Safer school bus road rules bid

Pupils Robyn Oldham and Alexander Milne died last year

A bill has been lodged at Westminster calling for the law to be toughened on school bus safety.

Gordon's Lib Dem MP Malcolm Bruce said he had the backing of politicians from other parties for Wednesday's move.

They argue it should be illegal for vehicles to overtake a stationary school bus, and also want more safety training and warnings.

There were renewed calls for improved safety in the wake of the deaths of two pupils in Aberdeenshire last year.

Alexander Milne, 12, and Robyn Oldham, 15, died after being struck by cars when they stepped off school buses.

Hopefully we can make people more aware of school buses, and more and more politicians aware, before someone else's child is killed Carla Oldham Mother of victim Robyn Oldham

Mr Bruce said: "Following consultation with safety experts and campaigners on this issue, I am pleased to be putting before parliament this bill which I hope will stimulate debate on this important issue and force the government to re-examine its position on preventing vehicles from overtaking stationery school buses.

"Too many school children have been involved in tragic accidents that could have been avoided if better measures had been in place and I am pleased to have the support of parliamentarians from across the political spectrum who back the need for change.

"After presenting my bill to parliament, I will be seeking the support of other MPs in pressurising the government into taking action."

Assessing technology

Robyn Oldham's mother, Carla Oldham, told BBC Scotland: "Hopefully we can make people more aware of school buses and more and more politicians aware, before someone else's child is killed."

New technology to improve the safety of pupils on school buses is being trialled in the north east of Scotland.

The 'SeeMe Bus Stop' system, which warns drivers about school buses, has been hailed a success in Sweden.

Under the system, a bus stop sign flashes to warn drivers when schoolchildren carrying a small transmission device are in the vicinity.

Aberdeen City Council, Aberdeenshire Council and Moray Council are assessing the technology.

New school bus safety information was recently made available on the 1second1life website.