Crackdown on school bus louts

South Yorkshire’s Passenger Transport Executive had drawn up a new policy under which children and teenagers could face expulsion from school and even criminal prosecution for poor behaviour.

Other sanctions include the permanent withdrawal of bus passes, meaning parents would have to pay full fare, or the refusal by bus firms to carry offenders at all.

Bus drivers will be encouraged to report any incidents immediately.

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The policy has been drawn up in conjunction with South Yorkshire Police.

The guidance has been written in response to new Government legislation, which makes schools answerable for pupils’ behaviour on their way to and from classes.

Poor conduct is split into two categories.

High risk includes assault and criminal damage, smoking, bullying and spitting, while medium risk is classed as “general misbehaviour.”

Any incident will be formally reported to the school involved, SYPTE, management of the bus operating company and the council. High risk episodes will also be reported to police.

Any high risk incident will carry the threat of criminal action and the cost of any damage to vehicles or property will be recovered from the offender or their parents.

In all cases, pupils found to be in breach of the code of conduct will face sanctions at school and the loss of their bus pass which allows them to travel free.

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