What is required to be covered when operating a SPAB for non-students?

When operating a School Pupil Activity Bus (SPAB) for non-students, it is essential to have both red amber lamps and a school bus sign displayed. The reason this is critical is that the red amber lamps serve to alert other drivers to the presence of a school bus, promoting safety on the road as the vehicle approaches a stop. This is particularly important because SPABs, while primarily serving students, may also be utilized in wider contexts, and clear indication of their status as a school bus helps ensure that the appropriate safety measures are observed by other drivers.

The presence of the school bus sign is also vital because it identifies the vehicle’s function and purpose to other road users. This identification aids in informing drivers that they should be vigilant and prepared to stop as necessary, especially during loading and unloading times.

In contrast, other components such as flashing stop lights and emergency exits, while important for general bus operations, do not specifically apply to the requirements when SPABs are being used for non-students. Flashing stop lights cannot be utilized unless the vehicle is making designated stops for students; similarly, emergency exits are standard safety features on all buses and do not pertain to the operational status when transporting non-students.