FLINTSHIRE – A full-scale investigation has been launched by Flintshire County Council after shocking footage emerged showing a school transport taxi driver appearing to watch YouTube videos while behind the wheel.
The video, which has been widely shared online, depicts a driver with a mobile phone mounted or held in a position that clearly displays a video clip playing while the vehicle is in motion. The incident occurred during a journey to school involving a vulnerable child with additional learning needs.
The footage was brought to the attention of local authorities by County Councillor Andrew Parkhurst, who expressed grave concern regarding the safety of children relying on council-provided transport. Sharing the video on his social media platforms, Cllr Parkhurst did not mince his words, labeling the behavior as “not safe” and “not acceptable.”
“I have been sent a shocking video,” Cllr Parkhurst stated. “It appears to show a Flintshire taxi driver watching YouTube while driving a vulnerable child with additional learning needs to school. Children must be protected on their journeys to and from school.”
The councillor has demanded answers from the local authority, raising difficult questions about the oversight of private transport contractors. He highlighted the potential for systemic issues, suggesting that the incident might have gone unnoticed had the child not had the foresight to record the driver’s actions.
“I have asked the council for answers. I want to know how this was allowed to happen. I want to know what will change to keep our children safe,” Cllr Parkhurst added. “The council says there is no sign that this happens a lot. But if this child had not filmed it, no one would have known. So I need to find out: Was this a one-off? Or are other children being put in danger on the way to or from school?”
In response to the public outcry, Flintshire County Council has confirmed it is treating the matter with the “utmost seriousness.”
Katie Wilby, the council’s Chief Officer for Streetscene and Transportation, issued a statement confirming that a formal inquiry is already in progress. “Flintshire County Council takes all safeguarding allegations extremely seriously. The safety and well-being of all children using our school transport services is our absolute priority,” she said.
“The video that has been shared is deeply concerning, and we want to assure everyone that the council treats any potential breach of safeguarding and road safety with the utmost seriousness. We are working closely with the relevant transport provider and taking all necessary steps to ensure our strict safety standards are upheld.”
While the council has declined to provide specific details regarding the driver or the exact location of the incident due to the ongoing nature of the investigation, officials have promised that appropriate action will follow.
Disclaimer: This content is auto-generated for informational purposes only.
Source: Read Original News
