In regards to my last letter in issue 753 [15 August], I’ve had an ‘investigation’ back from the Department for Transport (DfT), who in fact only quoted me legislation and actually didn’t look into my concerns at all [surrounding the issue of under-fives not being as passengers on board a coach].
I have asked for my complaint to be escalated but have not even had a reply to that request.
There is only one reason quoted for allowing the practice to continue and it was: Introducing legislation requiring parents or other accompanying adults to provide the appropriate child seat for under-fives travelling on coaches, would also be a disproportionate measure as the cost could force some families from being able to travel by coach.
Since when had safety become a ‘disproportionate measure’?
The closing statement was: The Government has no plans to change legislation at the moment relating to this issue, however we keep all policy under review.
And then you hear of another minibus crash that kills two on the M4.
When will the government do more than just enough?
Adrian Pettitt
