Slow down on school buses welcomed by NZSTA

Media Release

Slow down on school buses welcomed by NZSTA

The New Zealand School Trustees Association is applauding the Education Ministry’s prudent approach over improving the safety of children on school buses.

The Ministry has announced it will delay tendering processes for contract bus services to allow the transport industry time to adopt new safety measures.

NZSTA executive member Chris Haines says the fact the Ministry has delayed its tendering process shows it takes the issue of safety on school buses very seriously.

“Obviously adopting any new standard can take time, and the Ministry has clearly recognised this. However the most important aspect of this issue is that there will be improved safety standards for those children travelling to and from school on a bus.”

Chris Haines says while it is pleasing there has been progress with introducing new safety standards, more still needs to be done.

The NZSTA annual conference held in Wellington recently highlighted the issue, with delegates voting to call for seatbelts to be installed in the front of school buses. The conference also wanted restrictions on the number of students allowed to stand in aisles.

“Parents and schools have concern about the safety of their children. Improving safety standards is about looking at what may happen, and taking steps to prevent it happening.”

He says changing the standards will come with a cost, and the reality is that the Government needs to increase its funding in this area.

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For more information contact Chris Haines.
Phone: (025) 387-903.

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