Campaigners seeking to prevent schools from using Section 19 permits to operate minibuses were hosted at a Parliamentary drop-in session yesterday (13 May).
Liz and Steve Fitzgerald, whose daughter, Claire, was among 12 children and a teacher who died in the M40 minibus crash of 1993, were hosted in Westminster by Sarah Edwards MP.
Since the fatal incident, in which a teacher was driving, the couple have campaigned for legislation to force schools to use professional drivers under the O-Licence regime.
Ms Edwards, who is their local MP, tabled an Early Day Motion in July 2024 to have Section 19 exemptions for schools removed.
They have also won support from teachers’ union NASUWT.
An NASUWT survey found that one in four teachers have been pressured into driving a minibus without proper qualifications. It also reported that one in 10 have been required to drive more than 50 miles after a full day of teaching.
At the drop-in session, Ms Edwards says: “No parent should ever be told that their child won’t be returning from school. But that’s exactly what happened 30 years ago when Liz and Steve Fitzgerald lost their daughter, Claire. Since then, they have bravely campaigned for change in her memory.
“I’ve been supporting Liz and Steve since being elected with their campaign for change, and I’m pleased to bring them to Parliament to tell their story.
“The research from NASUWT paints a disturbing picture of the reality teachers are facing – being forced to drive long distances after already exhausting workdays without the proper qualifications. This is unacceptable and must change.”
Last month Belt Up School Kids (BUSK) Director Pat Harris urged operators to write to their MPs to raise awareness of the issue.
In a joint statement, Liz and Steve Fitzgerald say: “We’re very honoured to be in Parliament today, and we thank Sarah for all her support.
“We believe that leaving the law as it is means that we are all complicit in endorsing a two-tier safety system that places children in state schools at greater risk than those in private schools.
“The NASUWT member survey has highlighted that, after 32 years, the situation has not changed. This is truly shocking.
“Claire wanted to be a lawyer for disadvantaged children, and she would want us to fight for justice.”
NASUWT Acting General Secretary Matt Wrack adds: “A lot has been done to improve minibus safety, but teachers and school staff are still driving children long distances, sometimes for hours at a time, often after having worked all day.
“We hope all MPs will give their support to close the loophole in the regulations and ensure that all minibus drivers have formal qualifications and access to proper training.
“This can’t go on and we are asking all MPs to back the campaign and hopefully prevent further tragedies.”
Minister comments on Section 19 schools minibus issue
The day after the drop-in session (14 May), Simon Lightwood, Local Transport Minister, was asked at a Transport Committee evidence session to comment on the topic of Section 19 and schools minibuses.
He followed up confirmation from fellow witness Stephen Fidler, Director of Buses and Inclusion, Department for Transport, that the issue is “on our radar”.
Mr Lightwood says: “It comes back to, [with] any change, you want to ensure that safety is of paramount importance and you understand any unintended consequences.
“For instance – I’m not saying this would happen – but if there was a reduction in the number of people capable of driving these buses, what’s the consequences on schools’ ability to get their children to enjoy these school trips and outings?
“So I think it’s important we do continue to work with DfE (Department for Education) etc, to understand that. But I’m aware of the… calls to look at this issue.”
