A father from Lightwater is preparing to launch a legal challenge against Surrey County Council (SCC) following its decision to withdraw free school transport for students attending Collingwood College in Camberley. Jon Crane has voiced significant safety concerns regarding the walking route identified by the council, which parents are now expected to use, particularly highlighting sections within Lightwater Country Park.
Mr Crane described parts of the proposed route as a "mud bath" during wet weather, stating he would not even walk it himself, even in appropriate footwear. His worries extend to the lack of lighting in the country park, raising fears for his daughter's safety, especially as the darker winter months approach. These concerns led to a petition in January, garnering 517 signatures, which called for a pause on the withdrawal of the bus service that was initially planned for September of last year.
The core of the dispute also revolves around the distance of the route. Under current regulations, families are legally entitled to free school transport if the journey to school exceeds three miles. Mr Crane and other parents are questioning SCC's measurement, asserting that the route is longer than the council claims. He has formally written to the council, indicating his intention to seek a judicial review unless changes are made to the policy and assurances are provided to affected families.
Surrey County Council, however, maintains that the route has undergone "multiple assessments" and that its travel assistance policy adheres to national guidelines. Helyn Clack, SCC's cabinet member for children, families and lifelong learning, acknowledged the increasing demand for home-to-school transport, noting that the council spent £76.4 million in the 2025/26 financial year supporting approximately 10,000 children and young people. She emphasised the need to balance transport responsibilities with the duty to use public funds only for those meeting statutory criteria or demonstrating the greatest need.
Ms Clack explained that the new walking route was established in August 2025, following the opening of a new footbridge over the M3, which connects Lightwater to Bagshot. She reiterated that the route "remains an available walking route under these criteria," and that assessments consider factors like the relationship between pedestrians and traffic, assuming adult accompaniment if necessary. Despite the council's reassurances, Mr Crane is pushing for the reinstatement of the bus service, at least for the foreseeable future, as he continues to press for policy changes.