Seat-Belts on coaches, UK

[Ian King]

Is it the law to wear seat-belts on coaches on journeys in the UK? My partner was recently involved in a serious coach crash with fatalities. Although seat-belts were fitted, almost certain no "Wear Seat-Belts" signs were displayed and nobody advised her it was compulsory. I have used Google and all I can find is laws relating to the fitting af seat-belts, not the wearing of. Thanks.

[jenstar]

No, coach passengers are exempt. I think motorcaravans are exempt too, not that this helps you.

[archbishop]

The seat belts must be fitted but there is no law that says you must use them on coaches.

[MrsCheeks]

I live now in NE Scotland, and previously in Wiltshire, and in both areas the private coach companies insist that if you are travelling you MUST wear the seatbelts. They also insist that all children under the age of 5 are strapped into/on the appropriate car seats.

[darth vader]

mrscheeks that is the coach companies discretion, (and a pleasant change that they are bothered about safety) but as arch says the law states they must be fitted, but no law states they must be used

[archbishop]

Arch!!!! Are you getting familiar Darth?

[ianess]

Archbishop is correct. There is no compulsion to USE the belts....it`s yet another piece of `granny state` legislation which is totally unenforcable.

[MrsCheeks]

I know it's at the companies discretion - I was merely showing that there are areas of the UK that have responsible coach companies who see that wearing seatbelts WILL save lives. Hopefully if other people see these responsible companies actions it will envcourage them to follow suit.

[Bob A Job]

I think what you need to ask is whether the coach company policy is to wear seat belts. if this is so and you were not told then there is a case for legal action.