Investigation launched following school bus incident

Bus Vannin says children's behaviour fell 'beneath acceptable standards'

An investigation has been launched following allegations that a bus driver refused to let children disembark his vehicle.

Bus Vannin has confirmed it’s carrying out the inquiry following an incident onboard a school bus which was carrying students from QEII High School yesterday (22 May).  

Parents have alleged that the driver refused to stop at the designated points between Crosby and Douglas with one describing it as an attempted ‘kidnapping’.

The man, who has elevated his concerns to Isle of Man Transport and the Isle of Man Constabulary, said this had left children ‘scared’ until they’d been able to get out near Pulrose and ‘escape into traffic’.

In an email, shared with Manx Radio, he wrote: “I expect a full report will be issued and a disciplinary procedure to be initiated following this driver’s conduct and deliberate actions to inflict terror on all of the children."

Police have told Manx Radio the children were kept onboard and given words of advice by the bus inspector - who'd told the driver not to stop the vehicle until Douglas - due to their behaviour.

This, officers said, was due to them ‘messing about, pressing emergency buttons and verbally abusing the driver’.

No police action is being taken in relation to the incident.

Bus Vannin has told Manx Radio the behaviour of some of the children onboard has been reported as being ‘beneath acceptable standards’ and CCTV is being reviewed.

It adds: “Management dealt with many enquiries from parents regarding the incident yesterday evening and have continued to do so today.

"Engagement is also taking place with the school.

“While details continue to be established Bus Vannin would like to remind all passengers that incidents of unsafe or abusive behaviour towards its drivers or members of the public will not be tolerated.”