Robin Carlisle, the Provincial Minister of Transport says:
“A child cannot be at greater risk than in the back of a pick-up van. If there is an accident the carnage beggars description. Which is why it is illegal. It makes no sense to enrich young lives by the work you do, but imperil those self same lives getting them to and from school. A well maintained bus will last for many years and poses almost zero risk to its passengers. It opens a new world of safe trips and tours. Please don’t transport children in pick-ups.”
And here we have been transporting hundreds of children EVERY DAY by pick-up. This has been a serious wake-up call causing me deep concern and making me acutely aware that we must change fast.
It is now imperative that we:
- Work immediately towards becoming compliant with the legislation.
- Move children more safely.
- Do so as economically as possible.
- Find a vehicle that is large enough and robust enough for the poor gravel roads.
We aiming to solve this problem by purchasing a tough, old fashioned, no frills, 65 seater ‘Leyland Bus’, with heavy duty suspension. A bus that would be long lasting and economical at cost of £65,000.
The good news is that by trading in two of our older vehicles and approaching two local trusts I have already managed to raise £41 000 towards it. I am nearly there. So our friends and supporters are heling us raise another £24 000 to reach this vitally important target.
All donors names will be on a plaque inside the bus so that the children will know all those that were concern of their safety.
Please contact us if you would like to contribute to this indispensable cause.
Yours sincerely,
Ingrid Lestrade
