Monthly Archives: June 2010

Author: Louise Slee
Title: Licence to Bill: Section How to Aquire a Section 19 Permit for Minibus Drivers

Article: You, an enlighted minibus driver, knowing the rules of section 19 of the Transport Act, have already worked out that your organisation qualifies for an exemption to the PSV operator’s licence. The next step is where do you obtain the section 19 permit from and are there yet more rules to be aware of?

The following rules concern who can drive the minibus. These ensure that drivers may use a Section 19 permit because they meet the following requirements.

All permit drivers must be aged 21 or more.

If a driver passed the ‘car’ driving test (category B on a photocard licence) before the 1st January 1997, he or she will hold the automatic category D1 entitlement to drive a 9 to 16 seat minibus. This will allow such a vehicle to be driven under the permit for as long as the driver holds the D1 entitlement.
When the licence expires, the driver, having proved he or she meets the required health standards by passing a compulsory medical examination, may receive a renewal of D1 entitlement lasting 3 years.

If a driver passed the test on or after the 1st January 1997, automatic D1 entitlement won’t have been granted. The driver may drive a vehicle with up to eight passenger seats. However, he or she may drive a 9 to 16 seat minibus if

(a) He or she has held a category B licence for 2 years
(b) He or she receives nothing more than out-of-pocket expenses for driving the vehicle
(c) If aged 70 or more, he or she can pass the medical examination for category D1 entitlement
(d) The minibus’s gross weight is 3.5 tonnes or less, or 4.25 tonnes or less, including specialized equipment for disabled passengers

Now for the practicalities of acquiring a Section 19 permit for a minibus. The first of these is how to apply. A permit is normally granted to a specific group, a scout group, for example. However, it is possible for an individual named on behalf of such a body to be granted a permit. With this in mind, you need to know where to apply and there are several sources of application forms, including

Your area’s Traffic Commissioner

Your local authority

Umbrella originations, which are bodies that assist with or co-ordinate community groups’ activates in the area. Examples include The Scout Association and Age Concern and these umbrella organisations are permitted to issue Section 19 permits to groups that are associated with them.

A designated body. These are national voluntary organisations and in some cases, they can issue permits to other bodies with similar interests.

Schools and other bodies associated with education, provided they fulfil the authority’s duties under the Education Act 1944.

As you can see, tracking down an application form will require some web searches and/or phone calls but there are some aspects of Section 19 permits that are easy to convey. For example, the cost. Currently, a permit sourced via your area Traffic Commissioner seven pounds. Local authorities set their own charge, but the maximum appears to be around the twelve pound mark.

A section 19 permit for a minibus lasts indefinitely and each comes with a disc, to be displayed on the vehicle, in the same way as a tax disc. The rule is one permit, one vehicle at one time but permits can be swapped from minibus to minibus, provided each comes under the small bus parameters mentioned above. You can use your permit on a hired minibus but if another non-profit making organisation rents your minibus, it cannot use your permit(s). It must use its own. Finally, if you lose your permit and/or disc, you can request duplicates. However, if either turns up, you must return them immediately.

In the final analysis, a Section 9 permit is a licence to charge your passengers fairly and legally, without a PSV licence. Taking advantage of this exemption makes sense, just as meeting the regulations to do so is easy. Louise Slee is a Web Marketer and driving enthusiast for over 25 years, with no penalty points to date! See her articles at Minibus Club where she imparts some useful driving and travel tips when you are out and about in your minibus

Syndication Source: ThoughtSearch.com Continue reading →

Author: Thomas Pretty
Title: Motorhomes; Access To The Open Road And Better Holidays

Article: Motorhomes grant the freedom of the open road without having to tow a caravan behind you. Meaning your holidays are that more enjoyable and efficient as you have a means of travel and a place to rest your head. Whether you are choosing to purchase motorhomes or are planning to hire one for a holiday, it is advisable to read on.

Generally motorhomes can be divided into three distinctive categories. Those in the industry refer to these as Classes A, B and C. Class A as their name may suggest are the largest and most opulent of the motorhomes on the market today. Correspondingly Classes B and C relate to size and the amenities contained within the home. While C class are the smallest of the motorhomes available, generally they are the cheapest.

Class A motorhomes are often the homes capable of full time living, whether hiring or buying it must be remembered that these types of motorhomes will enable you to live in them for extended periods comfortably. If you have a large family it is strongly advised that a Class A motor home should be utilised for your holidays. While you may be slightly apprehensive of driving one of these leviathans of the road it is surprising how easy modern motorhomes are to drive. In addition to this ease of driving, Class A’s are extremely comfortable, strangely, at times you will feel like you are driving a sofa rather than a large RV.

