Parents in North Yorkshire are being left outraged after claims that their children have been directed to walk through active military firing ranges, cross A-roads dodging metal barriers, and trespass onto private land on their way to school. According to Liberal Democrat MP Tom Gordon, the council's alleged recommendation is a blatant disregard for child safety.
Mr Gordon raised concerns in parliament about multiple instances of unsuitable walking routes being suggested by North Yorkshire Council. The School Transport Action Group (STAG) has documented cases where children were expected to climb over A64 barriers, traverse military land, and even walk on remote moorland paths. STAG's Jo Foster highlighted examples where pupils would have to trespass onto private property, cross military barracks, and scale fences.
Local authorities are legally required to provide transport for children living more than three miles from their school or two miles if under eight years old. If the distance falls below these thresholds, councils must demonstrate a safe walking route exists. The allegations suggest that North Yorkshire Council may not be fulfilling this duty in all cases.
North Yorkshire Council acknowledged its financial struggles to deliver school transport services, with an annual cost exceeding £52 million – equivalent to £1 million each week. Assistant director Jo Heaney stated that the council utilises Ordnance Survey data to determine distances and routes from pupils' homes to their nearest suitable school. Parents retain the right to appeal any route they deem unsafe.
The government has responded by stating its investment in new free schools, aiming to reduce pupil travel distances and costs. A significant portion of home-to-school transport costs is allocated to children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), with the government committing £3.7 billion to create 60,000 new SEND places.