Minibus Parking issues

physmath

Hey, thanks for that info about Aberdeen's restrictions. I had no idea. I lived in Edinburgh a recently as 2 years ago and drove and parked in the city at all times (I think I can could on the fingers of one hand the number of times I took a bus anywhere in the 6 years I lived there) and never found it a problem. But, yes, with the minibus that would indeed be a pain in the rump and quite a bit more intimidation trying to park. So I appreciate your input.

physmath

I've just had confirmation in writing from the rental company that there is no problem at all renting the minibus for a school group and driving them around so long as I am not receiving any kind of supplementary payment for such activity, which of course I am not. Just being paid as their teacher is no disqualification as driving them is not listed as one of my teaching duties and, as such, is a voluntary activity. I passed my driving licence when D1 (with code 101) was standard with passenger vehicle licences and it is still current on my licence. Those who passed more recently have to sit a separate exam. One of the relatively few benefits to being an old timer!

Syman

Just something to note that I was not aware of until recently. If there is any kind of payment made towards the trip then a "section 19" permit will be needed.
Clicky

If you fall foul of this then you can be stopped from driving your passengers and receive endorsements on your license.

rev_henry

Also remember you can use the bus lanes, PROVIDED they don't say 'local buses only' (most don't).

londonTiger

Some supermarkets do have areas to park big vehicles at the far end of the car park but it's certainly not something that you can abuse as you will need special permission to park.

Your best of contacting each individual establishment and enquiring about that. Hotel should not have a problem with you parking if you've got 16 guests staying in their hotel.

May even allow you to stretch out to 3 regular car size bays in order to park,

londonTiger

physmath wrote: »

I've just had confirmation in writing from the rental company that there is no problem at all renting the minibus for a school group and driving them around so long as I am not receiving any kind of supplementary payment for such activity, which of course I am not. Just being paid as their teacher is no disqualification as driving them is not listed as one of my teaching duties and, as such, is a voluntary activity. I passed my driving licence when D1 (with code 101) was standard with passenger vehicle licences and it is still current on my licence. Those who passed more recently have to sit a separate exam. One of the relatively few benefits to being an old timer!

Are you driving your pupils around outside of your duties as a teacher? Or are you on the schools time? I think you will find that your intrepretation is stretching it a bit. If you're taking your pupils on a school trip then that will be regarded as a commercial trip.

If OTOH you hired a minibus out to travel to match and were taking a bunch of friends and received no reward what so ever that would be fine.

It is not obviously apparant but the police or insurance company will regard you driving around your pupils on school related trips where you receive a salary as "for reward".

Rolandtheroadie

Have a look at this.


https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/235099/guidance-driving-school-minubuses.pdf


As far as supermarket parking goes, our works vans a LWB transit and nothings ever been said about hanging into a second space or the front being out a little bit.

Never had any bother when taking up 2 spaces with a caravan or trailer either.

physmath

No, I confirmed it directly with the rental company, giving them all the details and they were clear that this is an instance of "not for hire or reward". Also, the govt. website clearly states that this situation where the NFHOR obtains. So no worries about that. Not sure about the police as they vary in their understanding of regulations. But I'm in the right on that front so it will all work out well.
Thanks Scotsman for the reassurance about the LWB transit. The prospect of parking this thing legally has been growing into something ridiculous in my head - I see it getting towed away or ticketed everywhere we stop. As you point out, it's probably not going to be much of an issue.

DigForVictory

phsymath I admire your commitment to teaching!

Some museums etc have carparks - and phoning ahead (following up with an email) may sort you inner city parking spaces for an agreed number of hours.

Likewise prior words with & agreement from supermarkets may repay the effort. After all, the gannets will need feeding & watering.

I'll presume you can tell them to set a "back here onboard in 15 minutes" on their phones? As waiting & hunting for lost sheep is bad for the nerves.

Will you have insurance for flat tyres etc or will you have the time to learn where the jacking points are, how to get the fuel flap to open & what pressures they tyres should be at?

(On my list of things to sort, parking is a bit further down!)

Hoping you all have a wonderful time!

Mark_Mark

physmath wrote: »

No, I confirmed it directly with the rental company, giving them all the details and they were clear that this is an instance of "not for hire or reward". Also, the govt. website clearly states that this situation where the NFHOR obtains. So no worries about that. Not sure about the police as they vary in their understanding of regulations. But I'm in the right on that front so it will all work out well.
Thanks Scotsman for the reassurance about the LWB transit. The prospect of parking this thing legally has been growing into something ridiculous in my head - I see it getting towed away or ticketed everywhere we stop. As you point out, it's probably not going to be much of an issue.

I'd say different about the hire or reward. Between 9-3 you are within your usual working hours and being paid but as long as you have the correct licence you are ok.