DUBAI // Revised safety regulations covering school bus staff will be introduced in time for the new academic year, a senior Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) official confirmed amid heightened security concerns.
The regulations will include stricter police security clearances and background checks of bus staff, as well as detailing child-care qualifications and a clear delineation of the responsibilities of the school and the bus operator. It will also specify physical changes such as reducing the tint on the bus windows for clearer visibility and mandate that staff do not have a criminal record.
Transport officials said the decision to tighten the rules was taken to protect children and followed an alleged sexual assault on a four-year-old girl on a school bus in an empty car park in November.
The incident triggered widespread concern across the emirate, with parents expressing outrage over a perceived lack of security. Two attendants and a bus driver are facing charges of aggravated sexual assault of a minor in the case.
"Based on what [allegedly] happened with that little girl, we will have more guidelines now to make it more regulated," said Mohammed al Hashimi, the director of planning and business development for the RTA's Public Transport Agency.
"We are raising our recommendations relating to the school buses. We feel in this sector we must do something. There are existing guidelines but these are general. Now we will make it a clear responsibility."
Security screening for school bus drivers and attendants is currently done by the bus operators and the schools Criminal record checks for unskilled Indian workers, the majority of school bus staff, are currently done in their home country and are mandatory for the issuance of UAE work visas.
“We cannot be involved in procurement or the general hiring process, but these new regulations will put things in place and will definitely help,” Mr al Hashimi said.
School principals welcomed the decision and said it would help foster a stronger sense of security among students and parents alike.
“I think it’s a good idea,” said Neville de Noronha, the principal of Our Own High School. “A school runs on two principles, that children should be safe and happy. If the RTA regulations help ensure safety on buses, we are all for that vision.”
Several schools increased vigilance by staffing buses with female attendants or female teachers after the alleged molestation incident. Mr Noronha said that schools would also welcome guidelines that insisted on Dubai police clearance.
“It would make sense to do checks here,” he said. “If a person is caught for misbehaviour or drinking the school may not always know but the police will have a record.”
The exact date that the guidelines will take effect was not clear as they are still in the drafting stage. Mr al Hashimi said they would probably come into force by September. The RTA also plans to include material about the responsibility of bus staff in safe driving programmes it organises for school bus drivers.
“We are now reviewing the material we are giving to the drivers,” Mr al Hashimi said. “We are improving it based on comments we have received from schools.”
Transport authorities review safety regulations annually. The RTA regulations put in place in 2009 prompted a major overhaul of the school transport system with the introduction of seat belts, fixing of a maximum speed limit of 80kph and the removal of folding seats.
rtalwar@thenational.ae
Company%20Profile
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How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
Company Profile
Name: Thndr
Started: 2019
Co-founders: Ahmad Hammouda and Seif Amr
Sector: FinTech
Headquarters: Egypt
UAE base: Hub71, Abu Dhabi
Current number of staff: More than 150
Funds raised: $22 million
TRAP
Starring: Josh Hartnett, Saleka Shyamalan, Ariel Donaghue
Director: M Night Shyamalan
Rating: 3/5
Company%20Profile
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The specs
Engine: 2.7-litre 4-cylinder Turbomax
Power: 310hp
Torque: 583Nm
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Price: From Dh192,500
On sale: Now
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Company%20Profile
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The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo
Power: 201hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 320Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 6-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 8.7L/100km
Price: Dh133,900
On sale: now
Who are the Soroptimists?
The first Soroptimists club was founded in Oakland, California in 1921. The name comes from the Latin word soror which means sister, combined with optima, meaning the best.
The organisation said its name is best interpreted as ‘the best for women’.
Since then the group has grown exponentially around the world and is officially affiliated with the United Nations. The organisation also counts Queen Mathilde of Belgium among its ranks.
UAE v Ireland
1st ODI, UAE win by 6 wickets
2nd ODI, January 12
3rd ODI, January 14
4th ODI, January 16
Coffee: black death or elixir of life?
It is among the greatest health debates of our time; splashed across newspapers with contradicting headlines - is coffee good for you or not?
Depending on what you read, it is either a cancer-causing, sleep-depriving, stomach ulcer-inducing black death or the secret to long life, cutting the chance of stroke, diabetes and cancer.
The latest research - a study of 8,412 people across the UK who each underwent an MRI heart scan - is intended to put to bed (caffeine allowing) conflicting reports of the pros and cons of consumption.
The study, funded by the British Heart Foundation, contradicted previous findings that it stiffens arteries, putting pressure on the heart and increasing the likelihood of a heart attack or stroke, leading to warnings to cut down.
Numerous studies have recognised the benefits of coffee in cutting oral and esophageal cancer, the risk of a stroke and cirrhosis of the liver.
The benefits are often linked to biologically active compounds including caffeine, flavonoids, lignans, and other polyphenols, which benefit the body. These and othetr coffee compounds regulate genes involved in DNA repair, have anti-inflammatory properties and are associated with lower risk of insulin resistance, which is linked to type-2 diabetes.
But as doctors warn, too much of anything is inadvisable. The British Heart Foundation found the heaviest coffee drinkers in the study were most likely to be men who smoked and drank alcohol regularly.
Excessive amounts of coffee also unsettle the stomach causing or contributing to stomach ulcers. It also stains the teeth over time, hampers absorption of minerals and vitamins like zinc and iron.
It also raises blood pressure, which is largely problematic for people with existing conditions.
So the heaviest drinkers of the black stuff - some in the study had up to 25 cups per day - may want to rein it in.
Rory Reynolds
Company%20Profile
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The Year Earth Changed
Directed by:Tom Beard
Narrated by: Sir David Attenborough
Stars: 4
if you go
The flights
Emirates flies to Delhi with fares starting from around Dh760 return, while Etihad fares cost about Dh783 return. From Delhi, there are connecting flights to Lucknow.
Where to stay
It is advisable to stay in Lucknow and make a day trip to Kannauj. A stay at the Lebua Lucknow hotel, a traditional Lucknowi mansion, is recommended. Prices start from Dh300 per night (excluding taxes).
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The biog
Favourite Quote: “Real victories are those that protect human life, not those that result from its destruction emerge from its ashes,” by The late king Hussain of Jordan.
Favourite Hobby: Writing and cooking
Favourite Book: The Prophet by Gibran Khalil Gibran
RESULTS
2.15pm: Al Marwan Group Holding – Handicap (PA) Dh40,000 (Dirt) 1,200m
Winner: SS Jalmod, Antonio Fresu (jockey), Ibrahim Al Hadhrami (trainer)
2.45pm: Sharjah Equine Hospital – Maiden (PA) Dh40,000 (D) 1,000m
Winner: Ghallieah, Sebastien Martino, Jean-Claude Pecout
3.15pm: Al Marwan Group Holding – Handicap (PA) Dh40,000 (D) 1,700m
Winner: Inthar, Saif Al Balushi, Khalifa Al Neyadi
3.45pm: Al Ain Stud Emirates Breeders Trophy – Conditions (PA) Dh50,000 (D) 1,700m
Winner: MH Rahal, Richard Mullen, Elise Jeanne
4.25pm: Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan Cup – Prestige Handicap (PA) Dh100,000 (D) 1,200m
Winner: JAP Aneed, Ray Dawson, Irfan Ellahi
4.45pm: Sharjah Equine Hospital – Handicap (TB) Dh40,000 (D) 1,200m
Winner: Edaraat, Antonio Fresu, Musabah Al Muhairi