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St Matthew's Primary School

MINIBUS POLICY

& DRIVER’S CODE OF PRACTICE

2018

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Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed in full by the Governing Body on an annual Basis or sooner if required.

Date of last review and agreed by the Governing Body: 11.07.16

Signed: Headteacher Date: 24.09.18

Signed: Chair of Governors Date: 24.09.18

St Matthew's Primary School

MINIBUS POLICY

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Contents

Policy Section Page Number 1 Statement 4 2 Purpose and Objectives 4 3 Coverage, Scope and Application 4 4 Organisation and Responsibilities 4 5 Quality and Monitoring 4 6 Road Fund Licence 5 7 MOT Certificate 5 8 Insurance 5 9 Minibus Permit 5 10 Maintenance and Servicing 5 11 Recovery 6 12 Signage Inside the Minibus 6 13 Documents 6 14 Equipment to be carried in the vehicle 6 Appendix A 7 Driver’s Code of Practice 1 Administrative Issues 8 2 Pre and Post Journey Check and Defects List 8 3 Provision and use of seatbelts/child seats 8 4 Passengers - Supervision, Behaviour and Safety 8 5 Arrangements for disabled passengers 9 6 Loading and Disembarking of Minibus 9 7 Towing of Trailers 9 8 Fuel Cans 9 9 Speed Limits 9 10 Competence of drivers and the provision of information and training 10 11 Drivers Records to be maintained in school 10 12 Driving time 10 13 Consumption of alcohol by any driver 11 14 Mobile Phones 11 15 Emergency Procedures 11 16 Action to be taken in the event of a puncture/breakdown/vehicle fire 11 17 Documentation 11 18 Non-school business 11 Driver’s Acceptance of Use 12 Appendix A – Journey Log Book 13 Appendix B – Journey Checks 14 Appendix C – Defects Form 15 Appendix D – Driver Licence Requirements 16 Appendix E – Minibus Driver Information Sheet 17 Appendix F – Gov. UK - Mobile Phones 18 Appendix G - Minibus Incident Log 19 Appendix H - Action to be taken if the minibus is involved in an accident 20 Appendix I - Action to be taken in the event of a

puncture/breakdown/vehicle fire etc. 21

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1. Statement St. Matthew’s Primary School is committed to taking all reasonable precautions to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that those employees who are required to drive a minibus as part of their job role are protected from any foreseeable risks to their health and safety. 2. Purpose and Objectives Driving a minibus requires additional skills in order to be able to handle the vehicle safely as the weight and the size of the vehicle are considerably greater than a family car. In addition the driver takes on the responsibility for the safety of passengers. Although rare, serious, sometimes fatal, accidents have occurred when educational establishments use minibuses. It is in order to minimise the risk of such accidents occurring that this policy has been produced. This policy will enable staff to appreciate the particular risks associated with driving a minibus and to ensure that they are aware of, and understand, the safety precautions necessary to reduce those risks to an acceptable level. It will also provide details of the emergency procedures required should something go wrong. 3. Coverage, Scope and Application This Policy applies to:

• Any use of minibuses operated by the school • The Policy applies only to minibuses, which are defined as vehicles “constructed or adapted to

carry more than eight, but not more than sixteen passengers, in addition to the driver” • The Policy should be read in conjunction the Health & Safety Policy, First Aid Policy and

Safeguarding Policy. • The requirements of this Policy represent the minimum standard to be adopted

4. Organisation and Responsibilities It is the responsibility of the Headteacher to:

• Ensure that all drivers are made aware of the school policy on minibus driving and understand their responsibilities under the policy and its’ associated code of practice.

• Check that all the procedures are adhered to It is the responsibility of drivers to:

• Comply with the safe working procedures and control measures identified in the minibus code of practice

• Report any problems immediately to the Headteacher/School Bursar • Not knowingly place themselves or their passengers in a position of unnecessary risk.

