Group welcomes schoolbus safety reform

Britain's Consumer Council has applauded a £37m (€54.76m) school transport reform package announced today, which aims to make school bus journeys in the North safer and more comfortable.

“This is a major breakthrough for the 110,000 children who travel to and from school by bus each day,” said Consumer Council chief executive Eleanor Gill.

“Unique local research published in June by the Consumer Council, Children’s Commissioner and the Department for Regional Development painted an alarming picture of young people’s views of school transport. Eight out of 10 were unhappy with taking the bus citing key concerns about safety, comfort and poor behaviour.

“The minister (Maria Eagle) has taken prompt action to champion the cause of safer school journeys by delivering a comprehensive package of key measures as the new school year begins.

“Time has been called on the “3 for 2” rule by April next year, as well as the phasing out of standing on all school buses by April 2009.

“All Education and Library Board buses are expected to have seatbelts fitted by 2011 and the 110 new buses being commissioned for school use will all have seatbelts. In addition, school buses being replaced and/or refurbished will all have seatbelts fitted on board.”