Independent MP Marlene Farrugia asked Education Minister Evarist Bartolo in parliament today why not all school transport vehicles have seat belts and why the law on wearing a seat belt is not enforced on school transport.
The minister said that with regard to on minibuses manufactured before 1998, there is no obligation for the minibus to have passenger seat belts. On minibuses manufactured after 1998, seat belts are obligatory, and passengers 'should' make use of these sea tbelts.
On coaches manufactured before October 2001, there is no obligation for the coaches to have passenger seat belts. On coaches manufactured on or after October 2001, seat belts are mandatory and passengers 'should' make use of them.
"In both cases, the responsibility of the driver lies in informing the passengers that there are seat belts provided. It is the passengers’ responsibility to ensure that the seat belt is worn during transit," the minister said.