Code of Practice Home/School Transport of Pupils ... - Angus Council

THE VEHICLE1. All vehicles will meet the requirements contained in the Terms and Conditionsof the Contract.2. The Contractor must ensure that all vehicles used in the performance of the serviceare licensed in all respects, insured, equipped, and maintained in a thoroughly safeand roadworthy condition in accordance with Department of Transport Regulations,manufacturers' recommendations and the requirements of the Council.3. The Contractors must provide the Transport Team with information on the types ofvehicles to be operated on the Contract.4. When the Contractor considers it necessary to replace or temporarily substitute avehicle due to service requirements, renewal etc. s/he must ensure that thereplacement vehicle is of an equivalent (or better) standard insofar as, size andaccessibility are concerned.5. The vehicles used will be kept clean to a high standard inside and out and must becomfortable, properly heated and ventilated - vehicles must have the capacity tomaintain a reasonable internal temperature consistent with the needs of passengers.6. All Taxis/Private Hire Vehicles used in the performance of the Contract must be fittedwith seat belts on all seats. It is the responsibility of the driver to ensure that seatbelts are worn by passengers as specified in the Council's Conditions of Contract.These Regulations also apply to pupils travelling in the rear seats ofminibuses.7. The Contractor must fit safely and securely, in accordance with manufacturer'sinstructions, any special child seats, harnesses or other specialised equipmentspecified by the Transport Team. These items are supplied on loan by the Councilfor the duration of the Contract and must be returned in good condition either ondemand by the Transport Team or upon expiry of the Contract.8. All vehicles transporting passengers in wheelchairs/buggies must be fitted with theappropriate tracking system on which to secure wheelchairs. A seat belt restraintmust also be provided. These will be utilised at all times.9. All vehicles transporting passengers in wheelchairs must be fitted with a mechanicaltail lift or gradient ramps (which should not exceed 1 in 12).10. All vehicles must be fitted with a First Aid Kit and a Fire Extinguisher. The contentsof both the First Aid Box and the Extinguisher(s) must be checked at appropriateintervals and replenished as necessary. The location of the equipment should beclearly signed, and be accessible without the need for keys.11. All vehicles operated with a capacity in excess of eight passenger seats willpreferably have a bottom step a maximum of 325 millimetres above the ground, atthe rear of the vehicle and at other main exits.7