XN000022-1997-04-30 — Page 4

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I think, so far as the future Government is concerned, we have given, as we promised, all the resources which they asked for. But we have made it clear right from the outset that we would not be providing any resources for the provisional legislature, for reasons which you and others well know. That has been our position and continues to be our position. And I think you probably know, as well, that there are many people who say that if the provisional legislature tries to do things before 30 June, there are likely to be legal challenges afterwards.

End

New measures to enhance safety of school transport

A spokesman for the Transport Department today (Wednesday) reminded operators and concerned parties that a series of measures to further enhance safety of school transport will take effect tomorrow (Thursday).

Details of the new requirements are contained in the Road Traffic (Construction and Maintenance of Vehicles) (Amendment) Regulation 1997.

The improvement measures applied to all school buses and nanny vans registered on or after May 1 include:

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Installation of a red warning light and warning buzzer to notify the driver if the main door or the emergency exit door is not completely and securely closed;

At least one mirror should be fitted externally on the near side front of the vehicle to give the driver a full and clear view of the alighting passengers:

Installation of a public address system or other audio devices sufficient for the driver to communicate with all passengers in the vehicle; and

A new colour scheme for newly registered nanny vans.

Moreover, all buses carrying school children should display an additional "Caution: Children" rear signboard in or on the rear end of the vehicle from May 1 to alert motorists on roads.