§ Sir Peter Millsasked the Secretary of State for Transport what are the reasons behind the proposals to reduce from three to two the number of children who can sit on one seat on a school bus; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. ChalkerAt present three children under the age of 15 are allowed to occupy a double seat on a bus or coach. But three children aged 14 weigh on average 22 per cent. more than two andults ad do not physically fit on a double seat. So school buses, in particular, can be overloaded and overcrowded. Overloading reduces114W braking performance and vehicle stability and increases damage to roads and bridges. We are considering therefore whether the age limit for this concession should be reduced to 12 years to avoid overloading and overcrowding.
My officials are still discussing the proposals with the Association of County Councils, the Department of Education and Science and other interested parties.
§ Sir Peter Millsasked the Secretary of State for Transport what was the number of accidents over the last five years involving school buses when three children were sitting on one seat on a bus.
§ Mrs. ChalkerI regret that road accident reports to the Department of Transport do not distinguish school buses from other buses, nor do they record the seating position of casualties or other passengers.