The Basque Government has announced increased checks on school transport in Euskadi from 9 to 13 November. The Ertzaintza is coordinating the operation with local police departments to improve road safety for minors. According to the announcement published on 8 November on the official portal Irekia , both administrative permits and vehicles’ technical condition will be checked.
The checks will also focus on requirements directly related to safety: proper use of seat belts by children, the driver and the accompanying supervisor; the required signs and markings on vehicles; and the presence of an adult chaperone during journeys and when children get on and off. Checks are to be carried out, where possible, on school premises, after buses have reached their destination and passengers have finished getting on or off.
The measure is part of an annual calendar of 33 road traffic and transport monitoring campaigns coordinated by the Dirección de Tráfico of the Gobierno Vasco . As a benchmark, the government cites figures from the previous year: 295 vehicles were inspected during 36 school transport checks; 26 were reported for infringements, representing 8.8 per cent. Vehicles used for school transport are subject to a speed limit 10 kilometres per hour lower than the standard limit outside built-up areas.
Municipal police forces are also taking part in the targeted week, according to their own statements. The Policía Municipal in Bilbao announced that it would step up checks during the stated period to ensure vehicles in use comply with regulations. The coordinated approach by the Ertzaintza and local police aims to reduce risks, particularly when children get on and off outside schools, and to ensure compliance with established safety standards.
The immediate reason is the inspection campaign scheduled for next week. The dates and requirements stated correspond to the official announcement by the Basque government. Possible effects, such as a reduction in accidents around schools, are expectations of those responsible, not established results.
Editor: Mira Cadena (Article created with AI assistance).