All staff (permanent and student) and members (drivers) must comply with the requirements of this policy and procedure, including:
Where vehicles are provided with seat belts, it is the responsibility of the driver to ensure it is used and that they are also used by all passengers. Drivers are responsible for ensuring the safety of their passenger(s). They must drive at all times in a manner that will not cause unnecessary risk and draw to the attention of passengers the need to behave in a manner that will not cause distractions to the driver. In the event that any passenger is not prepared to comply with such requirements, the driver is authorised to refuse transport to that person.
In accordance with the provisions of the Health Act 2006 and the Students’ Union Smoke Free Policy, smoking is prohibited in, or on, any Students’ Union hired or leased vehicles.
Drivers must comply with the national driving drug and alcohol legislation. Any person who contravenes this requirement whilst driving for Students’ Union may be subject to a disciplinary procedures.
When driving on College roads, drivers must adhere to the speed limit (currently 15mph) or, if lower for a specific vehicle, the speed limit for that vehicle.
When driving on the public highway, speed limits, as displayed, must be adhered to at all times. The only exception to this being any vehicle which, in order to conform with relevant regulations, has its speed restricted to a lower rate.
Drivers are personally responsible for any fines (including parking fines and fines for non-payment of congestion charges) incurred by them, whether within or outside the United Kingdom. This applies to driving vehicles owned by the Students’ Union, owned by the driver and used on Students’ Union business, or hired or leased on behalf of the Students’ Union. The Students’ Union accepts no responsibility for any other penalties incurred by the driver during the course of driving duties undertaken within, or outside the UK.
Any accident involving a Students’ Union owned, hired or leased vehicle, or a vehicle owned by a member of staff being used on Students’ Union business which results in vehicle damage and/or injury to persons must be reported to the receptionist and administrator immediately. In the event of injury to a person, the police must be advised immediately. An Accident Report Form must be completed.
It is a statutory offence to use a mobile phone while driving (except where it is ‘hands-free’) and under no circumstances must the use of a hand-held phone or other hand-held communication device take place.
In recognition that hands-free mobile communication systems distract drivers and can lead to lapses in concentration and compromise control of the vehicle, the use of these systems is also prohibited while driving. It is, however, recommended that a mobile phone is taken on all SSHH Bus Shifts.
- Seat Belts and Passenger Safety
- Smoking
- Alcohol and Drugs
- Speed Limits/Restrictions
- Fines Incurred while Driving
- Accident Reporting
- Mobile Phones or Other Hand-held Communication Devices