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Buses could end school run debate
INDEPENDENT primary schools in Hampstead could have a private bus service provided by the council in a pilot scheme from January.
Five routes served by 22 buses will bring children to selected fee-paying schools in the borough’s school-run congestion hotspot as a test run, subject to a consultation to be launched this month.
Although the project will use council minibuses and drivers supplied by Camden Transport Services, parents will pay a daily fee to cover costs. The New Journal understands that the council has ruled out paying for primary schools in the state system to use the service.
Few issues have had the political longevity or intensity of the school run debate in Hampstead.
The area’s private schools have wide catchment areas, meaning their pupils commute daily from across London – many by car.
The resulting congestion is a source of irritation to residents.
Marta Baschwitz, who negotiated the school bus solution, said yesterday that it was too early to comment on the details, but added: “Many people have been talking about this for many years, but it is not complicated. Camden has the poorest air quality in London and this project will benefit parents, schools and Camden.”
Last night (Wednesday), Hampstead councillor and Town Hall transport chief Chris Knight was unavailable for comment.
The cost of the service has not been finalised. Organisers are striving to keep the price below £4.50 per child per day. |
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