Say yes to cheaper van, home and car insurance

Plans to reform school bus journeys in Northern Ireland have been applauded by the Consumer Council.

Children's Minister Maria Eagle has detailed plans to improve the service provided with a £37 million injection of cash.

The plans have been drawn up taking into consideration the opinions of the children who use the service, 81 per cent of whom are unhappy with the current situation.

A report, carried out by the Consumer Council, entitled Safer Routes to School, found that 52 per cent of children and 63 per cent of parents are concerned about safety on public transport.

The main fears centre on the fact that pupils are often forced to stand while the bus is moving, are not provided with seatbelts and frequently have to share seats.

"The Minister has taken prompt action to champion the cause of safer school journeys by delivering a comprehensive package of key measures as the new school year begins," said Eleanor Gill, chief executive of the Consumer Council.

"All Education and Library Board buses are expected to have seatbelts fitted by 2011…as well as the phasing out of standing on all school buses by April 2009.

"The Consumer Council believes that these measures are the ticket to a safer, more secure, enjoyable and sustainable home to school transport service to meet the needs of our young passengers and their parents," she added.

The regeneration of school bus journeys could spell the end of the school run, helping to reduce congestion and accidents and cutting the number of car insurance claims.

© Adfero Ltd