News Release Archive
JUSTICE--RULES CHANGED FOR TRANSPORTATION OF STUDENTS
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Justice Minister Bill Gillis, today brought forward changes
to the regulations governing vehicles for the transportation
of students. The changes, under the Motor Carrier Act
regulations, broaden the types of vehicles that may be used
to transport students under an arrangement with a school
board, while ensuring that a high level of student safety is
maintained. The proposed changes remove some current
restrictions, thereby allowing parents and others to better
support school activities.
Previously, passenger cars with a seating capacity of more
than five, vans, maxivans used to transport physically
disabled persons, and sport utility vehicles were not
permitted to transport students, under an arrangement with a
school board.
Before the changes were brought forward, a broad
consultation process took place. The proposed changes were
circulated to a wide range of groups such as school boards,
home and school associations, athletic associations, the
insurance industry and automobile industry. Advertisements
were also placed in provincial newspapers defining the
proposed changes and seeking public comment. Of the input
received, 85 per cent expressed support for the proposed
changes.
The changes will allow a number of vehicles other than
convertibles to be used under an arrangement with a school
board. This includes passenger cars with a designated
seating capacity of ten or less. They must be designated as
passenger cars under the Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety
Standards.
Multi-purpose passenger vehicles, with a designed seating
capacity of ten or less, 1994 model year or newer may also
be used. This includes sport utility vehicles and minivans.
As well, special transit vehicles that have been designed
and manufactured or converted to transport persons with
physical disabilities, with a design seating capacity of 11
to 14 passengers may be used. In addition, any other vehicle
owned and operated by the parent of a student can be used as
long as the transportation is restricted to that student.
Operational controls will apply that affect the
responsibilities of the vehicle owners and operators at two
levels, including those owned, leased, controlled and
operated by the school board staff or volunteers, and those
owned, leased, controlled and operated by a parent, teacher
or volunteer. These controls will include such things as
the maintenance of adequate insurance, inspection
requirements, confirmation that seat-belts are operational
and are worn, that the driver is 19 years old or over, and
is not a newly licensed driver. Similar operational controls
will apply to drivers of these vehicles.
"We feel these changes are timely, and will allow greater
flexibility for parents and volunteers in supporting school
activities," said Dr. Gillis. "We have had a great deal of
input from several government departments, parents, school
boards, and industry representatives. They told us the
changes are logical, make good economic sense, and most
importantly, maintain the safety of students."
The Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board in consultation
with the Department of Education and Culture will complete a
broad-based mailing to affected groups advising them of the
changes.
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Contact: Michele McKinnon 902-424-6811
Dave White 902-424-3588
trp Feb. 14, 1996 - 1:15 p.m.
