THERE have been 10 accidents involving school buses with children passengers on board in Fermanagh in the last three years, it can be revealed.

Following a Freedom of Information request by Your Right to Know, the Education Authority has confirmed that there were three road traffic accidents between 2013 and 2014, five between 2014 and 2015 and two between 2015 and now.

In response to the figures, Victor Warrington, an Ulster Unionist Councillor, said “all possible measures must be taken” to ensure that bus journeys are as safe as possible for children.

“There have been great improvements in this with the mandatory introduction of seat belts on all vehicles intended for transport to and from schools, but as with everything there is always more that can and should be done.

“I would however seek to ensure the drivers of these buses were assessed regularly both in terms of competence and their health to ensure that they are fit to drive school buses,” he said.

Asked how road safety could be improved, Councillor Warrington said: “More must also be done in regards to other road users, educating them as to what is or is not appropriate when they encounter a school bus on their route. I do not think that it is fair to place the blame entirely on the drivers of the school buses involved in these instances.”

Councillor Warrington explained that he has already discussed the issue with the Education Authority and suggested several ideas for making to trip to school safer for children.

“I will be following up on the recommendations put to them to ensure their implementation, and to discuss other options,” he told Your Right to Know.

Sinn Fein Councillor Sheamus Greene, who drives a school bus, is calling for the Northern Ireland Assembly to introduce a safety measure that is currently in place in America.

“I am calling for the American system; this is when the school bus stops and has its flashing lights on indicating that children are either boarding or exiting the bus. Other vehicles would then have to stop until the bus moves off. This would greatly reduce the danger to school children.”

“The vast majority of road users treat school buses with caution and care but you can sometimes meet the odd person who has no consideration,” said Councillor Greene.

The Education Authority (Western Region) was asked to comment but it failed to supply a response by the time of going to press.