The Welsh Government has published new advice for bus companies and local authorities ahead of plans to make the wearing of seatbelts on school buses compulsory.
The guidance will set out what local authorities, governing bodies of maintained schools and bus operators should do to comply with The Safety on Learner Transport (Wales) Measure 2011.
The measure, which comes into effect in October 2014, makes it compulsory for all vehicles used for pupil and student transport to be fitted with seatbelts.
The responsibility for ensuring all buses, including minibuses and coaches, used for dedicated home to school transport are fitted with seat belts from October 2014 falls on local authorities, governing bodies and bus operators.
Transport Minister Carl Sargeant, said: “Safety on our school buses is something that every parent and schoolchild should expect.”
“The Measure will make it compulsory for school buses to provide individual seat belts for children and today’s guidance will help both local authorities and bus operators to plan properly for the new change.”
The new rules will be enforced by the police and the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA). Operators who are found to not comply are liable to criminal prosecution and a fine of up to £2,500.