5 Quality and Monitoring This policy will be reviewed in full by the Governing Body on an annual basis. 6. Road Fund Licence It is the Head Teacher’s responsibility to make sure the minibus has a road fund licence. A full annual licence should be obtained each year by the leasing company. 7. MOT Certificate

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It is the responsibility of the Head Teacher to ensure that, where it is required, a current MOT Certificate is held for the minibus (a minibus requires a current MOT certificate from its first birthday). The MOT will be arranged by the leasing company. 8. Insurance It is the Head Teacher’s responsibility to make arrangements for the minibus to be insured on a fully comprehensive basis. Cover will normally be restricted to authorised drivers over 21 and under 71 years of age who have held a licence for one year. The insurance broker must be informed of any driver who has more than six points on their licence for minor offense such as speeding. Any driver who has more than six points on their licence or have a conviction or pending conviction for serious offences such as dangerous driving, driving without insurance or diving under the influence of alcohol must NOT drive the minibus and the insurance broker informed. See Appendix A - current insurance certificate. Any unauthorised journey made in the school’s minibus may render the driver liable to disciplinary proceedings. Should the incident involve that driver in a road accident, then the insurers may well refuse indemnity under their policy, leaving the driver liable not only for costs, but also open to prosecution for driving without insurance. 9. Minibus Permit The School will hold a Minibus Permit issued under the Section 19, Transport Act 1985 and displayed on the minibus. A Section 19 permit is given to non-profit making bodies that run transport services which benefit the community. Section 19 Permits are issued to bodies to enable them to provide transport for their own members or other people whom the organisation exists to help. The vehicle must not be used for carriage of members of the general public. It must also not be used with a view to profit, nor incidentally to an activity which is itself carried out with a view to profit. Category B and Category D1 (101) (not for Hire or reward) licence holders are entitled drive minibuses that are operated for hire or reward in accordance with a Section 19 permit. Apart from the hire or reward test, the same driving licence requirements apply. 10. Maintenance and Servicing It is the Headteacher’s responsibility to ensure that there is correct and adequate maintenance of the minibus in order that it meets in full the requirements of the Road Traffic Act and the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations for servicing and maintenance of the vehicle. Servicing, maintenance and quarterly vehicle checks are only to be arranged by the leasing company. Records of all maintenance work must be kept. General maintenance work should not be carried out within the school or by school staff. Should an accident result from faulty work carried out on the vehicle by any unauthorised personnel a claim against the school or Headteacher is a possibility. A Defects List form is kept in the vehicle in which any minor defects, which cannot be immediately corrected, should be recorded by the driver. The Defects List form will be given to the Bursar to ensure that minor defects are dealt with promptly. N.B. Any serious defect which affects the roadworthiness of the minibus should be reported to the school office as soon as possible. The vehicle must not be used to transport staff or pupils until the defect has been rectified.

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11. Recovery The minibus is covered by the Ford Warranty Breakdown Cover. This scheme should provide, in the event of a breakdown for the return of the vehicle, staff and pupils to the school. Ford Assistance telephone number: 0203 564 4444 12. Signage Inside The Minibus

• Instructions to the driver and passengers to use seat belts by every seat • A notice for the diver indicating the height, length and width of the vehicle • A notice of national speed limits

13. Documents Photocopies of the following documents should be kept in the vehicle:

• Current MOT certificate (after 1st year of registration) • Insurance certificate • Defect Forms • Journey Logs • Incident Report Forms • Guidance notes for drivers following an accident or breakdown

14. Equipment to be Carried in the Vehicle

• Fire extinguisher • complies with BS 5432 (or an equivalent, e.g. BSEN 3), and • has a minimum test rating of 8A or 21B, and • contains foam (please note they must not contain Halon) Fire Extinguishers will be checked annually as part of the whole school fire check.

• First Aid Kit A fully stocked First Aid Kit, which will be checked on a regular basis by a suitably qualified member of staff, will be stored in the glove compartment for easy accessibility in the event of an emergency. There will be a prominent sign displayed inside the mini bus to indicate where the First Aid Kit is stored.

• 17 Hi-Vis jackets and foil blankets

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Appendix A – Insurance Certificate

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Driver’s Code of Practice for the Safe Use of Minibuses 1. Administrative Issues No minibus will be allowed out of school on an offsite visit without the relevant paperwork (Journey Log), being authorised by a member of the Senior Leadership Team. The Journey Log can be found in Appendix A. 2. Pre and Post Journey Checks and Defects List Prior to any journey the driver will ensure that he/she has completed the Minibus Check List, see Appendix B. After a journey on return to school the Journey Log must be completed and handed in to the School Office, see appendix A. The Minibus Check List, see appendix B must be completed again. A Defects List form is kept in the vehicle, see Appendix C in which any minor defects, which cannot be immediately corrected, should be recorded by the driver. The Defects List form will be given to the Bursar to ensure that minor defects are dealt with promptly. N.B. Any serious defect which affects the roadworthiness of the minibus should be reported to the School Office as soon as possible. The vehicle must not be used to transport staff or pupils until the defect has been rectified. 3. Provision and Use of Seatbelts/Child Seats Front and Rear Seats: It is the school’s policy that the driver and all passengers wear seatbelts. Drivers must ensure that passengers are notified that they must wear seat belts. Booster/child seats are not to be used. 4. Passengers - Supervision, Behaviour and Safety

• No passenger in a minibus shall unnecessarily obstruct the driver or divert their attention from controlling the vehicle

• No standing passengers should be carried in a minibus, nor the carrying capacity for the minibus exceeded

• Whenever possible, children should not be carried in the front seats alongside the driver • The correct seating capacity of the minibus must not be exceeded • A second adult must always be present who should supervise the behaviour of children

carried in the minibus. It may be necessary for a second adult to be able to drive the minibus and this should be considered as part of the journey risk assessment

• Children should be taught how to behave in a minibus. Rules and clear explanations, along with supervision, should be laid down before they board the minibus. Minibuses are NOT a place for play

• Food and drink may not be consumed in the minibus when the minibus is being driven since containers can roll forward and get trapped under the driver’s pedals

5. Arrangements for Disabled Passengers

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Disabled passengers who are able to use a minibus seat but require their wheelchair before and after the journey will need to enter the minibus via the doors and move to a minibus seat. Their wheelchairs should then be properly restrained to prevent them causing injury in the event of an accident. If there is not sufficient space and restraints to safely store the wheelchair other arrangements for the disabled passenger must be made. This should be included in the risk assessment. 6. Loading and Disembarking of Minibuses The number of people and the weight of luggage carried must not exceed the maximum limits specified by the manufacturer of the vehicle. If a large amount of luggage is to be carried it may be necessary to reduce the number of passengers in order to remain within the maximum loading limits. The maximum load limit for Ford Transit Registration number EV16 VSM is: 4600kg Any luggage, buggies, pushchairs etc. should be properly restrained to prevent them causing injury in the event of an accident but they must not be stored in a way that blocks emergency exits from the minibus. Drivers should ensure that all passengers have unobstructed access to at least two doors. The use of roof racks on minibuses used by school is not permitted. Always park so that pupils alight on a safe space such as the footway and not on the carriageway. 7. Towing of Trailers The school minibus is not equipped to tow trailers. 8. Fuel Cans The carrying of spare fuel cans inside the vehicle is prohibited. 9. Speed Limits Minibuses are subject to lower speed limits than cars on some roads, therefore, it is essential that minibus drivers know what speed limits apply to them. Speed Limits: Built-up Roads 30 mph (unless signed otherwise) Single carriageway 50 mph (unless signed lower) (NB. This is lower than for cars) Dual carriageway 60 mph (unless signed lower) (NB. This is lower than for cars) Motorway 70 mph (unless signed lower) All speed limits must be complied with. It is important that drivers know that the minibus is fitted with a speed limiter, and understand how to drive a speed-limited minibus and especially how the speed limiter affects their ability to overtake, accelerate, change lanes and join high speed roads from a slip road. The right hand (offside) lane on a motorway, which has three or more lanes, must not be used. N.B. The driver is legally responsible for all driving fines, etc, resulting from the use of the vehicle. 10. Competence of Drivers and the Provision of Information and Training

