4. Review unsafe walking routes and existing travel routes across the county, especially for schools with high volumes of routes

A child qualifies for free transport to their nearest suitable school where the shortest walking route(s) are assessed as unsuitable to walk safely, whether they are accompanied or not.

It is proposed to consider developing a programme where some of the county's unsafe routes can be made safe through road and pavement improvements, so that children and young people can walk or cycle to school. This may provide added benefits to the wider local community too, in terms of physical activity and wellbeing.

If, following improvements, an assessment results in a route that was previously categorised as unsafe being recategorised as safe, free home to school transport will be withdrawn from the start of the next academic year to provide parents and children with the opportunity to prepare for the change.

The 2021 review also identified that there are opportunities to reduce the number of individual transport routes operated by us. As a low estimate, the review identified potential  savings of 11% on average for schools with multiple routes. Any reduction in routes would also have the potential to help towards our environmental goals.

Therefore, we are also proposing to carry out an assessment of our current transport routes, particularly in those schools with a high number of routes. Following the assessment, where it is appropriate and safe to do so, we are proposing to reduce the number of separate vehicles transporting young people to school. In taking forward any programme of this nature, we will continue to ensure that eligible young people are transported to school appropriately and in accordance with their needs.