This document sets out the procedures, terms and conditions for booking the minibus operated by 2nd Acomb Scouts Group. Our minibus is available for use by other Scout groups and none for profit organisations who hold a valid section 19 permit which must be displayed at all times.
- Minibus Capacity
The maximum seating capacity (including the driver) is 15. The driver and passengers must use seats belts at all times, unless they hold a medical exemption certificate.
- Making a Booking
2.1 Availability and bookings can be made through the following website: https://2ndacombscoutgroup.com/minibus-bookings/
2.2 Bookings require a donation to be made to 2nd Acomb Scouts Group in advance of the booking date. Details on how donations are made are provided on the booking website.
2.3 We reserve the right to decline, cancel or vary any booking with no liability accepted for any loss, financial or otherwise arising from any change. We will endeavour to provide 8 weeks’ notice of any alterations to bookings.
2.4 At the time of booking, you are required to provide the details of a named driver who is responsible for ensuring the policy and lending conditions are adhered to.
2.5 We reserve the right to require any driver to undertake a vehicle familiarisation and meet the required standards before any booking period can commence which normally comprises of a short on-road session and reversing manoeuvre.
2.6 Arrangements to collect keys should be made at least 72 hours in advance of booking via the transport manager.
- General Terms and Conditions
3.1 Drivers must inspect the vehicle before and after each use to ensure the vehicle is roadworthy. In addition, any issues, defects or faults with the vehicle must be reported to the Transport Manager through the online checklist available through this link https://2ndacombscoutgroup.com/minibus-checklist/
3.2 The minibus will be provided with a full tank of fuel, and we operate a ‘full to full’ policy so must be return full at the end of the booking. Failure to return the minibus with a full tank of fuel will incur a charge of;
i) The cost of replacing the missing fuel and
ii) Penalty charge of 10 pence per litre of missing fuel
3.3 Smoking in the minibus is strictly forbidden by law.
3.4 No eating or drinking in the minibus with the exception of drinking water.
3.5 The minibus can only be used in the UK.
3.6 The minibus must be returned in a clean and tidy condition.
3.7 The minibus must not be used for the carriage of goods other than passenger day sacks. Equipment and luggage must not be stored or transported inside the minibus.
3.8 With the exception of assistance dogs, external users are not permitted to take animals in the minibus. Please notify the transport manager in advance of the booking date if an assistance dog will be travelling in the minibus.
3.9 The Driver is responsible for maintaining correct oil and water levels and correct tyre pressures during the booking period.
3.10 The driver will be liable for the cost of replacing a tyre if it is damaged beyond repair due to kerbing or being driven on whilst flat or punctured.
- Fines and Prosecutions
4.1 Any fines incurred during the period of booking are responsibility of the driver. This includes but not limited to illegal parking or other infringements and all other charges such as tolls arising through the use of the vehicle.
4.2 Any prosecution of the driver arising from the use of the minibus will be the responsibility of the driver and /or booker. We will pass this information to the relevant authorities.
- Fuel
5.1 The minibus runs on diesel fuel.
5.2 You will be liable for the full repair costs and any engine damage resulting from the wrong type of fuel being used during the booking period.
- Insurance
6.1 Our insurance policy details are available on request by emailing your request to [email protected]
6.2 The minibus has fully comprehensive insurance with an excess charge of £150 for fire, damage or theft. External users are liable to pay the excess charge in the event of a claim relating to an accident, incident or damage during the period of the booking agreement.
6.3 The cost of repairs for any damage caused to the minibus and/or third parties as a result of the minibus being driven in a manner that voids our insurance policy will be met by the user.
6.4 Our insurance policy does not cover:
- Drivers under the age of 21
- Drivers who have held a full UK Driving Licence for less than 3 years
- Drivers who have been declined insurance
- Drivers over the age of 70
6.5 You must declare the following to the transport manager:
- Any medical conditions that require declaration as detailed by the DVLA
- You must declare any driving convictions including penalty points
- You must declare any non-motoring convictions
- Breakdown Cover
7.1 The minibus is provided with breakdown cover. In the event of a breakdown, you need to report the breakdown to an authorised contact as detailed in the booking confirmation in order for the breakdown recovery unit to assist.
- Speed Limits
8.1 Drivers should note that speed limits for minibuses are as follows:
| Road Type | Without trailer | With Trailer |
|---|---|---|
| Built up areas | 30 mph | 30 mph |
| Single carriageway roads | 50 mph | 50 mph |
| Dual carriageways | 60 mph | 60 mph |
| Motorways | 70 mph | 60 mph |
8.2 The minibus is fitted with a speed limiter which is a legal requirement which prevents the vehicle exceeding 65 mph. It is important to bear this in mind, particularly when overtaking. The minibus is not permitted to use the outside lane of a 3-lane motorway.
- Accidents
9.1 In the event of an accident, the driver should comply with the statutory legal requirement however should not admit any liability. Immediately report the accident to the transport manager or nominated individual on the booking confirmation and follow the emergency procedures in Appendix 2 emergency procedures.
- Tow bar and use of Trailers
10.1 The minibus is equipped with a tow bar. Any driver intending to use the tow bar must hold a licence with categories D1E or undertaken the relevant trailer training. Drivers must be experienced in driving a minibus safely whilst towing including reversing.
10.2 2nd Acomb Scout Group trailer is not available for loan to ‘not for profit organisations’. You are able to use your own subject to the conditions detailed for the Gross Train Weight (GTW).
10.3 A trailer should not cause the vehicles GTW to be exceeded which is 3.5 tonnes. This is the maximum weight allowed for the minibus, trailer and their respective loads which represents the effective limit of the minibus braking system.
10.4 If a trailer is used, the trailer and its contents are not covered by the minibus insurance.
10.5 If you are in a convoy and towing a trailer, then the minibus towing the trailer should be the lead vehicle. If two minibuses are booked from 2nd Acomb Scouts Group for the same booking duration and used as a convoy effective communication between the two vehicles should be in place.
- Cancellations
11.1 All cancellations must be made at least 8 weeks prior to the start of use, or you may lose your deposit.
- Safety
12.1 A minimum of 2 adults must be present in the minibus at all times when carrying passengers under the age of 18.
12.2 One adult can be the driver with the second adult being responsible for the children’s safety and behaviour which includes ensuring seat belts are worn at all times.
12.3 Journeys should be planned in advance of departures and account for adequate rest stops to reduce driver fatigue.
12.4 Stopping on a motorway hard shoulder is classed as a near miss even where no accident occurred, planning journeys avoiding motorways where possible is advised. Near miss incidents should be reported through the online incident form: https://2ndacombscoutgroup.com/minibus-incident-report/
12.5 Drivers are required to brief passengers especially children on expected behaviours whilst in the minibus including not putting hands or objects outside of the minibus through windows and not using torches. A particular hazard for passengers is the trapping of hands and fingers in vehicle doors, this should be highlighted during the safety brief.