The company which operated the coach which crashed off the road returning to Frome College last year is being investigated for possibly putting an unsafe vehicle on the road.

Parents of children at the College have been told that an investigation into the coach roadworthiness had been moved to the Driving Standards Agency with four people from the company being investigated and a file sent to court.

The four from Arleen's Coaches have been summonsed for using / causing / permitting a vehicle in a dangerous condition likely to cause injury.

A file has been sent to the service which decides whether, or how, to proceed with any criminal proceedings, the Crown Prosecution Service.

The crash happened in late November last year, when a coach left the road on the bend leading up Oldford Hill, as pupils returned from a field trip. The vehicle crashed down a bank and into the steep grass below, turning completely upside down.

Several children were injured, and Nub News understands one child is still suffering from his injuries. All the parents of children involved in the crash have been told that any insurance claims or compensation will need to be applied for from the coach company, not Somerset Council.

The full letter:

Update on the road traffic collision that took place on Oldford Hill Road on Monday 28th November 2022. A joint investigation has taken place between Avon and Somerset Constabulary and the Driving Standards Agency (DVSA) in relation to the above collision that took place. The Avon and Somerset Constabulary have now concluded their investigation and have reported 4 people to court from Arleen's Coaches for summons in relation to the offence of Section 40A of the Road Traffic Act 1988 – Using / causing / permitting a vehicle in a dangerous condition likely to cause injury. A case file has been sent through to the Crown Prosecution Service for approval in relation to this matter. The investigation has now been handed over to the DVSA for them to continue this and will be looking to put Arleen's coaches before the Traffic Commissioner

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