Madam,

As a parent of children in school, I like many readers read with horror the headline in a recent edition of the Cambrian News - ‘Bala school buses not roadworthy’.

Whilst I fully support the police and DVSA in their important work of ensuring the safety of all road users, these buses were far from being ‘not roadworthy’ in any real sense of the words.

I’d like to draw attention to detail of the notices issued. The notices issued were Delayed Prohibition Notices, or Inspection Notices, and not Immediate Prohibition Notices which would have been issued if the buses were considered to be unsafe. The type of notices issued were in order to draw attention to an issue and the operators were given time to carry out any necessary repairs. The buses were not prevented from being used on the road at any time.

Re the vandalised seat belt mentioned. The inspectors found a small cut, 10mm in length, in one of the seat belts and deemed it to be unsafe. The seat belt in question was renewed, and sent off for testing.

The test results showed that even the damaged part exceeded the minimum legal breaking strain of 14.5 kn by 20 per cent, so was in fact perfectly safe for use.

There was also mention of an incomplete first aid kit. I believe it was due to there being two safety pins less than the required amount in the box. Latest guidance states that an assortment of safety pins are required, and no minimum amount is stated.

It was said that an emergency door was not opening wide enough. The vehicle in question has passed its annual test for a number of years and no issues were found with the door.

Re obstruction of the gang-way. This was due to the gap left when the crew seat was pulled down by the inspector, and deemed to be encroaching on minimum gangway width.

The gangway width with seat in lowered position was still 50mm wider than the main gangway in the bus, and when the bus is in operation this seat is always folded up, unless being used by crew, and is not to be used by passengers.

Notices were issued for ‘no or inadequate school bus signs being displayed’.

It was stated in the report that three buses didn’t have adequate school bus signs displayed (the little yellow sign with a black silhouette of children on it). In fact only two buses didn’t have the sign on the back; these buses were recently acquired to cover school contracts following the collapse of a large bus company in the area. The required signs have now been fitted.

None of the buses inspected were found to have any mechanical defects, unlike the other vehicles checked on the same day. Surely faulty lights, damaged tyres, a defective braking system and a loose wheel nut are potentially far more dangerous to road users.

Yours etc,

Bob Griffiths, Llanuwchllyn, Bala.

Have your say on the local issues affecting you - email [email protected] or join in the conversation on our Facebook page