Seatbelts complusory for children in minibuses
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Minibuses and coaches carrying three or more children will have to be fitted with seatbelts from February 1997, the Government announced yesterday.
Announcing the new measures, Transport Minister Steven Norris said regulations for fitting seatbelts to all new minibuses and coaches whether they carry children or not, will be introduced as soon as the necessary agreement has been reached in Europe.
Coaches registered before 1 October 1988, however, will not have to have seatbelts fitted before 10 February 1998.
The "3 for 2" concession, which allows three children under 14 to sit in seats fitted with two seatbelts, will end on 1 May.
"I believe these measures will further improve the good safety record of minibuses and coaches and will go a long way towards reassuring parents who may be concerned for the safety of their children when travelling in these vehicles," Mr Norris said.
Pressure has been growing for more than two years for action on seatbelts following the M40 accident in November 1993 when 12 children, aged 12 to 14, and their driver-teacher from Hagley Roman Catholic High School, Hereford and Worcester, died in a minibus crash in the West Midlands.
Parents of the children demanded government legislation after a verdict of accidental death was recorded and coroner Michael Coker said that the children might have had a better chance of survival if they had been wearing seatbelts.
The then Transport Secretary, John MacGregor, announced an improvements to seatbelt safety on minibuses in July 1994 and his successor Brian Mawhinney made firm proposals last March.
The Confederation of Passenger Transport welcomed yesterday's announcement which it said put "an end to the uncertainty and speculation which followed the Government's consultation in March last year".
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments