Praise for UUP transport motion

The Motion ‘Review of Home to School Transport Policy’ states “that this Assembly notes the importance of an effective home to school transport policy, believes that the current policy is outdated; and calls on the Minister of Education to initiate an overarching review of the policy to ensure that home to school transport is provided in most cost effective, efficient and safe manner.

UUP Alderman Mary Hamilton, said she welcomed her Assembly colleagues bringing forward the motion particularly as the Home to School Rule had caused major problems for parents and pupils of schools in Londonderry and in rural areas like Magheramason.

“I think it is outrageous if we build a new bridge that it can impact negatively on the safety of children.

“Since the transport policy was stuck decades ago society has altered dramatically and children are expect to carry large volumes of books and other school equipment that make walking impossible.

“I also believe that the safety of children should come first, and if we choose to built a new bridge it should not used as an excuse to cut costs at the expense of the health and safety of children. What will happen when the new bridge is closed because of adverse weather?

“With winter approaching, and the long range forecast predicting severe weather and high winds again this year, the safety of children being forced to walk in dangerous conditions along a road with no footpath as is the case in Magheramason,

“There has been no joined-up thinking about the school transport policy and I applaud my colleagues for their timely motion to discuss this issue.

“I sincerely hope that common sense will prevail and the policy is updated,” said Mrs Hamilton.

Meanwhile, DUP Alderman, April Garfield-Kidd, said: “I think that the current policy is outdated and was formed at a time when children did not carry the vast amount of equipment and books that they currently do nowadays.

“If this review does take place it will have the possibility of having a positive effect on those students, pupils and parents who recently incurred the cost of transport to and from school due to the opening of the Peace Bridge,”