Caerphilly Plaid Cymru group leader Charlotte Bishop is demanding the Labour-run council rethink controversial changes to home to school transport because of the danger to children having to walk along “unsafe” roads.
Many routes have been ruled safe by the council leaving 340 learners no longer qualifying free school transport from September but Aber Valley councillor Charlotte Bishop has lobbied the local authority over the changes between Senghenydd in her ward and St Cenydd Community School.
In a letter to the council’s chief executive and leader, Charlotte Bishop said: “I have serious concerns regarding the suitability and safety of this route for children as young as 11 years old, particularly during winter conditions and periods of darkness and poor weather.
“I do not believe the assessment sufficiently reflects the real-world conditions pupils may face on a daily basis, nor does it adequately consider the practical and safeguarding concerns associated with isolated sections of the route and traffic speeds.
“I respectfully ask that the assessment and conclusions be reconsidered and that a new independent assessment be undertaken under more realistic conditions.”
Charlotte Bishop added: ““The recent Senedd elections highlighted what happens when politicians don’t listen to the valid concerns of parents. The council must not plough on regardless with these changes.”
The changes announced by Caerphilly County Borough Council, tighten the criteria for free home-to-school transport by assessing whether a walking route is “available.
Under Welsh Government guidance, routes must be assessed not only on distance but on whether they are “reasonably safe” for children to walk. Factors such as traffic speed, lighting, pavement width and isolation should all be considered.