The Government of Gobierno del Principado de Asturias has recorded breaches following coordinated checks on the resumed night-bus service (“búho”) in the Valle del Nalón and warned the operator Grupo San Juan of possible sanctions. The Vizekonsejero de Infraestructuras, Jorge García, called it “unacceptable” and “irresponsible” that vehicles ready for service had remained in depots despite funding being available for the planned resumption.
The checks took place during the night of 22 August, carried out by the Inspección de Transportes of the Principado and the Inspección de Trabajo y Seguridad Social. According to the authorities, irregularities relating to requirements under the Plan de Prevención de Riesgos Laborales were found. The administration then opened inspection proceedings; the type and amount of any sanctions will be decided only once those proceedings have concluded. Specific findings and deadlines were not initially made public.
The Consorcio de Transportes de Asturias had previously announced that the night-time service in the Nalón Valley would resume from 18 August. The transport consortium reiterated that the buses in service met occupational health and safety requirements. The trade union confederation CCOO disagreed, complaining that some vehicles had been used without the required protective screens (mamparas) for drivers, compromising safety for staff and passengers.
The responsible inspectorate had already ordered the installation of such protective screens in May. The latest checks follow up on these requirements and are intended to establish whether operational and technical protective measures have been fully implemented. For now, the regional administration is maintaining the night-time service while continuing to monitor compliance with the requirements.
The authorities’ statements distinguish between confirmed findings and assessments: the inspections and the opening of administrative proceedings are confirmed; Jorge García’s criticism of Grupo San Juan’s management is an assessment. Any legal consequences remain pending the conclusion of the proceedings. The matter relates exclusively to the Búho service in the Valle del Nalón and is part of a dispute that has continued since the spring over occupational safety, operations and the reliable running of night routes.
Editor: Mira Cadena (Article created with AI assistance).