TRNC Chamber of Mechanical Engineers calls for school buses to be inspected before classes begin

The TRNC Chamber of Mechanical Engineers has called for school buses to be inspected for compliance with technical and safety requirements before the start of the new school year, and for the inspection results to be made public. Schools in the TRNC will begin classes on 7 and 14 September.

The Chamber is asking the authorities to explain whether the vehicles that will transport children are being inspected, which organisations are responsible for this and what standards apply to school transport. Citing fires and accidents involving school buses in previous years, the Chamber believes that the current regulation on mandatory transport should be revised in line with modern technical criteria.

In the Chamber’s view, passing a regular roadworthiness test does not mean that a bus is fit to transport schoolchildren: it is also necessary to assess separately whether the vehicle will protect passengers in the event of a collision, rollover or fire, and whether it will allow them to be evacuated quickly.

The minimum requirements include a separate seat and seat belt for every child, a ban on carrying more passengers than the vehicle’s capacity and on modifying the passenger compartment, electronic stability systems, fire detection and extinguishing equipment, and clearly marked and accessible emergency doors, windows and hatches. The Chamber also asks that cameras be installed inside the passenger compartment and that vehicles used for kindergartens and primary schools be equipped with a system that prevents a child from being left behind inside.

The Chamber proposes limiting the age of school buses to 10 years and checking their maintenance history, mileage, corrosion, structural integrity and tyres, as well as drivers’ qualifications, health and previous violations. Children with disabilities need a ramp or lift and wheelchair restraints, while young children need a trained escort.

The Chamber proposes that approval of buses should not be left to one authority checking documents alone, but should be assigned to a separate technical inspection council for school transport. It asks that parents be informed of the bus numbers, capacity and the validity period of the approval. “Checking the technical fitness of a school bus is more humane and responsible than looking for those responsible after an accident,” the appeal says.