Fighting for Safer Transport for School Children

Campaigning alongside Liz and Steve Fitzgerald to protect our school children.

Did you know a loophole in our vehicle licensing system is endangering our children and our teachers?  

To drive a minibus commercially, one must obtain a PCV (Passenger Carrying Vehicle) licence. The process of acquiring a such a licence involves both theory and practical tests, over and above those most of us have taken to learn to drive a car. This process ensures minibus drivers know how to operate their vehicles safely. Once gained, PCV licensees must undergo training every five years to maintain their right to drive a minibus. The organisation must also be responsible for carrying out safety checks on the vehicle amongst other responsibilities. 

Given the rigorous and stringent requirements in-place to ensure commercial minibuses are operated safely, why do we continue to allow school minibuses to be driven by someone with just an ordinary driving licence? 

A Section 19 permit allows our schools to have their minibuses driven by any regular driver who received their licence before 1997. Last year, NASUWT surveyed their members and 24% of those who drive minibuses reported feeling pressured to do so. Only 12% of school minibus drivers have pursued obtaining a full PCV licence. Why should teachers be expected to operate this form of vehicle, potentially after a full day of teaching? 

Tragically, this system has already cost us dearly. 30 years ago, in November 1993, a minibus carrying 14 children was involved in a catastrophic crash on the M40. 12 children and their teacher lost their lives. One of those lost was Claire Fitzgerald. Her parents, Liz and Steve, have been stalwart campaigners to fix this broken system ever since. The final element in their improved safety for school minibus campaign is the removal of the Section 19 school exemption for PCV licences.  

I will be hosting Liz and Steve, alongside the teachers' union NASUWT, in an event in Parliament tomorrow. The current rules are unfair to teachers and potentially endanger their pupils. I strongly encourage my parliamentary colleagues to attend our session, and learn more about how they can help our campaign. If you agree that the present system is not fit for purpose, please sign Liz and Steve’s petition: https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/710694. 

Thank you.