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The skill and care exercised by the driver is undoubtedly the most important aspect of minibus safety. Driving a minibus, especially a fully-laden 17 seater over long distances, is much more demanding than driving a private car. All minibus drivers must: • Present their driving licence for inspection when requested to do so • Be able to complete a pre- journey vehicle check • Notify the school of any convictions, and any pending prosecutions • Inform the school of any medical condition that could affect their ability to drive safely • Undertake their own continuous development to ensure driving skills and driving knowledge remains current Staff who have been prosecuted for a motoring offence which has resulted in a criminal record are disqualified from driving the school’s minibus. These offences are:

• Drink driving • Drug driving • Failing to provide a breath/blood/urine specimen • Failing to stop or report an accident • Dangerous driving

All drivers are required to inform the school and the DVLA in Swansea of any physical or other disability, which might affect their fitness to drive any vehicle. Special care must be taken over the use of any medication, prescribed or otherwise, which might affect driving ability. All drivers must have a D1 Licence. See appendix D for driving licence requirements. All drivers must complete and pass MIDAS training before they can drive the minibus and repeat every four years or less. Note: Drivers must maintain high standards of driving, show courtesy to other road users, and remember that they are representing the school when out driving the minibus. The minibus carries the school name and contact information and any complaints will be investigated. 11. Drivers records to be maintained in school An ‘Approved Driver’ folder will be kept in the school office. Drivers must fill in a Minibus Driver Information Sheet (see Appendix E) and are requested to produce their driving licence annually which will be photocopied and the copy retained in the file. Drivers should also be informed that they must notify the Headteacher if they receive an endorsement to their driving licence as a result of a conviction for a traffic offence. Also copies of MIDAS training certificates will be held for each driver. The Bursar will inspect the ‘Approved Driver’ folder regularly to check that details are up to date. 12. Driving Time There are no statutory regulations concerning driving time and rest periods for drivers of minibuses covered by permits issued under the Transport Act 1985. All drivers should take regular short breaks during the course of long journeys. It is good practice for the maximum continuous period of driving not to exceed 2.5 hours and for this to be followed by a minimum break of 15 minutes out of the vehicle.

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13. Consumption of Alcohol by Any Driver It is an absolute rule that any driver does not consume any alcohol during or before any journey. This is to ensure that blood alcohol levels are zero during all driving activities. To be free of alcohol it is necessary when driving a minibus to allow for a period of two hours for each unit of alcohol. For this reason it is imperative that a driver does not consume any alcohol within a 24 hour period before driving the minibus. A second backup driver must be planned for in the event of a driver being unable to drive due to consumption of alcohol during his or her own time within 24 hours. This should be included in the journey risk assessment. Breaches in this respect would be dealt with through the school’s Disciplinary Procedure. 14. Mobile Phones Before using a mobile phone drivers must stop at a safe place away from the main carriageway, turn of the engine and apply the hand brake. It is an offence under the Road Traffic Act for a driver to make / take calls or to send a text message whilst driving. The hands-free facility may NOT be used by the driver as this is a distraction. Any necessary calls must be made by another adult when the minibus is in motion or engine turned on. Details of the legal restrictions and penalties can be found in Appendix F. 15. Emergency Procedures If the vehicle is involved in an accident: • Make sure all passengers are safe and if necessary summon the emergency services for assistance. • Obtain the registration number(s) and insurance details of any other vehicle(s) involved. • Take the names, addresses and if appropriate vehicle registration number of any witnesses and the number and base station of any Police Officer who attends. • Write down as soon as possible after the accident all relevant details in a precise manner. • Report all the above details on a minibus incident form, (see appendix G) and submit to the Headteacher as soon as possible. Forms are available in the log book on the minibus. • If you need any immediate or emergency assistance from the school, call 01582 723970 and ask for the Headteacher or other member of the Senior Leadership Team. The legal requirements for providing information after an accident are summarised in Appendix H. 16. Action to be taken in the Event of a Puncture / Breakdown / Vehicle fire etc If the vehicle has a puncture / breakdown / vehicle fire etc: • Make sure all passengers are safe and if necessary summon the emergency services for assistance • If you need any immediate or emergency assistance from the school, call 01582 723970 and ask for the Headteacher or other member of the Senior Leadership Team • Report all details on a minibus incident form and submit it to the Headteacher Details of all actions to be taken in the event of a puncture / breakdown / vehicle fire etc can be found in Appendix I 17. Documentation Drivers should carry their driving licence to assist in exchange of information as required in point 15 above or by the police. 18. Non-School Business Use of the School’s minibus for non-school business is not permitted.

