GREAT BAY, Sint Maarten (DCOMM) – The Inspectorate of Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunications (Ministry TEATT), received a complaint on May 30th from a concerned parent reporting a school bus operating with defective brake lights transporting school children.
The School Bus Controllers were immediately dispatched and the bus was removed from service immediately. Contact was made with the owner of the bus who cooperated fully with having the brake lights repaired the same day.
The bus underwent a full inspection the following day and was cleared to return to service. The driver and owner of the bus will be addressed according to the Enforcement Policy of the Inspectorate.
The Inspectorate strongly advises all school bus drivers and owners to follow proper daily vehicle inspection procedures to ensure that school buses are operated in full compliance with the Traffic Ordinance and safety standards.
Secondly, general motorists can contact the Inspectorate during office hours 8AM to 4:30PM Monday through Friday at 542-4511/4509 or via email IDEZ.Inquiries@sintmaartengov.org to report safety issues concerning school buses.
We encourage you to take pictures of violations or safety concerns only if this can be done safely and not while operating a vehicle or endangering yourself or other motorists or pedestrians.
PHOTO CUTLINE: School Bus being inspected.
