The news the installation of seat belts on NSW school buses has been ‘fast-tracked’ to December 2021 was greeted with a ‘luke warm’ response from long-time campaigner Valla resident Jan Gill.
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“Absolutely it is wonderful news the NSW Government has recognised the importance of this and has put the funding on the table,” Jan said.
“But it is still more than four years away and our children are still travelling at high speeds to and from school daily, in fact the speed is higher – now it is 110kph.
“Of course the road is better but there is no other vehicle on that road that has unsecured passengers.”
Jan began campaigning in 2010 when her eight-year-old son began school in Coffs Harbour and the unsafe travel situation revealed itself.
“He is still travelling that route, there are still no seatbelts and the seats are still low-backed with metal bars … and yes, I still have that fear of an accident.
“He will have finished school when this finally happens – but it pleases me greatly that the next generation of kids will benefit.”
NSW Government has announced it is providing $29 million in funding from the 2017-18 NSW Budget to install seatbelts in all regional school buses, four years ahead of schedule.
By December 2021, all 2800 rural and regional buses will have seatbelts.
Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Andrew Constance said the installation of seatbelts on the rural and regional bus fleet was being fast-tracked to ensure the safety of regional public transport.
“This is something our communities have been crying out for and I’m committed to making sure kids across the state can travel to school safely,” Mr Constance said.
