Inside story
Page 29
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It's not often that buses get inside buildings — that is, unless they arrive through the front window after an accident. Last week, British Leyland made 'history in this area. For the presentation by truck and bus md Ron Ellis of the LOOOth Guy Victory J bus to Lagos City Transport Services, the company got a vehicle into the Royal Lancaster Hotel. The ground floor suite is often used for vehicle events but this was the first time a -bus had been brought in.
Although a single-decker, the Marshall-bodied bus is designed for the foot-deep potholes in the Nigerian capital's roads. Its high ground clearance also means that it 'has a high roof line. Several chandeliers had to be -removed to accommodate it.
Once -in situ the vehicle had to be inspected by Greater London Council fire prevention experts. They decreed that the fuel tank had to be filled to the brim and sealed. Pleas by BL men that diesel fuel did not need to be treated like petrol. When the GLC men were peering in the tank to check that it was indeed full, an obliging fitter leaned over with his cigarette lighter and they jumped for their lives. Apparently diesel-powered vehicles are something new in-side hotels.