The Area has a wheelchair accessible Ford Transit Mini Bus, that can be driven on a standard car licence (Category B) by anyone over the age of 25.
The wheelchair conversion has reduced the number of passenger seats from 16 to 14, 2 of these being removable to accommodate a wheelchair.

Scout Groups and units can hire the minibus. Priority will be given to Glam West Groups and other organisations but people outside Glam West are also welcome.

There is no driving test but the driver(s) should be competent, comfortable and familiar with driving a minibus.

Maintenance charges are as follows:

• £30 half days (Morning or Afternoon)
• £60 full day for GW Scout Groups/Units
• £80 full day for other groups
• £20 evening (5pm onwards)

Maintenance charges for commercial bookings will be discussed prior to bookings confirmation.

Terms and Conditions

Driver Requirements

• Driver details must be provided at the time of booking.
• Drivers must be over 25 years of age and hold a full Category B driving licence, with less than 7 points.
• The minibus must not be used for hire or reward. You must not charge passengers for its use or receive payment for driving.

Fuel

• The bus will be provided with a full tank of fuel and must be returned full.
• Failure to return the vehicle with a full tank may result in the hirer being charged the cost of refuelling.

Damage

• Any damage to the vehicle must be reported immediately.
• Any costs required to repair damage caused during the hire period may be charged to the hirer, including parts, labour, and any associated costs.
• In the event of the vehicle being damaged and an insurance claim being made on our policy, the organisation responsible for the hire period will be charged any excess charge incurred by us.

Fines

• Any fines or penalties incurred during the hire period (including parking, speeding, tolls, clean air/low-emission charges, or related administration fees) will be charged to the organisation responsible for the hire period.
• The minibus does not meet clean air or low-emission zone standards in several areas. You may be required to pre-register or pre-pay before entering such zones.
• This includes, but is not limited to:
  • ULEZ (Greater London)
  • Clean Air Zones (CAZs) in Birmingham, Bristol, Bradford, Newcastle, Gateshead, Sheffield, Portsmouth and Bath
• It is the responsibility of the hirer to check and comply with the requirements of any restricted zones before travelling.

Deposits and Cancellations

• A deposit is not normally required; bookings are made on a trust basis.
• If two or more organisations request the bus for the same dates, a 50% deposit will be required to secure the booking.
• If a Group cancels their booking more than 14 days before the hire date, no cancellation charge will apply.
• If a Group cancels their booking within 14 days of the hire date, the Group will be charged the full hire amount.

Collection and Return

• Key and vehicle collection will be arranged at a mutually agreeable time and confirmed during the week prior to the hire start date.
• The hirer must collect and return the vehicle at the agreed times. If delays occur, you must notify us as soon as possible.
• The vehicle must be returned to the designated location in a clean and tidy condition.
• Any personal items left in the bus after return are the responsibility of the hirer; we accept no liability for lost or forgotten items.
• If the vehicle is not returned at the agreed time and this affects a subsequent booking, additional charges may apply.

Payment

• At the end of the hire period, the minibus will be checked and an invoice will be issued to the hirer for the applicable maintenance charges and any additional costs incurred during the hire.
• Payment of the invoice is requested within 14 days of the invoice date.
• Any queries relating to the invoice should be raised promptly upon receipt.

Liability and Conduct

Liability

• The hirer is responsible for the minibus and its keys for the entire duration of the hire period.
• The hirer is liable for any damage caused to the vehicle while in their possession.
• Any costs required to repair damage caused during the hire period may be charged to the hirer, including parts, labour, and associated expenses.
• Glamorgan West Area Scouts are not liable for loss, damage, or injury to any persons or personal property arising from the use of the vehicle, except where required by law.
• The hirer is responsible for ensuring that the vehicle is used in accordance with all relevant laws and regulations, including speed limits, seatbelt requirements, loading limits, and clean air/low emission zone rules.

Conduct

• The vehicle must not be used for any illegal or unsafe activity.
• The hirer must ensure that all passengers behave in a manner that does not distract the driver or risk damage to the vehicle.
• Smoking, vaping, and the use of alcohol or drugs inside the vehicle are strictly prohibited.
• The vehicle should be treated with care and respect. Excessive dirt, litter, or neglect may result in a cleaning charge.

If you have any questions, please contact minibus@gwscouts.org.uk.

(Please have driver names available before booking)