When you are looking at motorhomes for purchase it is advisable to make the decision only after careful deliberation. In many cases it may even be worth finding a company that rents motorhomes and hiring a similar model to gain an understanding of what it is like to live in the space and drive around for a period of time. By doing this you can receive a better idea of how to use your home from home and also how it will serve the holiday needs of you and your family.

With the high prices of hotels, motorhomes are becoming an evermore appealing option for those who travel regularly. By keeping your bills down while travelling, having a home on wheels can give you more time and money to sped visiting attractions and simply enjoying yourself. With a wealth of campsites all over the world a motor home will grant you freedom of movement and normally an outstanding setting for your stay. Also, by removing the stresses of finding accommodation while travelling, you can make your trips that much more relaxing and enjoyable, meaning you can make the most of your holiday time.

With a fully kitted out kitchen, making sure you have provisions is essential. While many may not want to cook for themselves while on holiday it is enjoyable to have a space that at least gives you the option of cooking for yourself; once again, this will save you money as you will not have to eat out all of the time, making your holidays more cost effective. If you are a fan of al fresco cooking, all you need to do is take a barbeque with you and you have the option of pulling up at the side of the road, firing up the coals and cooking in a wondrous setting whilst enjoying a bottle of wine.

The freedom granted by motorhomes is clearly the most powerful lure for many. Travelling under your own steam and in your own vehicle allows you to get off the usual tourist routes and to construct a holiday that is as unique as it is enjoyable. While the initial outlay may be great, the value of motorhomes is hard to quantify. Naturally you will save money on eating out and accommodation but you will also have better, more fun and free holidays. Travel expert Thomas Pretty looks into the different types of motorhomes and how they can help you have funner, freer holidays.

Syndication Source: ThoughtSearch.com Continue reading →

Author: Andy Zain
Title: Jeep Commander – One Of A Kind SUV

Article: The Jeep Commander made its debut in 2005. The event was held in New York at the Annual Car Parade. It is fair to say Jeep had a surprise package. First of all, the departure from conventional Jeep designs was noticeable in the new Commander. Not only does the Commander look different from its predecessor, the Grand Cherokee. The Commander provides more seating than the Grand Cherokee.

Jeep is working hard to please its consumers. Todays car buyers have a lot of choice. There are a lot of competitors in seven-seat vehicles. Performance and looks are more important. It pays very well to fuse these two qualities. Especially on seven-seat vehicles. On the overall, customers will not be disappointed in the Jeep Commander. Coincidentally; the name ‘Commander’ is common among seven-seat car manufacturers. Maybe it sells.

Jeep is excited with its Jeep Commander vehicle. It remains to be seen how the Commander will perform against other SUVs. The Commander is also expected to perform better than its past models. The improvement in passenger space makes it unique. If this improvement translates into increased sales, Jeep will fulfil its mission. The Commander shares its name with two past models, the Studebaker Commander and the Scammell Commander.

The Jeep Commander provides ample space for passengers. Passengers can sit comfortably because there is enough leg space. The Commander’s moon roof is easily noticeable from afar. The vehicle has a box-like shape which is not all that rugged, because the edges are not sharp.

The Jeep Commander was born as a result of past experiences and today’s needs. Past models from Jeep have influenced its design. Although its current design is way much different, there are small features from past models. The external design reminds someone of the long forgotten Jeep Wagoner. Obviously, the Grand Cherokee was the source of its inspiration. This is so, because the Commander was developed immediately after the Grand Cherokee.

We haven’t started discussing the Jeep Commander, until we talk about engine power. The Commander comes with three choices of engines. These are the V6 and two types of V8 engines. The first V8 engine has a capacity of 5. 7 liters. The second V8 engine has a capacity of 3. 7 liters. This engine package is convenient for different types of consumers. Types of drivers ranging from speed maniacs, rough terrain travellers and luggage packers will find it easy to select the proper engine. A note to speed lovers, the Commander is not made for speed though.

Frequent travellers like SUVs. The size of the Jeep Commander is unlike any known SUV. If you are travelling with family, you will find this vehicle convenient. Teams and groups of travellers will fit quite well in this seven seater vehicle. More so if you are going for an outdoor expedition or game park. The Commander can traverse sandy plains, rocky trail roads, and muddy roads.

The Jeep Commander has not broken a record. The critics say. True, there is no new feature on the Commander, but it has succeeded in bringing affordability, economy, style and comfort on one plate. There is a market for this kind of vehicle, especially in this recession. A lot of SUVs on the market do not provide this convenience. The Commander came late on the scene. Jeep explains that the delay was due to specific refinements. Refinements on capacity and passenger seating. Sure, its hard to provide comfort on a seven passenger seat vehicle, but Jeep succeeded in this regard.

