We call on Dorset Council reverse the decision to remove free school transport provision for pupils from Charlton Marshall to the Blandford School. This decision poses significant safety, environmental, financial and educational concerns that cannot be ignored.

KEY SAFETY CONCERNS:

· Unsafe proposed route

· North Dorset Trailway is not suitable during the winter months and periods of heavy rain due to flooding, deep mud and the complete absence of lighting.

· Hazardous and very busy A350, part of the Dorset HGV/Freight Route Network. During morning commute vehicle volume equates to a vehicle approaching a school child from behind every 6 seconds on average, of which 1 in 3 is a commercial van, LGV, HGV or bus.

· Road is too narrow (6metres) which cannot safely accommodate 3+metre wide HGVs passing each other at 40mph (80mph combined).

· Footpath is narrow, uneven, overgrown leaving children too close to fast-moving HGVs which pass dangerously close to the path and wing-mirrors overhang footpath.

· Risk highlighted by recent collision between HGV and car in 30mph section of A350 resulting in car mounting pavement. Demonstrates very real risk to life for pedestrians.

UNREALISTIC BURDEN ON FAMILIES:

· Children would be expected to walk 6miles per day, carrying multiple bags and spare shoes when the trailway is flooded in winter.

· In order for children to be safe Dorset Council expects parents to accompany children which is 12miles per day and 4 hours walking for parents. Unachievable for parents who work or have children at Spetisbury Primary School.

· The Council acknowledges more than 2 miles is not acceptable for children whose families are in receipt of pupil premium to walk, by providing provision, yet expects Charlton Marshall pupils to walk 50% further, twice daily.

ASTRONOMIC FINANCIAL BURDEN:

· If parents choose to purchase a bus pass instead of walking the unsafe route it will cost families over £900 per child per year.

ENVIRONMENTAL & TRAFFIC CONCERNS:

· The removal of free transport will increase car journeys, increasing emissions and congestion, despite Dorset Council’s commitment to becoming zero carbon.

· Existing bus provision (X8 service) will continue to run, with far fewer passengers. The seats are available but won’t be used as children are forced on to unsafe walks or wasteful car journeys.

Further reports have been submitted to the Council regarding issues such as the volume of HGVs and the pavement width, and the dangerous position this puts pupils, parents and road users in. This includes photographic evidence of risks and dangerous situations.

Size of vehicles passing children on proposed route:

HGVs must cross central lines to fit - two cannot safely pass without risk to pedestrians:

Proximity of passing HGVs to pedestrians is terrifying, with wingmirrors overhanging pavement:

Narrow pavement and road - just 1.3m with road width only 5.9m: