The Board provides transport services for all eligible pupils by Board bus, Public Transport and Private Hire Services and we try to give the best service possible at all times. However, there may be times when you identify a health and safety issue which due to the physical operational side of the service cannot be identified by staff located in their headquarters. The safety of the pupils is of paramount importance to the Board at all times.
The Board takes Health and Safety issues seriously and provides the following mechanisms to address these:
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A “Safe School Transport” leaflet for pupils offering advice on how pupils must behave on school transport services and the pupils and parental responsibilities.
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A “Safe School Transport” leaflet offering advice to parents, contractors and schools good practice that should be followed during periods of severe weather.
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Emergency Plans which ensures that the Transport Service can respond to any serious accident or damage or destruction to any part of its fleet.
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Critical Incident reporting for all accidents involving passengers on transport services.
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An Anti-social Behaviour Policy for managing behaviour on school transport services.
When such issues arise it is important that you let us know in order for the Board to take corrective action. The following are examples of Health and Safety Issues associated with home to school transport services. Examples are:
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Incorrectly fitted equipment on vehicles i.e. wheelchairs not secured properly.
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Vehicle not properly licenced i.e. non-compliance with Road Transport Regulations.
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Passenger numbers exceeding capacity of vehicle.
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Private operators failing to display taxi signs on their vehicles.
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Driver/Passenger non-observance of “No Smoking” policy.
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Excessive use of speed.
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Non-use/Improper use of passenger seatbelts/restraints.
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Anti-social behaviour.
Step 1
When you have identified a health and safety issue you should contact the Transport Branch:-
and advise them of:
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What the health and safety issue is and where this was identified.
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This information may be provided by e-mail, letter, fax or by telephone.
The contact phone number is: 028 2566 2276
Step 2
On receipt of information the Transport Branch will investigate and address the issues with the operator of the contract.
