FOUR people from Arleen Coaches are set to appear in court in connection with an incident last November where a bus carrying 45 people, including Frome College students who had been on a history trip, had overturned.
Four people from the company have been reported to court for using/causing/permitting a vehicle in a dangerous condition likely to cause injury.
At the time of the incident on Monday 28th November, the air ambulance attended, but was not required to take anyone to hospital; paramedics attended the scene, and a small number of passengers were taken to hospital with one student believed to have ‘life-changing injuries’.
A joint investigation has taken place between Avon and Somerset Constabulary and the Driving Standards Agency (DVSA) in relation to the collision that took place.
In a letter to Frome College parents, the Avon and Somerset Constabulary say, “We have now concluded our investigation and have reported four people to court from Arleen’s Coaches for summons in relation to the offence of Section 40A of the Road Traffic Act 1988 – using/causing/permitting a vehicle in a dangerous condition likely to cause injury.
“A case file has been sent through to the Crown Prosecution Service for approval in relation to this matter. The investigation has now been handed over to the DVSA for them to continue this and will be looking to put Arleen’s coaches before the Traffic Commissioner.”
In an email sent to parents by Somerset Council it was confirmed that the school transport would, “continue to be provided by Arleen Coaches”.
The letter reads, “I fully understand your concerns and would like to reassure you that we are liaising closely with both the operator and the DVSA on this matter. You’ll be aware the police have handed the ongoing investigation to the DVSA, and it’s important to stress that we cannot pre-empt the outcome.
“We will remain in constant contact with the DVSA throughout this process and will follow any recommendations or advice it provides. In the meantime, the school transport provided by Arleen Coaches will continue.”
