§ Mr. David NicholsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Education what guidance he gives to local education authorities regarding the measures that they take to ensure that vehicles contracted to transport children to and from school are roadworthy and that the crews are safe drivers.
§ Mr. ForthMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport has national responsibility for vehicle safety matters, including policy on vehicle construction and driver qualifications.
However, the Department for Education offered general advice on school transport to all local education authorities in a circular letter on 21 January 1994. A copy is in the Library. It reminded authorities that the home-to-school transport which they provide or arrange must carry pupils in reasonable safety and comfort. It also advises authorities to encourage contractors to observe the school transport safety code of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, which issued with the endorsement of the Secretary of State in 1991. Copies were distributed to all education authorities and schools.