A construction site has disrupted a Wishaw schoolboy’s safe walking route to school, sparking concerns from his mother, Amanda Smith, for the safety of pupils in North Lanarkshire. The issue arose after North Lanarkshire Council decided to withdraw free bus travel for high school students, increasing the qualifying distance from two to three miles in a cost-saving measure. As a result, students like Klayton, a S2 pupil at Clyde Valley High, now must navigate a challenging path through a secluded area defined as a “safe-walking route” by assessors.
Amanda and Klayton documented the hazardous journey in videos, showing the muddy, water-filled path and the detour around a construction site’s temporary perimeter fence. The route lacks proper lighting, posing risks of accidents and isolation, especially for young students walking alone. Amanda expressed frustration at the lack of safe and practical alternatives, with public buses often overcrowded and unsuitable for regular school commutes.
The situation highlights the broader issue of inadequate school transport policies affecting families in the region. Amanda highlighted the inconsistency of the council’s decision, noting that the school bus still passes their street daily despite Klayton being denied access. The struggle faced by Amanda and Klayton underscores the need for a comprehensive review of school transport criteria to ensure the safety and well-being of students in North Lanarkshire.
In response to growing concerns, a public meeting has been organised to address the challenges faced by students like Klayton and advocate for reinstating free school transport services. The initiative aims to bring attention to the realities faced by families navigating unsafe routes to school and to prompt meaningful responses from local authorities to safeguard students’ access to education.
This story sheds light on the impact of policy decisions on everyday lives and underscores the importance of prioritising student safety and accessibility in educational transportation planning. Amanda’s advocacy for her son and other affected students highlights the need for proactive measures to address transportation barriers and uphold the right to a safe journey to school for all students.