Minibus and People Carrier Operation Guidance Date: July 2014 Document summary Every care has been taken in assembling the information contained in this guidance. It is intended as a source of reference for drivers and those with a management responsibility for Minibus and People Carrier operation. There is a rapid pace of change in both legislation and recognised practice in the operation of these vehicles, and if there is any doubt about the guidance given in this guidance, please use the contact telephone numbers given to check the current position. Contents 1. Introduction ..................................................................................................... 5 2. What is a minibus and who may drive one? ................................................... 5 2.1. Definition ......................................................................................................... 5 2.2. Licensing and Insurance ................................................................................. 5 2.3. Competence ................................................................................................... 6 2.4. Standards and Safety ..................................................................................... 6 2.5. Guidance for Drivers and Managers ............................................................... 6 2.6. Managers’ Responsibilities ............................................................................. 7 2.7. Drivers’ Responsibilities .................................................................................. 7 2.8. Passengers’ Responsibilities .......................................................................... 8 2.9. Vehicle Log Sheet ........................................................................................... 8 2.10. Vehicle Checks and Maintenance ................................................................... 8 2.11. Minibus Section 19 Permit .............................................................................. 9 2.12. Defect Reporting ............................................................................................. 9 2.13. Fire Prevention and First Aid Kit ..................................................................... 9 2.14. Vehicle Loading and Towing whilst carrying passengers .............................. 10 2.15. Towing .......................................................................................................... 10 2.16. Use of second vehicle for luggage ................................................................ 10 2.17. Gross Vehicle Weight ................................................................................... 10 2.18. Excise Licence Fee ....................................................................................... 11 2.19. Seating .......................................................................................................... 11 2.20. Speed Limits for Minibuses ........................................................................... 11 2.21. Conveying Passengers who use Wheelchairs .............................................. 11 2.22. The Safe Use of Tail Lifts .............................................................................. 12 2.23. Insurance Cover............................................................................................ 12 2.24. Other Insurance Arrangements ..................................................................... 13 2.25. Loan of Vehicles to Other Organisations ...................................................... 13 3. Drivers, Escorts/Passenger Assistants and Passengers .............................. 13 3.1. Driver Training and Assessment ................................................................... 13 3.2. The Availability of Driver Training and Assessment ...................................... 14 3.3. Driving Abroad .............................................................................................. 14 3.4. Tachograph Training ..................................................................................... 14 3.5. Authorised Minibus and People Carrier Drivers Records .............................. 14 3.6. Health Requirements of Minibus Drivers ....................................................... 14 3.7. Alcohol/Drugs Policy in relation to the use of Minibuses ............................... 15 3.8. Alcohol .......................................................................................................... 15 3.9. Drugs ............................................................................................................ 15 3.10. Supervision of Passengers and the Use of Escorts/Passenger Assistants ... 16 3.11. Unauthorised Passengers ............................................................................. 16 3.12. Transport of Children in Minibuses ............................................................... 16 3.13. Oxygen ......................................................................................................... 17 3.14. Safe Use of Mobile Phones .......................................................................... 17 3.15. Driving Convictions ....................................................................................... 18 3.16. Driver Re-training .......................................................................................... 18 4. Planning for Regular Journeys and Special Trips......................................... 19 4.1. Approval ........................................................................................................ 19 4.2. Regular Short Journeys ................................................................................ 19 4.3. Longer journeys and “one off” Trips .............................................................. 19 4.4. Driver’s Hours ............................................................................................... 20 4.5. Comfort Breaks ............................................................................................. 20 4.6. Escorts and Passenger Supervision ............................................................. 20 4.7. Expect the Unexpected ................................................................................. 20 4.8. Comfort Kit .................................................................................................... 21 4.9. Trips outside the UK ..................................................................................... 21 5. Breakdown and Accident .............................................................................. 22 5.1. Guidelines in the Event of a Breakdown ....................................................... 22 5.2. Breakdown on Ordinary Carriageways ......................................................... 22 5.3. Breakdown on the Motorways ....................................................................... 22 5.4. Guidelines in the Event of an Accident ......................................................... 23 5.5. Notification of Delays .................................................................................... 23 5.6. Accident, Injury and Illness ........................................................................... 24 5.7. First Aid and First Aid Equipment.................................................................. 24 6. Minibus Construction and Specification ........................................................ 25 6.1. Acquiring New or Replacement Vehicles ...................................................... 25 6.2. Vehicle Type, Fittings and Equipment, Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) ..... 25 6.3. Seat belts ...................................................................................................... 26 6.4. Seating .......................................................................................................... 26 6.5. Conveying Wheelchairs ................................................................................ 26 6.6. Tail Lifts ........................................................................................................ 26 6.7. Drivers Seat .................................................................................................. 26 6.8. Steering ........................................................................................................ 26 6.9. Wheels/Tyres ................................................................................................ 26 6.10. Engine Type .................................................................................................. 26 6.11. Braking System ............................................................................................. 26 6.12. Luggage Storage .......................................................................................... 27 6.13. Security Features .......................................................................................... 27 6.14. Opening Windows ......................................................................................... 27 6.15. Other Features .............................................................................................. 27 6.16. Other Issues in Vehicle Specification and Acquisition................................... 27 6.17. Budget .......................................................................................................... 27 6.18. Purchase/Lease ............................................................................................ 27 6.19. Donated