§ Mr. David PorterTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what account he has taken of(a) parental and school governors' wishes, (b) the particular road 464W conditions of rural areas and (c) road safety in his policy on carrying three children on a double school bus seat; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Kenneth CarlisleThe regulations governing the carrying capacity of public service vehicles permit three seated children under 14, sharing a double seat to count as two passengers. This is a concession and they do not have to be seated in this manner. These regulations apply throughout the country and it would not be practicable to have regional variations to take account of particular road conditions. Buses and coaches are the safest form of road passenger transport in this country. even where children are seated three to a double seat.
We are continuing to review these regulations and will take account of the wishes of parents and others. For the present, I have no plans to amend them.