LLANDOGO - MONMOUTH BUS SERVICE

Early day motion 567, tabled 12 December 2001 by Huw Edwards (Labour). Signed by 44 members.

That this House deplores the overcrowding on the Stagecoach 69 bus carrying pupils from the village of Llandogo to and from Monmouth Comprehensive School and the refusal of Stagecoach to provide a duplicate bus; is disturbed that current transport regulations permit a 48-seater scheduled bus to carry up to 72 seated pupils under 14 years and up to 20 additional passengers standing; believes that such overcrowding poses increased risks on longer distances in rural areas; notes that designated school transport buses require pupils to wear safety belts, permitting only one pupil per seat and no standing passengers; requests that contracts between local authorities and scheduled bus operators should ensure that pupils are transported safely, avoiding overcrowding and stress; and calls on the Government and the National Assembly for Wales to end the concession permitting three pupils under 14 years to sit on a double seat on a scheduled bus service.

Signatures by party: Labour 35, Labour/Co-operative 4, Plaid Cymru 3, Liberal Democrat 2.