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Driver’s Acceptance of Conditions of Use I have read the above ‘Conditions of Use’ and agree to abide by these

Name of Driver: Signed :

Date: Appendix A - Journey Log Book

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ST MATTHEW’S PRIMARY SCHOOL

JOURNEY LOG

Drivers Name: Date:

Purpose of journey (Event name): Destination:

Names of other staff on journey: Number of children

Start Mileage: Finish Mileage :

Journey Authorised By (SLT)

Time leaving school: Time returned to school:

Diesel Purchased (£): Fuel level at end of journey

Before Journey Yes No After Journey Yes No Any Defects Found Yes No Any Defects should be reported on the defect form

Was the minibus involved an accident

Yes No If YES please fill out an incident form

Did the minibus breakdown/have a puncture

Yes No If YES please fill out an incident form

Appendix B - Journey Checks (before and after a journey)

Journey checks completed

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All drivers have a legal responsibility for the roadworthiness of the vehicle they are driving, regardless of whether they own it or not. Carrying out a walk-round check on your vehicle will take about 10 minutes and could save hours of inconvenience if the vehicle breaks down, or possible fines and licence endorsements if the vehicle is found to be defective during a roadside inspection. Drivers Checklist before starting the engine Check Check Complete As you approach the minibus, look to see if it is leaning – if it is there may be a suspension fault or possibly a flat tyre. Also, look under the vehicle to see if there are any signs of fluid leaks such as patches of oil or if anything is hanging down such as a loose exhaust pipe.

Permit disc in place. Windows are clean Is there damage to bodywork and lights. (Note any damage found on the vehicle check sheet – even if the damage looks old)

Door mirrors are secure and that the glass is not cracked. Visible tyre damage, tread depth and under –inflated tyres. Unlock the doors, including the emergency exit (remember this is a legal requirement when carrying passengers).

Open the bonnet and check all the fluid levels – oil, water, brake fluid, power steering fluid and windscreen washer bottle. In modern vehicles all the fluids you need to check are in clear containers (apart from the oil) and have colour coded caps (usually yellow).

Sit in the driver’s seat and check the parking brake is on. Switch on the ignition and check the dashboard display of warning lights. Switch on all the vehicle lights – interior and exterior – side lights, headlights, fog lights and indicators and have another walk round the vehicle to see that they are working. A colleague could help check the brake lights, alternatively look for reflections in nearby vehicles. As a last resort you may need to reverse up to a reflective surface, such as a window or another vehicle.

Walk through the minibus to make sure all the seatbelts are working and that none are twisted. Check seats for damage and cleanliness.

Check the first aid kit, fire extinguisher(s) Check there are 17 Hi-Vis jackets and 17 foil blankets Drivers Checklist after starting the engine Check Check Complete Windscreen washers, wipers and horn are working Dashboard warning lights have gone out (oil, charging, airbag etc). Listen for excessive noise, particularly from the engine or exhaust Look for excessive smoke/fumes from the exhaust The “bite point” of the clutch is ok and the effectiveness of the parking brake Accelerate gently to about 10-15 miles an hour and check the brakes When returning the vehicle please ensure that you inform the Bursar / Site Manager of any problems you have had with the vehicle and fill in a defect form if applicable. Appendix C – Defects Form

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ST MATTHEW’S PRIMARY SCHOOL

DEFECTS FORM

Date defect noted:

Please give full details of defect:

Signed: Print:

Date:

Appendix D : Driver licence requirements:

What is a minibus and who can drive one?

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1. A minibus is a motor vehicle with between 9 and 16 passenger seats2. It is described as a

category D1 vehicle by the Driving Vehicle Licencing Authority.

2. Drivers who hold a full D1 (or D) PCV entitlement can drive minibuses for hire or reward.

3. There are, however, circumstances when a driver can drive a minibus within the UK when they hold a car (category B) licence. These circumstances vary depending on when the driver passed their car driving test. These arrangements only apply when driving the minibus in the UK not if driving abroad.

a) If you passed your category B (car) driving test before 1 January 1997, you can drive a minibus that is not being used for hire or reward as these licences automatically include category D1 (101) (not for hire or reward) entitlement3. This means school staff with such a licence can drive a minibus carrying up to 16 passengers with no maximum weight restriction on the vehicle. Drivers with a D1 + E (101) (not for hire or reward) entitlement can tow a trailer over 750kg.

b) If you passed your category B driving test on or after 1 January 1997, you may drive a

minibus that is not being used for hire and reward if the following conditions are met: • you are over 21 and have held a category B licence for at least 2 years; • the minibus is used by a non-commercial body4 for social purposes, • you receive no payment other than the recovery of your out of pocket expenses (e.g. fuel and parking costs); • you provide the service on a voluntary basis; • the gross vehicle weight5 of the minibus is not more than 3.5 tonnes (or 4.25 tonnes if including any specialist equipment to carry disabled passengers); and • you do not tow a trailer.

Appendix E – Minibus driver information sheet

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ST MATTHEWS PRIMARY SCHOOL

MINIBUS DRIVER’S INFORMATION SHEET

Driver’s Full Name:

Date of Birth:

Driving Licence No: Date Driving Test

passed:

Date D1 Driving Test passed:

(If applicable)

Date Minibus Drivers Awareness Scheme passed:

Details of any known medical condition/s which may affect your driving capabilities and that which are reportable to DVLA:

Do you have any endorsements on your driving license? Yes No If Yes, please provide full details below: Have you ever been convicted of a motoring offence which has resulted in a criminal record?

Yes No If Yes, please provide full details below:

I certify that the information provided is correct and agree to provide the Head Teacher/Office with details of any endorsements to my licence which I may receive from the date given below:

Signed: Date:

Print: Appendix F – GOV. UK - Mobile Phones

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Using mobile phones when driving: the law It’s illegal to ride a motorcycle or drive using hand-held phones or similar devices.

The rules are the same if you’re stopped at traffic lights or queuing in traffic.

It’s also illegal to use a hand-held phone or similar device when supervising a learner driver or rider.

Penalties for using your phone while driving

You can get an automatic fixed penalty notice if you’re caught using a hand-held phone while driving or riding. You’ll get 3 penalty points on your licence and a fine of £100.

Your case could also go to court and you could be disqualified from driving or riding and get a maximum fine of £1,000. Drivers of buses or goods vehicles could get a maximum fine of £2,500.

New drivers

You’ll lose your licence if you get 6 or more penalty points within 2 years of passing your test.

When you can use a phone in your vehicle

If you’re the driver, you can only use your phone in a vehicle if you:

• need to call 999 or 112 in an emergency and it’s unsafe or impractical to stop • are safely parked

Using hands-free devices when driving

You can use hands-free phones, sat navs and 2-way radios when you’re driving or riding. But if the police think you’re distracted and not in control of your vehicle you could still get stopped and penalised.

Last updated: 24.09.18

Appendix G – Minibus Incident log

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ST MATTHEW’S PRIMARY SCHOOL

MINIBUS INCIDENT LOG

Drivers Name: Date:

Purpose of Journey: Destination

Breakdown or puncture:

Please give details

Accident not involving another vehicle:

Please give details

Other Vehicle involved:

Vehicle make and model: Registration number: Drivers name: Drivers address: Insurance details:

Witness: Name: Address:

Was the police informed/attend the scene?

If yes which police station was notified?

Was the recovery serviced used?

