Llynfivct

R e g u l a t i o n s

Transport for Young People

The aim of the project is to support and develop innovative responses to the transport needs of young people in Bridgend and to empower young people by:

Involving them in the planning and development process of any transport services that are developed to meet their needs.
Supporting groups and agencies who work with young people by making sure they have access to all the relevant resources, information and partnerships to enable them to meet the transport needs of their clients.
Ensuring that rurally isolated young people can participate fully and independently in the activities and opportunities (social, employment or educational) of their local area and further afield.

Section 19 & Section 22 Permits

Section 19 Permits

Under the Transport Act 1985 (Section 19) a non-profit making organisation can make a charge to passengers for providing transport to the people whom the organisation serves, without the need to obtain an operating licence. Section 19 permit holders can only provide services to their own members or to groups whom the organisation serves.

The following can apply for a Section 19 permit. Any non-profit making body concerned with:

Education
Religion
Social Welfare
Recreation
Other activities of benefit to the community

Section 22 Permits

Under the Transport Act 1985 (Section 22) Community Bus permits are issued to bodies that wish to run a local bus service, which is voluntary and non-profit making, using unpaid volunteer drivers. The main purpose is to serve a community where there is no adequate provision already in place.

The bus service must adhere to a published timetable, and attain the same standards of operational professionalism that is expected by the Traffic Commissioner from commercial organisations.

New Car Seat Laws

New child car seat laws have come into force today (Monday, 18 September 2006) and parents in Bridgend County Borough are being urged to make sure that they are familiar with the changes. The new law will require drivers to ensure that all children under 135cms (4' 5") or age 12 - whatever they reach first - use an appropriate car restraint when travelling in their vehicle.

Road Safety Minister, Stephen Ladyman, says: "I would urge all parents to check that they are using appropriate child seats or booster seats. Using the right seat for the size of the child will give parents peace of mind and help to ensure that children are as safe as possible in the vehicle at all times.

"Most people do use some kind of child restraint, but it is very important to use the right one for the size of the child and to take the time to fit it properly; and not to use an adult belt before the child is big enough."

Trading Standards Officers in Bridgend County Borough have been promoting the new legislation and Lee Jones, Principal Trading Standards Officer, says: "This is not unnecessary regulation. It is about protecting our children who are more susceptible to serious injury in an accident. Safety advice is widely available and we ask all drivers who carry children in their cars to ensure they know, understand and comply with the new law, so that all children are conveyed safely."

Parents unsure whether their children must use a child restraint should consider the following:

Check the height of your child. Children up to 135cm in height (and under 12 years old) need to use a child seat, booster seat or booster cushion suitable for their weight.

Before you buy or use any child restraint, check the label to make sure it is suitable for the child's weight.

Check that any restraint is securely fitted. If your child travels in more than one vehicle, check the car seat or restraint fits each car so it can be moved between them each time they travel.

Get expert advice. Many retailers have trained in-store experts who can advise on the best kind of car seat for a child and can demonstrate how to fit it.

For more information, parents can visit www.thinkroadsafety.gov.uk. or www.childcarseats.org.uk