District Minibus – Mersey Weaver Scouts

The District now has ownership of two 14 seater minibuses with rated maximum allowable mass (gross laden weight of 3.5 Te). The minibuses will enable more young people from Mersey Weaver to experience adventurous activities and nights away experiences previously too far away or difficult to travel to.

The minibuses are available for use by Mersey Weaver District team, Scout Network and Explorer Scout Units. Also subject to availability, Scout Groups in Mersey Weaver Scout District can hire the minibuses to assist with travelling to and from Adventurous Activities and Nights Away Experiences.

Summary of Conditions of Use

Booking and use of the Minibuses is conditional on that those who will be driving:

are over the age of 21 and have had their driving licence for at least 2 years;
have a valid MIDAS training certificate;
do not have a history of any unsatisfactory driving offences;
meet the ‘Group 2’ medical standards. If you’re over 70 – check with your GP if you’re not sure you meet the standards;
satisfiy the requirements of the District’s Insurance. (Scout Groups will need additional insurance cover for drivers 70 years or older);
the group/unit being transported hold a valid minibus permit issued by the Community Transport Association; and
if towing a trailer, you hold the correct license (D1 and D1E categories) to do so.

To read, or download, the full terms and conditions of using/hiring the District minibuses MWSD Minibus Use Agreement.

Carrying Capacity Note

The Maximum Allowable Mass (MAM), or Gross Laden Weight, of the loaded minibuses must not exceed 3.5 tonnes, the unladen weight of the minibuses is 2.45 Tonnes, therefore the max payload which can be carried in each of the minibuses is 1050 kg. To put his into context:

Driver plus 14 passengers each weighing 73 kg [11.5 stone] = 1090 kg would result in exceeding the MAM of the minibus by 40kg.
Driver and two adults @ 76kg (12 stone) plus 12 youth members at 64kg (10 stone) = 996kg which would result in being 54kg within the the MAM.

It is the personal legal responsibility of the driver to ensure that the MAM of the minibus is not exceeded.