my son has just started secondary school and goes on the bus. The bus is organised through our school (so we pay them) and it is a local transport firm they use. Who is responsible for the children wearing seat belts? The school or the bus company, my son is says that hardly any or none of the children wear belts and he gets called names if he wears it.

My 15 year old travels on a school bus contracted out to a private bus company by the local council. Over the last 3 weeks we've had issues with the bus doubling up on it's run resulting in 3 to a seat and some standing. As a parent i'm extremley concerned as to what happens to those standing if an accident should happen. I've raised the issues with the council and school the school state that its out of their control but understand our frustration. The council on the otherhand seem to take the bus drivers word that there was plenty of room on the bus and the pupils didn't sit in all seats, several of my daughters friends and parents have all had this response. I'm not allowed to have more bodies than seats in my car so why should buses be allowed to get away with it.

Any information on what i can do would be gratefully recieved

Andrea
.................

Hullo Andrea.
Very right to be concerned
There should be seats for every child
Firstly its not the schools remit really but a caring head teacher should raise concerns with the LA.
Do you have a PTA , raise it with them Governors, school council

Way round proof , take a photo, sure the kids would manage that

Obviously no seat belts on this bus, as it would be breaking the law
If your child is standing on a school bus, you can complain , you can ask you local authority what their safety assessment is for this procedure, [ they must have a written safety assessment for this ] as in –
How safe do they think this is, a child standing with school bags etc.- What would happen if the bus were to suddenly brake, how is your child protected-What happens to your child plus their bag which in fact become a a weapon to other passengers.
They must have one by law, even if a route changes or company changes they need a new one each time..They have to show this to you if you ask.

3 to a seat is not illegal sadly , but very few LAs use it, due simply to safety concerns, as I said ask for the review, then someone will have to make a decision regarding it.
It is frowned on though
Common sense will tell them its not safe, hopefully. Contact your local councilor, & your Mp, Mps love a postbag answer, looks good for them.
Also contact your local media, they ;ove school bus stories that endanger lives
Let me know how you get on.
I am unsure of where you stay, rules do vary

Is there a UK law about the gender of adults supervising in the transportation of children?

Should there be a male & female adult on a bus containing a mixed group of children aged from 4 - 12 years of age?

I live on the Isle of Man where the man in charge of our bus department has put forward a ridiculous proposal. He wants to purchase 10 bendy buses which he plans to use as school buses due to the business of the current school buses and the increased passengers that can fit on a bendy bus. One problem though....100 of the 150 (approx) passengers on those school buses will be standing passengers in rush hour traffic. The public is in uproar due to the increased risk of accidents to our children. Need some advice if poss.
jo