Transport
There's lots of useful information about transport in the Committee Handbook 2011/12, but here's some to be getting on with:
- Option 1 - Public transport. Bristol has good transport links and if you book in advance there are some good deals. Check out www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk or www.transportdirect.info
- Option 2 - Your own car. Often the cheapest and easiest way to get to your activity. The owner must ensure that the tax, MOT, insurance and servicing is up to date.
- Option 3 - Hire of a self-drive vehicle (minibus, car or van). Good for larger trips or when you need to move a lot of kit but there are lots of rules and regulations (and not many minibuses)!
- Option 4 - Hire of vehicle driven by a professional driver. The most convenient but also the most expensive option.
Driver register
Before you can drive any self-hire vehicle you must be on UBU’s Driver Register. To do this you need to call into the Do it Hub at least 7 days before they intend to drive and complete a Driver Declaration form present their paper and card driving licence. They may also an additional “non-standard driver form” .
Insurance
Any driver who meets all of the requirements below is classed as a “Standard Driver” and can drive any vehicle on UBU’s insurance policy once they’re on the Driver Register.
- Over 21
- Has a UK licence
- Has no convictions
- Has had no insurance claims in the last 5 years
- Over 2 years driving experience
If a driver doesn’t fulfil one or more of the criteria they are classed as a “Non-Standard Driver” and must fill out an additional form and be cleared by the insurers before they can drive.
Prices
All of the prices are per day (24 hours) and includes hire, insurance and VAT for a standard driver. If the booking is for 7 days or more the cost may be less - please contact the Do it Hub.
Minibuses: 9 seater = £100, 15 seater = £100, 17 seater = £110
Cars: Small = £50, Medium = £60, Large = £65, 7 seater = £95
Vans: Small = £55, Short wheel base = £60, Medium wheel base = £65, Large wheel base = £70
Making a booking
To book any hire vehicle download the Transport Booking Request form
You must give at least 7 days notice, but please be aware that hire vehicles get very booked up, so the later you leave it the less likely it is that you’ll be able to get what you want. If you don’t give 7 days notice then, sorry, but we won’t be able to help you with your transport requirements.
Hiring a minibus
Availability - From October 2011 minibus availability may be limited. Few hire companies keep the size of minibus (15 seater/under 3.5 tons) that the majority of students are, by law, able to drive. Unfortunately the company UBU has used in the past has gone into administration. However we have managed to source a couple of other suppliers who should be able to meet some of our requirements.
Regulations - To be able to drive a minibus you need to be:
- Over 21
- Have a UK licence
- Have 2 or more years driving experience
If the driving licence was issued after 1997 category D1 (minibus) won’t be on the licence. In which case a minibus must to be driven under a “Section 19 Permit” which allows not for profit organisations to transport people providing the driver does it voluntarily. In addition to the above, the following restrictions apply:
- Maximum vehicle weight 3.5 tons (usually a 15 seater minibuses or smaller)
- Can only drive in the UK, not abroad.
- A Section 19 Permit must be displayed in the minibus.
Driver assessment
Anyone driving a minibus for UBU (all clubs, societies, volunteering activities etc) needs to undertake a half day training course and pass a one-hour driving assessment. For 2011/12 the cost is £80 per person based on a minimum group size of 10. This cost has to be met by the individual or society/sports club, though a grant towards the cost may be available – ask the VP: Activities/VP Sport & Health.