SUV fans and consumers are enthusiastic about the next generation of Jeep Commanders. The Commander makers have one thing to brag about. The capacity of the Commander. No SUV can beat the Commander in this regard. At the same, they know that the Commander is not a vehicle that causes envy. It is such a simple vehicle with standard features. Rival SUVs boast of advanced features that put them ahead of the competition. Jeep has begun to modify the Commander, slowly but surely. The Jeep Commander Overland has been furnished with platinum plating. Its side moulds, side roof, rear assist and grilles are all platinum. A power lift gate has been introduced as well.

The Jeep Commander made disappointing sales in the year 2007. What was the reason? Was it lagging behind in advanced features? Maybe the consumers were looking for something better than the Commander? Overall sales of the Jeep range increased by 8%. Sales reports for February 2007 show an increase in sales for the Jeep Wrangler and the Jeep Compass. These were the biggest earners of the company. The Jeep Wrangler had a massive 63% increase in sales, followed behind by the Jeep Compass which sold more than 4000 units. The bad performers were the Commander, the Jeep Liberty and the Grand Cherokee. Sales for the Liberty went down a whopping 41%. The Commander sales went down by 24% and the Grand Cherokee by 22%. Andy Zain is the admin of Jeep Forum , a place where fans and owners can get the right information for tuning, customization and general discussions on anything about Jeep Commander.

Syndication Source: ThoughtSearch.com Continue reading →

Author: Debbie Ray
Title: Jeep Cherokees – From Boardroom to Boardwalk

Article: The greatest thing about my Jeep Cherokee is that I often feel like it transports me, not just physically but emotionally, to someplace I would rather be. Commuting to and from work in a major metropolitan area, I’m often stuck in traffic – in fact much more than I’d rather be. Luckily, with this vehicle I have a better view of the road, other cars and trucks than if I had been driving a sedan.

The Jeep Cherokee seems to be really popular around here too, but maybe that is just because I drive a one, so those are the ones that I pay the most attention to. Its really interesting to me that you see so many different types of people driving around in Jeeps – from businessmen in expensive suits and women in beautiful dresses and high heels to long-haired Baby Boomers looking to regain their youth in a fun vehicle that reminds them of their past.

If you like a bigger vehicle that still gets pretty good gas mileage, then you’ll love a Jeep Cherokee too! Really, compared to many of the larger trucks on the road, the Jeep is not that bad. The Jeep Cherokee also sits relatively high, so that you can easily see over the other traffic and not feel like you will be run over because the other drivers can’t see where you’re at. I have to admit though, the overall ride of the Jeep Cherokee isn’t the luxury smooth ride of some other vehicles on the road, but it is pretty nice and all its positive features far outweigh any negatives that it might have as far as I’m concerned.

Whenever I’m in my beautiful blue Jeep Cherokee, I often think about being somewhere in northern California, driving along Pacific Highway 1 and watching the waves crash up against the rocks over and over. Usually when I’m out and about, I have my window down and the radio blasting, enjoying the ride to wherever I’m going. If I’m not fantasizing about driving along the ocean, then I’m very content with thinking about driving through a vineyard with a couple of bottles of great wine in the truck along with a picnic basket full of great food – cheeses, vegetables, fruit and maybe even smoked salmon, and a very special friend.

Somehow, driving my Jeep Cherokee everyday helps me pretend to be on vacation even when I’m not. Overall it’s a great ride – comfortable, roomy and with excellent pick-up whenever I need to really move along and with the ability to get me to where ever I need to be, be it at the boardroom or at the boardwalk. What more can I say – I simply love my Jeep Cherokee! Looking for cheap jeeps, used jeeps or jeep parts. Check us out for more jeep info.

Syndication Source: ThoughtSearch.com Continue reading →

Author: Max Johnson
Title: Working on Cars? Keep a Unitized Plastic First Aid Kit Around for Those Little Emergencies

Article: When it comes to protecting you and your cherished family and friends, you recognize the importance of having a high quality and professional unitized plastic first aid kits. Those kits are easy to use and easy to understand. They usually start at a 61-piece unit which will carry everything you need to quickly treat an emergency, and can hold you over for most circumstances until help arrives in many cases.

The case has a handle made for easy carrying, and there is even a wall mount which allows for instance access. The contents are snugly placed in this plastic case which means you are going to have less shifting. Each of the items are individually wrapped to insure cross contamination is minimized, and you will easily be able to replace the contents with the permanently affixed sticker on the inside that has a list of the contents.

What can you expect to find in this 61-piece unitized plastic first aid kit?

Adhesive plastic bandages – When you need bandages you will find this kit has a multitude of bandages individually wrapped for your protection. When it comes time to restock these individually wrapped bandages, you will not have to fight and struggle. Instead, you will even find it easy to reorder. Small adhesive bandages to large adhesive bandages are included to insure you have bandages for every situation.

