Archived decisions

Contact: Andy Berncastle, ext 6921 email: [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 Concerns have been raised about the safety of the walking route between Houghton and Stockbridge. Members will inspect the route on the morning of 6 October 2003 and then consider the appeal.

2. Background

2.1 Houghton lies two to three miles south of Stockbridge. There is no school in the village. The designated schools are Stockbridge Primary and Test Valley (Secondary).

2.2 The legal requirements applying to school transport are described in Appendix 1. Essentially, children under eight years attending their designated or nearest school are entitled to free transport if they live more than two miles from school. For children over eight years, the distance is three miles. Where children live closer to the school free transport is only provided if there is no safe walking route. Parents may be expected to accompany children as necessary.

2.3 In this case, most of Houghton lies between two and three miles from both schools. The majority of children under eight years qualify for free transport to Stockbridge Primary School, on distance grounds. No children qualify for free transport to Test Valley school as they live within three miles of the school. However, the authority operates a `privilege' travel scheme, offering spare seats on the contracted transport for children over eight at either school who do not qualify for free transport. This currently costs £297 per school year.

2.4 However, the availability of spare seats varies from year-to-year and places may be withdrawn at short notice if they are needed for children entitled to free transport. This proved to be the case this September and notice was given to the parents of four secondary-age children.

2.5 This caused significant concerns locally and the authority's practice in not providing free transport to all children has been questioned, on safety grounds.

3. The Appeal

3.1 The route has to be considered against the normal criteria (Appendix 1). Appendix 2 shows the route, which has not previously been considered by any Appeals Panel.

3.2 Correspondence from the appellants is attached as Appendix 3 (confidential).

3.3 Most of the road from Houghton to the A30 in Stockbridge is subject to the national 60 mph speed limit. It is 15 to 16 feet wide throughout, with two-way traffic, which typically travels at 40 mph or more. There are several bends, restricting visibility, no footpath and no street lighting.

Accident Data - to follow at meeting if relevant.

4. Conclusion

4.1 Members will have had the opportunity to consider the walking route. The County Council's present position is that, under the criteria, the walking route is available.

4.2 It is for Members to consider, following the guidance set out in paragraphs 2.11 to 2.13 of Appendix 1:

(i) whether the nature of the route, or an alternative route, means that it is available for children if unaccompanied; and

(ii) if the answer to (i) is no, whether the route is available if accompanied.

8274/AB