The school term is only a few weeks old, but there has been a disturbing amount of vandalism on buses while they are transporting children to school.
Bluebird Coaches who run the services to Atlantic Academy has seen arm rests ripped out and tray tables torn from the backs of seats.
The buses which are contracted by Dorset Council transport Children to the Academy from Wyke Regis and Portland.
Bluebird coaches, said:
“Our priority is always the children’s safety and our drivers’ welfare at all times. The children not sitting down with their seat belts on when requested is causing a distraction for our drivers.
“The level of damage on these school coaches is atrocious. Some children are completely out of control.
“We are installing CCTV into the coaches and with the help of the academy and council we will identify the culprits.”
Once identified the parents will be contacted to try and resolve the problematic behaviour. If this is not successful, they could be banned from using the bus for a short time or permanently. Parents will be charged for the damage their children have caused.
Atlantic Academy, said:
“ We expect our pupils to behave with good manners, respect and courtesy. This will involve them being calm, patient, considerate of other users of the bus and positive representation of Atlantic Academy.”
Cllr Ray Bryan, Dorset Council’s portfolio holder for Highways, travel and environment, said:
“The children who are damaging the bus are putting themselves and other travellers in danger. As soon as they take their seats every child should put on their seat belt so in the event of a traffic incident they stay in their seats. If not secured and something happens that child can cause injury to themselves and others.”
A guide on how to be safe on the bus will be distributed to all parents of children on the buses concerned.
