A Member of Parliament has accused North Yorkshire Council of proposing unsafe walking routes for schoolchildren, including paths that cross an active military firing range and require climbing over barriers on a major road. Tom Gordon, the MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, raised these concerns during a parliamentary debate on home-to-school transport.
According to national law, local authorities must provide transport for pupils living more than three miles from their school, or two miles for children under eight. If the distance is less than these thresholds, the council is obligated to ensure a safe walking route exists. However, Gordon stated that he has encountered multiple instances where the council has recommended routes deemed unsuitable for children.
The School Transport Action Group (STAG) has reportedly documented cases where children were expected to navigate hazardous paths. These include crossing busy roads like the A64 by climbing metal barriers and traversing active military firing ranges. Jo Foster from STAG noted that families have been denied transport because routes suggested by the council involve trespassing on private land, crossing military property, climbing fences, or using remote moorland paths.
One specific example cited by the group indicates that the council suggested children walk through Catterick military barracks, an area described as an active military firing range. The issue of providing safe and appropriate transport to school has become a significant challenge for local councils across the country.