Campaigning parents are determined to keep pushing for changes to North Lanarkshire school mileage limits despite a recent council u-turn on the issue. The council announced this week that primary school children in North Lanarkshire who receive school transport will still qualify at the existing mileage limits. This decision came after the council initially planned to adjust the limits, requiring children living more than two miles away to find their own way to school instead of those living more than one mile away.
The news has been welcomed by parents who have been campaigning against the proposed changes since they were first announced earlier this year. Kerry-Anne Ferrie, one of the campaigning parents, expressed her joy at the decision, especially for the 1,400 children across North Lanarkshire whose school transport will remain unaffected. She highlighted the importance of ensuring children can travel to school safely, ready to learn.
Despite this victory for primary school routes, concerns remain about the safety challenges faced by secondary school routes. Campaigners are also advocating for dedicated transport for children with Additional Support Needs attending mainstream secondary schools. The ongoing advocacy work aims to urge the Scottish Government to review and potentially reduce the qualifying mileage for all children in Scotland, taking into account current circumstances.
Motherwell and Wishaw MSP Clare Adamson commended the efforts of the parents and students who campaigned tirelessly for this positive outcome. She emphasized the importance of listening to constituents and prioritizing children’s safety, pledging to continue advocating for solutions for secondary school routes. As the community celebrates this milestone, the focus now shifts towards ensuring all students have safe and reliable transportation to and from school.
In summary, the determination and perseverance of campaigning parents in North Lanarkshire have led to a significant victory in ensuring the safety and accessibility of school transport for primary school children. While the recent council u-turn is a positive development, the fight for improved transportation options for all students, especially those with Additional Support Needs, continues. The collaborative efforts of parents, MSPs, and community members demonstrate the power of advocacy in creating positive change for the education and well-being of children.