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22/09/2004
Bill set to offer 'greener' school transport options
The government has said that it will proceed with legislation to help selected local education authorities offer greener, safer and healthier ways for pupils to travel to school.
With the help of funding of up to £200,000, it is hoped that up to 20 local education authorities will be able to develop better transport options, including school buses, walking bus schemes and safe cycle routes.
However, local education authorities will be able to make "small charges" for school travel if required, although this would be based strictly on ability to pay.
Responding to the Education and Skills Select Committee report into the draft School Transport Bill published for consultation in Spring 2004, Schools Minister Stephen Twigg confirmed that the bill would be introduced "as soon as parliamentary time allowed".
Mr Twigg said: "Twice as many children are driven to school now in comparison with 20 years ago - around 40% of primary pupils and 20% of secondary pupils. Most of these journeys are less than two miles, meaning decreasing numbers of children walking or cycling with serious health implications in terms of lack of daily exercise and the growing proportion of children who are overweight."
The Bill, which will bring the first changes to school transport legislation in over 60 years, provides for more high quality school buses, as well as extra buses for pupils attending after school activities, and staggered starting times with different schools in the same area staggering their starting times to reduce the number of cars on the road at any one time.
Safe cycle routes to schools, plugged into the national cycle network, with secure storage for bicycles at schools also form part of the transport package.
(gmcg/mb)
With the help of funding of up to £200,000, it is hoped that up to 20 local education authorities will be able to develop better transport options, including school buses, walking bus schemes and safe cycle routes.
However, local education authorities will be able to make "small charges" for school travel if required, although this would be based strictly on ability to pay.
Responding to the Education and Skills Select Committee report into the draft School Transport Bill published for consultation in Spring 2004, Schools Minister Stephen Twigg confirmed that the bill would be introduced "as soon as parliamentary time allowed".
Mr Twigg said: "Twice as many children are driven to school now in comparison with 20 years ago - around 40% of primary pupils and 20% of secondary pupils. Most of these journeys are less than two miles, meaning decreasing numbers of children walking or cycling with serious health implications in terms of lack of daily exercise and the growing proportion of children who are overweight."
The Bill, which will bring the first changes to school transport legislation in over 60 years, provides for more high quality school buses, as well as extra buses for pupils attending after school activities, and staggered starting times with different schools in the same area staggering their starting times to reduce the number of cars on the road at any one time.
Safe cycle routes to schools, plugged into the national cycle network, with secure storage for bicycles at schools also form part of the transport package.
(gmcg/mb)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