Non-stick pads – If you do not want to have an adhesive plastic bandage, you may find these nonstick pads extremely useful. In addition to being used as a bandage, these can be used to stop the bleeding. Or place on top of a wound to keep contaminants out until help arrives. These nonstick pads are wonderful and a must for any reputable and reliable unitized plastic first aid kit.

Triple antibiotic ointment – There is nothing as recognizable as being beneficial to the healing process as triple antibiotic ointment. These just happen to be individually wrapped for your convenience. Simply massage the individually wrapped package of triple antibiotic ointment and apply to a clean wound to promote healing. These are easy to replace, and since they are individually wrapped, will have a longer life expectancy.

Alcohol cleansing pads – When it comes to cleaning a minor wound, there is nothing quite like the cleaning power of isopropyl alcohol. These alcohol cleansing pads will offer you the ability to properly cleanse any minor wound in preparation for doctoring.

Instant cold compress – While these have not always been a necessity in unitized plastic first aid kits, these are today an important part of the whole case. These are ready in an instant to be used as an instant cold compress to slow down swelling and offer relief.

Scissors – No matter what kind of unitized plastic first aid kits you have, you will find that scissors offer many benefits. You can snip bandages to the proper size, snip open individually packed items, or even snip clothing that can be in the way. You may find it necessary to run an alcohol pad over the blades when finished to insure they are not contaminated.

You simply get more when you use unitized plastic first aid kits. Max Johnson of The Uniform Connection. Click for more Unitized Plastic First Aid Kits.

Syndication Source: ThoughtSearch.com Continue reading →

Author: Louise Slee
Title: More Top Tips From A Master Minibus Driver

Article: Driving a minibus is easy enough for any driver. There is, however, one aspect that minibuses share with children – neither comes with instructions. This is where being able to pick the brains of a minibus driver with experience comes in. Our tame expert, D1 Category licensed Scout Leader David, has been driving minibuses for 30 years. Here are some more hints and tips from him, for minibus drivers starting from scratch to those with many miles under their belt.

For drivers new to minibuses, David begins by pointing out that driving one is unlike driving a car. True, the layout of the controls is the same but the driving technique can be quite different. The relatively high overall weight of a minibus means its driver must have patience. Pulling away at a roundabout or junction, or overtaking, are scenarios in which more time is needed to accommodate the minibus’s relatively reduced acceleration. Moreover, the size that adds to the weight of a minibus isn’t a licence to use it aggressively. Giving consideration to other drivers is essential, as is an awareness of the vehicle’s stopping distances in dry and wet conditions. Also, be aware of other drivers’ tendency to cut in after overtaking.

David goes on to warn new drivers about manoeuvring. He stresses that the inevitable blind spot warrants due consideration and suggests making sure that the minibus is fitted with a reversing alarm. While this lets pedestrians know the vehicle is about to reverse, David says that drivers should not reverse unless they can see all around the minibus and that reversing on a campsite is not wise. He further suggests that drivers new to minibus use should take a relevant training course, as outlined below.

What about on the road? David recommends carrying a spare can of diesel fuel. Unlike petrol, diesel needs the significant heat of, say, a fire to make it a danger aboard a minibus and it doesn’t have the problem of the fumes given off by petrol. His next suggestion is to always start a journey of any length with a full fuel tank, to lessen the chance of running out of fuel. Why is this important? Because after running a diesel engine dry, the driver can’t simply top up with fuel and drive on. To work, diesel engines must atomise their fuel at very high pressure and a fuel system that’s run dry can’t do that unaided. So, to save having to call out a mechanic to bleed the system, never let it run out of fuel.

The Scout Association (SA) has the following guidelines concerning minibuses.

Drivers should keep a journey log book detailing who’s driven where. Any problems and the actions taken to resolve them should also be logged. This shows due diligence has been taken.

The SA has a dispensation for scouts, who aren’t fare-paying passengers. This can cause complications when a minibus is hired out but the hirer’s making a contribution to maintenance offers a solution.

When hiring out a minibus, the SA suggests the following are checked.

Has the driver got a D1 Licence?
Has the driver got a MIDAS Certificate*?
Has he/she driven a minibus before?
Is he/she fit to drive?

*MIDAS is the Minibus Driver Awareness Scheme.

David closes with the information that the going rate for minibus hire is currently 50 pounds per day.

Above all, David’s hints are the consequence of his extensive experience of driving a minibus. As such, they can be taken as appropriate to all minibus drivers, regardless of circumstances. Louise Slee is a Web Marketer and driving enthusiast for over 25 years, with no penalty points to date! See her articles at Minibus Club where she imparts some useful driving and travel tips when you are out and about in your minibus

Syndication Source: ThoughtSearch.com Continue reading →