Passenger safety, carriage of passengers and load security
Passenger safety starts with numbers and doors. A PCV must never carry more people than its marked capacity - the seated and, where permitted, standing allowance shown for the vehicle. Where seat belts are fitted, every passenger must have a seat and use the belt; the driver is responsible for ensuring children under 14 wear belts or use the correct restraint. Standing passengers are only acceptable where belts are not fitted and the vehicle's conditions allow it.
Doors must be closed and secure before moving off, and opened only when it is safe. Keep gangways, steps and emergency exits clear at all times - hammers, roof hatches and door release handles must be unobstructed and explained where necessary. Help vulnerable passengers on and off, secure wheelchairs and ramps properly, and watch buggies and bags left in the aisle.
Load security: luggage belongs in the hold or designated rack, evenly distributed, heavy items low and over the axles. Nothing may block an emergency exit, a gangway or a door, and the total must stay within axle and gross weights. Roof loads, if carried, must be within the rack's rating and properly lashed.
Traps: assuming seat count alone equals capacity; forgetting that a full luggage bay can overload an axle; forgetting that a passenger who is drunk or abusive may be refused carriage.
Worked example: a group arrives with 40 cases for a 49-seat coach. Load the hold evenly, front to back, keep the aisle and exits clear, and check the axle limits on the plating certificate before loading the last few.