Overview

The School Bus (Safety) Bill aims to improve the safety of school buses in England, Wales, and Scotland by introducing stricter regulations on their design and operation, mandating safety training for both drivers and passengers, and establishing a School Bus Safety Council to oversee these improvements.

Description

This bill introduces several key changes:

• New Regulations for School Buses: The Secretary of State will create regulations specifying that school buses (vehicles carrying 12 or more passengers to/from school) must be single-decked, fitted with three-point seatbelts, have prominent exterior "stop" signs, be brightly colored, and display safety advice. Other design and operational aspects can also be regulated.
• Dangerous Driving Offence: Overtaking a stationary school bus displaying its stop sign will become a specific offense under the Road Traffic Act 1988.
• Safety Training: Schools using school buses must provide safety training to children on boarding, alighting, and conduct while on the bus. Driver training will also be enhanced.
• School Bus Safety Council: A council will be established to monitor the bill's effectiveness, report to Parliament, and make recommendations.
• Parliamentary Reporting: Annual reports will be presented to Parliament detailing school bus accidents, their causes, and statistics on injuries and fatalities.

Government Spending

The bill will require government spending to cover the Secretary of State's functions under the Act, including the establishment and operation of the School Bus Safety Council, and any increases in spending under other Acts related to this bill. Exact figures are not provided in the bill text.

Groups Affected

• School Bus Operators: Will face increased costs to comply with new design and safety regulations.
• School Children: Will benefit from enhanced safety measures and training.
• School Staff: Will be involved in implementing safety training for children.
• Drivers: Will face stricter regulations and potential penalties for dangerous driving near school buses.
• Government: Will incur costs associated with implementing and monitoring the new regulations and the School Bus Safety Council.

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