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Closed School Minibus Safety - Remove Section 19 Exemptions for Schools

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We call on the Government to remove Section 19 exemptions for schools in the Transport Act 1985, so children and young people are only driven by qualified, professional drivers, and that minibuses are maintained to commercial standards, by requiring a full Public Service Vehicle Operator’s Licence.

In November 1993, a minibus carrying young people home to a Worcestershire school from a school trip to London crashed into a lorry, killing 13 people. The trip took place after the school day and the crash occurred just after midnight. We lost our daughter Claire in that crash.
A teacher, or support staff member can still, thirty years later, work all day, and then drive a school minibus for long distances without further training or qualifications.
All children, young people and staff must Come Home Safe.

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  • Related activity

    School minibus safety: debate in Parliament

    On 12 February, Sarah Edwards MP led an adjournment debate on school minibus safety in Parliament.

    Transport Minister Lilian Greenwood MP responded to the debate on behalf of the Government.

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    They do not involve a vote on a particular action or decision.

    The debates take place at the end of each day in the House of Commons. They last for 30 minutes.

    See our visual explainer on how these debates work.

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    This petition will stay open until 18 August 2025.