Issue - meetings

To consider the information provided to the Regulatory Sub-Committee (School Transport Appeal) and agree on the outcome of the appeal.

Following deliberations the panel noted that the roads all had wide footpaths, except for one quiet, wider road. Where there was a need to cross the road there was clear sightlines and crossing points, and the unlit area had been described as uncomfortable rather then unsafe.

The panel noted that there was no issue over the distance and concluded unanimously that the route was available and not unsafe.

Resolved: That the Regulatory Sub-Committee (School Transport Appeal) find the route between Quetta Park and School to be available and not unsafe.

To consider the information provided to the Regulatory Sub-Committee (School Transport Appeal) and agree on the outcome of the appeal.

The Chairman asked each party to summarise the key points they had raised before the sub-committee would retire to deliberate.

The Panel heard that the Road Safety Great Britain guidance was used by many Local Authorities for these assessments and the route was judged to be available all year round. It was acknowledged that Officers were wearing high visibility but noted that both parents on the walk were within the confines of the refuge on Cove road, including their children and push chairs.

Officers explained that the route was in a very urban area and the issues with cars pulling out of driveways is replicated all around the country and people would give way to parents with pushchairs. The route is mainly residential roads with wide footpaths and the walking time was extended today due to stops for the panel to consider elements of the route.

It was observed that the panel had seen the route at its worst today in consideration of the weather and the Council’s position was that the problems seen are encountered by numerous parents around the County.

The appellant stressed that the route was being considered for children and her four year old would have to walk to as they would refuse to go in a pushchair. The appellant added that there were many families on the estate without a car that will be affected by this decision.

Cllr Collett reiterated that the transport situation in Ancells Farm was unique due to the school originally planned not being built.

The Chairman thanked everyone for their conduct during both the walking of the route and the Regulatory Sub-Committee’s meeting.

The Chairman went on to say that a decision had been reached following consideration of the written report and appellant’s submission, the evidence raised in the meeting and the experience of walking the route. The Chairman recognised the history of the area in relation to School Transport and empathised with the concern in relation to the service being withdrawn. However, it was noted that the Sub-Committee’s remit was limited and they needed to comply with the policies of the County Council.

The Chairman announced that the Regulatory Sub-Committee had found that the route was not available if unaccompanied, but that the route was available accompanied.

Resolved: That the Regulatory Sub-Committee (School Transport Appeal) find the route between Ancells Farm and Fleet Infants School & Velmead Junior School to be unavailable to unaccompanied children but available to accompanied children.