Drivers' Reminders

This document is for advisory purposes only. All drivers should practice the principles of their MIDAS training at all times.

The following guidelines should be followed during each use of the bus. They do not take much time and are part of the duty of care we have for our passengers and for other road users. They may benefit:

The passenger who will not want to be on a vehicle which breaks down or is involved in an incident.

You, the driver so that you can be sure the vehicle is safe to use.

Other road users so that they are not put at risk by our bus.

Congresbury Community Transport so that its reputation for passenger care and safety is maintained and the life of the bus is maximised.

IMPORTANT: As the driver you are at all times legally responsible for the condition of the vehicle you are driving as well as the way it is driven.

Starting Off

At the start of each journey you should carry out a check of the vehicles roadworthiness including:

tyre condition and inflation
bodywork for damage/vandalism
lights and indicators
consul warning lights
fuel level
and start your paperwork

Ensure that passengers board the vehicle correctly. Make sure that the side step is properly deployed and only let experienced people operate the wheelchair lift. Also ensure that:

all the doors are unlocked whilst passengers are on board
there are no unsecured items on the bus
all passengers are seated and are secured by seat belts
any wheelchairs are securely clamped and the occupants are separately restrained
the emergency exits are not obstructed

On Route

Speed Limits: Different speed limits apply to mini-buses than to cars. They are:

built up areas 30 mph
roads subject to the national speed limit 50 mph
dual carriageways 60 mph
motorways 70 mph

but legislation now means minibuses will governed at 62 mph.

Parking:We have no automatic right to park the bus in areas reserved for disabled drivers. You may only park in such places if you have a registered disabled person on board and if you have either CCT's Disabled Parking Pass or the person's own pass (see Using the Parking Badge).

Bus Lanes: You may use bus lanes (even when you have no passengers) unless the word ‘local’ appears on the bus symbol (in which case only local buses have access).

Taking care of Passengers:You may have elderly or infirm people on board. Please drive the vehicle in such a manner as to not cause them alarm or discomfort. Remember too that the vehicle you have charge of has some of the driving characteristics of a car.. . but it isn't one! Particular care should be taken on roundabouts, when turning, on rough road surfaces, over speed ramps and slopes.

Width and Height of the Bus:Each time you drive the bus your senses will adjust to the width of the vehicle... but less so to its length and height be careful of your rear.

Attention to low speed manoeuvring The high driving position will give enhanced "distance" visibility compared with that from the average car, but much poorer visibility of objects in close, take great care that no-one is beside or particularly behind the vehicle when manoeuvring.

Reversing the vehicle:Extra care should be taken when reversing the vehicle. Whenever possible get someone to help you. Use the vehicle’s “Parktronic” facility and do not coast backwards in neutral or in a forward gear but with the clutch in.

At The End Of The Trip

At the end of each trip you must ensure that the vehicle is securely parked, switches are off, and paper work is completed. Check for left property and also check the fuel level. If it is very low please inform the Driver Co-ordinator.