Flame-throwers used on school buses

Primitive flame-throwers are being thrown by students on some school buses.

The Northland Bus and Coach Association said today such behaviour was a dangerous distraction while drivers try to concentrate on driving.

The association is taking a raft of safety and funding concerns to a meeting with the Ministry of Education on Saturday.

The drivers have serious concerns about pupils:
* Setting alight aerosol deodorant and creating primitive flame-throwers.
* Setting fire to bus seats.
* Bringing knives onto buses.

Association chairman Gavin Roberts, who also runs Whangarei Bus Company, said bad behaviour distracted bus drivers, who were then unable to work in a safe environment.

"They put 50 to 60 kids with one driver, but then they'll only put 30 kids with one teacher who is paid to concentrate solely on them," Mr Roberts said.

He said problems tended to get worse near school holidays.

Northland fire safety officer Craig Bain said some students had been dealt with by a Fire Service intervention programme over the past 18 months.

He warned that using deodorant aerosol sprays as flame throwers created a "very dangerous" situation. Students could burn their faces as the direction of the flame could not be controlled.

"If the covering of a seat is ripped, it makes the foam accessible and it could very quickly set on fire," Mr Bain said.

On Saturday the association will also air the concerns it shares with principals about the Ministry's direct resourcing plan.

That would mean students who choose to go to a school outside their zone will have to find their own way to school for part of the way.

Currently students who go to a school other than their nearest are able to ride buses run by other schools for a small fee.

- NORTHERN ADVOCATE (WHANGAREI)