Campaigners hit back as council changes home-to-school transport scheme
The changes came into effect last month - and is set to save the local authority £1 million
Last updated 28th Aug 2022
Hampshire County Council is said to be 'preparing for the future' following changes to its home-to-school transport scheme which came into effect last month.
In July, the authority made a number of alterations to its home-to-school transport system, which gets 12,000 children to and from school each day.
Some of those who benefit from the service includes those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), but with more children being asked to use pick-up and drop-off points, campaigners have hit back.
Changes also mean more children are said to be transported in a single vehicle.
The move, set to save the council almost £1m, has been met with fierce opposition, as campaigners say these changes are directly affecting the most vulnerable in society.
But leader of Hampshire County Council, Councillor Rob Humby, has insisted that the authority is doing the right thing.
He said: "I understand the concerns of parents but where there are students that can go to a collection point and it’s appropriate to do so, we can reduce the number of vehicles that will be used.
"To us this is about becoming more efficient and preparing for the future.
"The number of people relying on home-to-school transport will continue to increase in the coming years – we want to create a service that is sustainable in the long term."
But a number of families are still waiting to hear about their transport arrangements for the next academic year - which, for some, gets going this upcoming week.
Kirsty Smillie from The Disability Union said: "It is now the end of the academic year and they have not given the parents any information regarding the start of term in September.
"These are key things that children with SEND need to be prepared with to allow a smooth transition.
"Some parents are already having to walk with their children for a mile to the allocated bus stop. This can be challenging especially for children with SEND and parents with disabilities."
Deputy leader of Hampshire County Council and executive lead member for children’s services, Cllr Roz Chadd, said: "As a parent myself, I know full well the demands and pressures of organising day-to-day family life.
"I wish to reassure families that where changes are planned, they will be notified in advance and there will be ample opportunity to discuss those with us.
"There has always been flexibility in how we deliver transport services and this will remain the case."