I urge Argyll and Bute council to overturn their decision to cut funding for school transport.  In Oban, most walking or cycling routes to school were not considered safe in 2006 and if anything, traffic is now heavier.  If school transport is stopped, car traffic and congestion will increase, and the likelihood of a serious accident will also increase.  The situation is similar in other schools, such as on Luing or in Benderloch, where adequate footpaths simply do not exist.

Many parents who currently pay to use school transport have not been told this service will not be available from August.  The number of children affected is more than those who currently receive free transport.

Stopping school transport also discriminates against parents or carers with disabilities or low income, as the school bus is generally the only reliable, safe and timely way for their child to get to school.

Argyll and Bute council state "our highest priority is getting pupils safely to and from school".  Although financial savings need to be made, further consultation with parents, emergency services, and West Coast Motors is required before any change to the current service is made.

Stopping school transport is a short sighted decision which urgently needs to be overturned.

Sponsor

Links