New adapted minibus arrives at National Star College

Dec. 21, 2012 - PRLog -- The new VW Crafter Maxi minibus, delivered on the 13th November 2012, is a welcome addition to the National Star College fleet and will enable easier wheelchair access for their learners.

The National Star College is the largest of its type in Europe, working with young people who have physical, sensory or learning disabilities.

National Star College is a leading provider of specialist education, training, independence and personal development opportunities for young people with disabilities from across the UK. The College has particular expertise in designing and delivering programmes for students with severe and complex physical disabilities or acquired brain injuries, with associated communication, learning, sensory, medical, emotional and behavioural difficulties.

The Cheltenham based College approached Stanford Coachworks, who have provided three vehicles to them in the past. They are delighted that their brief has been met.

The rear view mirror of the new adapted mini-bus has been replaced with a rear view camera. This is instead of a monitor on the dashboard and is switched on while driving. It has built in warning reverse sensors that read the distance of an object to the rear of the bus and shows the distance in meters and millimetres in white numerals on the screen as well as giving an audible warning and the actual visual CCTV recording.

Special handrails and bulkheads are present in the rear doors, which were the idea of National Star College staff and specially-designed with Stanford. They close the gaps between the sides of the bus and the lift platform to prevent passengers in wheelchairs from reversing ‘off’ and falling from the bus.

David Hardacre, Sales and marketing Executive for Stanford explained: “This is a unique feature, fitted to the bus with the lift fitted in between the floors and was a joint design exercise with the College Transport Manager Tina Lindsay.”

Additional handles fitted on to the upright grab handles are an extra safety precaution which works really well to give extra stability and confidence to the wheelchair passengers.

The minibus has also been given new signage on the exterior, with the College’s distinctive lime green logo clearly visible.

David concluded: “This is the fourth vehicle the company has ordered from Stanford and all involved think it’s the best so far! We were very pleased to be of assistance are always happy to work with our clients to incorporate bespoke ideas to suit their requirements.”

ENDS

Stanford CoachworksTel: 01375 676088

Jess Rider Co-Director

jess@stanfordcoachworks.co.uk

www.stanfordcoachworks.co.uk