Bus cuts ‘ breach human rights’
COUNCIL chiefs cutting free bus travel for schoolchildren were never going to be popular with parents – but they probably did not expect to be accused of breaking international human rights laws.
Families in South Lanarkshire have accused their local authority of breaching Articles 3 and 12 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child if they reduce the catchment area for free bus travel. It would see children in the area’s four secondary schools allowed to travel free from only two miles, rather than three miles, away.
Parents argue that there are too many hazards on the roads for children no longer eligible for the bus to walk to school.
They also say the plan breaches UN Article 3, which requires the best interests of children be considered, and Article 12, giving children the right to ‘express their views’. Campaign leader Julia Marrs, of Kirkfield- bank, near Lanark, said: ‘I’ve long believed the council has a duty of care to ensure walking routes to and from schools are safe.
‘I have been in contact with the Scottish Commissioner for Children and Young People, Tam Baillie, to ask whether the council would be in breach of Article 3 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
‘The commissioner’s office has been very helpful and their reply would suggest that the council are potentially in breach of Article 12 of the convention and two areas of legislation. I have written to the council to alert them to this information.’
Mrs Marrs and a colleague have drawn up a risk assessment for the route from Kirkfieldbank to Lanark Grammar School, which her children attend. She has sent it to the council, which is also proposing to reduce free bus journeys for Carluke, Biggar and Lesmahagow high schools.
A spokesman for Scotland’s Commissioner for Children and Young People said the office does not discuss individual cases but had received several inquiries about school transport across Scotland.
Parents want the council to postpone a meeting on August 26 to finalise the cuts so the legal position can be considered.
Mrs Marrs said: ‘It is hoped by highlighting the significant hazards of these routes the council will look again at offering bus transport on the basis of children’s safety.’
Executive director of education resources Jim Gilhooly said: ‘The council is of the view the consultation was undertaken in line with statutory requirements. A letter was received from Mrs and she can expect to receive a full response. The consultation report will be considered on August 26.’