wider industry.
Whether your focus is:
- Reducing collisions
- Supporting driver wellbeing
- Improving training and development
- Using technology to enhance safety
- Creating safer environments for passengers
…your work could help shape industry standards and inspire others.
Key dates for 2026
- Entries open: 12 May 2026
- Deadline: 24 July 2026
- Shortlist announced: 8 & 9 October 2026
- Awards ceremony: 24 November 2026
Ready to enter?
If your team is making a difference to safety on the road or behind the scenes now is the time to step forward. This is an opportunity to showcase the work your teams are doing every day to make bus travel safer for everyone.