Any other useful information:

Appendix H

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Action to be taken if a vehicle is involved in an accident. No two accidents are exactly the same and the actions taken will vary, dependent upon the circumstances. As a general guide the procedure should be as follows: • Activate hazard-warning lights. • Try to make sure the accident does not become any worse e.g. get someone to warn other traffic without endangering themselves – use a high visibility jacket. • Telephone Ambulance Service or Police if necessary (and remain at the scene). • Help those trapped or badly injured if you are able to do so. • Attend to other passengers; get them to a safe place off the road and as far away from the vehicle as possible. • Attend to minor injuries using the First Aid Box mounted in the vehicle. If you are involved in an accident which causes damage or injury to any other person, or other vehicle, or any of the following animals - horse, cattle, ass, mule, sheep, pig, goat or dog legally you must: a) Stop and remain at the scene. b) Give: i) Your name and address ii) The name and address of the school iii) The registration mark of the vehicle If b) cannot be done at the scene, you must report the accident to the Police as soon as possible, but in any case within 24 hours. c) Produce evidence of insurance (copy available inside the minibus) to the Police or anyone who has reasonable grounds to ask for it. • The Insurance policy number:- M0002507MBPH Please refer anyone requiring details of the school’s vehicle insurance, to the Bursar on 01582 723970 should the driver be unable to do so. The following procedure should then be followed: If you have reported the incident as b) but cannot produce the Insurance Certificate at the time of the incident as c), then the Certificate must be produced within 7 days after the occurrence of the accident at a named Police station.

• Collect details of other drivers and vehicles and any witnesses and provide your details to the third party

• Record details at the scene. This will prove of value when you are asked to complete an insurance accident claim form

• When you return to school complete a School Minibus Incident Form. • All accidents must be reported to the Headteacher • Drivers must not admit responsibility for an accident to the other party or to witnesses • Staff should not communicate with the media; they should refer them to the LBC Press Office for

comment Appendix I

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Action to be taken in the event of a puncture / breakdown / vehicle fire etc. Normal Roads • Switch on hazard warning lights. • Switch on sidelights if it is dark or visibility is reduced. • Endeavour to position vehicle where it will create least danger – pull onto verge or hard shoulder. • Remove occupants to a position away from the road and nominate someone to take charge and keep the group together. • Call the Lease Company nominated breakdown/rescue service - see point 10. • Advise the Headteacher at school if necessary. Motorways If possible either: • Leave Motorway by next exit. • Drive to the next service area and call the Lease Company nominated breakdown/relay service. If not possible then: • Pull onto the hard shoulder as near as possible to an emergency telephone and as far over to the left as possible (but leave room for the nearside doors to open) • Switch on hazard warning lights • Switch on sidelights and head lights if it is dark or visibility is reduced • Get passengers out of vehicle by the nearside door and assemble them well up the grass bank • Elect an adult passenger as group leader and do not allow passengers to wander about • Walk to nearest emergency phone (positioned at 1 mile intervals on hard shoulder - arrows on marker posts will indicate the direction of the nearest phone) and give full details to the operator • Return to vehicle and wait for breakdown/rescue assistance. Do not wait in the vehicle, wait over the barrier (with the passengers if possible) • Ensure that group remains well away from Motorway • Advise the Headteacher at school if necessary Please Note: Ford Assistance telephone number is 0203 564 4444 When you ring you will require the following information;

• Vehicle location (as accurately as possible) • A contact telephone number • Vehicle Registration number – E016 VSM • Vehicle Identification number

Flat tyres The school minibus carries a spare wheel but drivers should not attempt to change a wheel. All passengers should disembark the minibus and assemble in a safe place. • For flat tyres you should call the breakdown service on 0203 564 4444 Vehicle Fires: In the case of a minibus fire the procedure to follow should be generally as a breakdown, but also: • Unless already stationery, stop the vehicle where it is safe to do so. • Everyone should be immediately evacuated and moved to a safe place as far away from the vehicle as possible.

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• The driver should never attempt to tackle an under-bonnet engine fire. The fire extinguisher is provided to deal with cabin fires and thereby secure the safe evacuation of all passengers. • Obtain assistance by ringing the Emergency Services. • Contact the Headteacher as soon as it is safe to do so. • On return to the school a report of the incident must be completed.