North Lanarkshire Council u-turn on primary school transport mileage limits

North Lanarkshire Council has made a significant U-turn regarding primary school transport mileage limits, announcing that they will maintain the current limits for primary school children. This decision means that primary school pupils who live more than a mile away from school will continue to benefit from free school transport services. Initially, the council had planned to change the mileage limits for primary school children to the legal maximum, which would have resulted in children living more than two miles from school having to find their own transportation.

The Labour administration at North Lanarkshire Council decided to retain the existing mileage limits after requesting the SNP Government to either adjust the legal limits or provide funding to retain the current limits. Despite facing financial challenges, the council found a balanced approach to uphold the primary school transport limits. Council Leader Jim Logue expressed relief at being able to maintain the current primary school transport system, highlighting that this decision sets North Lanarkshire apart as offering more generous support compared to other councils in Scotland.

The announcement comes as a welcome relief to parents who had opposed the council’s initial plans, with some launching campaigns against the proposed changes. The issue even reached the Scottish Parliament last week, further emphasizing the concerns raised by parents regarding the potential impact on children’s safety and accessibility to education. Political parties are urged to support the council’s decision for the benefit of all young people in the region.

Campaigning efforts by parents and local communities have played a crucial role in influencing the council’s decision, with local MP Pamela Nash commending the advocacy of constituents and campaign groups. The SNP Group welcomed the council’s reversal but raised concerns about the handling of the decision-making process and urged further reconsideration of eligibility criteria for secondary school pupils.

In response to the u-turn, Central Scotland MSP Gillian Mackay acknowledged the collaborative efforts that led to the decision and emphasized the importance of continued engagement to address any remaining concerns, particularly regarding secondary school transport eligibility criteria. The commitment and dedication shown by parents and pupils in advocating for their rights and safety have been recognized and praised by local representatives.

As the community celebrates this positive outcome, discussions on the broader implications of school transport policies continue, emphasizing the need for ongoing dialogue and collaboration between local authorities, government bodies, and community stakeholders to ensure safe and accessible transportation options for all school children in North Lanarkshire.