Hazardous condition advice for Passenger Transport Operators

There are things to consider when operating in hazardous conditions due to severe weather.

Decision-makers for closures

Road closures

The council's highways team will make the decision to close roads during severe weather events.

Early building closures

The headteacher or day centre manager will make a decision to close the school/day centre early.

They will also decide if it's appropriate for them to keep the building closed longer.

Operating school transport

The transport operator will decide if it is appropriate to continue to operate school transport.

Actions to take

drive according to road conditions
report incidents to the council
Telephone: 0345 600 6400 (and the police, if appropriate)
liaise with "feeder transport providers" which use your route and all the schools you serve
keep a list of all the schools/day centres you serve as well as other transport providers whose feeder route connect to yours
have an In Case of Emergency (ICE) contact with schools/day centres you serve in case you are unable to operate
transport users should have extra time to inform parents/guardians if alighting at different locations or times
transport users should not leave vehicles at an alternative location without agreement from parent/guardian/school/day centre
if the route is impassable, operators must arrange an alternative safe location for drop-offs
you should carry grit and a shovel during adverse weather, especially in rural areas
contact us for further advice if needed

Morning transport operation protocol

The school or day centre will assume evening operation unless informed otherwise by the operator.

If users are transported by parents/carers in the morning

The school is responsible for confirming with the transport operator whether evening transport will be available. Any time change or alternative transport requested by a school/day centre must be authorised by the council.

Telephone: 0345 600 6400