Almost a third of parents say that their child’s school travel has been affected by funding cuts, new research has revealed.
A survey of 1,000 parents with school age children, commissioned by transport specialist Kura, found that 22% of children now have to use an alternative transport method due to transport funding cuts, adding to concerns about safeguarding on the school run.
Parents in Greater London and the West Midlands were most affected, with 45% of respondents in Greater London and 28% in the West Midlands having to find alternative means for their children to get to and from school.
A further 10% of parents say that their child’s school journey now takes longer as a result of funding cuts, a scenario which again appeared to be more likely for school children in Greater London (17%), followed by those in the North West (14%).
Nearly half (49%) of parents are worried about their child’s safety on the journey to and from school, with almost three-quarters (71%) expressing concern about the level of traffic and busy roads.
Godfrey Ryan, CEO of Kura, said: ‘Rising costs coupled with funding cuts have forced many parents to rethink the school run. Whilst for some, this means they are using more sustainable transport methods, such as walking or the school bus, the changes mean many are facing new or increased safeguarding concerns.’
Sign up here to receive our free daily news and jobs bulletin.
