Learner Travel (Wales) Measure 2008

What is the purpose of the Measure?

This Measure aims to strengthen protocols for good behaviour and discipline on school buses and provide free transport for more primary school children in Wales.

The main elements of the Measure are:

• Increased safety
• A common policy and legal framework across Wales
• Clarity regarding the eligibility of free or assisted school transport
• Environmental sustainability in transport arrangements.

What are the benefits of the Measure?

The Measure covers the travel of school pupils and young people in education or training aged 16-19 in Wales. The Measure increases entitlement to free transport to school for primary school children if they live two miles or further away. It requires local authorities and the Welsh Ministers, when exercising their functions under the Measure, to promote access to Welsh medium education. The Measure gives local authorities the power to change school session times if that can improve transport arrangements or environmental sustainability.

How do I find out more information?

Since the approval of the Measure, Operational Guidance has been issued to local authorities that they must take account of in their school transport arrangements from 01 April 2009, follow the Related Link for more information.

To view the approved Measure and supporting documentation, visit the Office of Public Sector Information website (external link).

For more information on the passage and scrutiny of the Measure in the National Assembly for Wales, visit the National Assembly for Wales website (external link).

To view the consultation that was undertaken on the draft legislation, prior to the proposed Measure being introduced in the National Assembly, follow the Related Link.