§ Sir John Biggs-Davisonasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will consider legislation to prevent the overtaking by other traffic of school buses when passengers are boarding or alighting and to require drivers of such buses to display their hazard lights.
§ Mrs. ChalkerI am doubtful whether such legislation would be practicable or the best way forward. However, the safety of children travelling to and from school is of great importance and we keep this aspect of safety under 35W close review. We are currently exploring ways in which buses used for school transport might be more easily identifiable.
The most reliable safeguard of all is to ensure that children follow sensible practice in crossing the road and that motorists for their part show extra vigilance at all times when children re about. We shall continue to take every opportunity of putting these messages across.