A councillor has voiced serious concerns regarding the overcrowding and safety issues affecting school buses transporting children from Usk to Monmouth Comprehensive School. 

Tony Kear, Conservative councillor for Llanbadoc and Usk, has highlighted growing alarm from parents and pupils about their claims of unsafe conditions many students face during their daily commutes after being deluged by correspondence and social media posts during the first week of the new term.

He said that some parents are so concerned they are electing to delay sending their children into school and thus missing early lessons. 

Footage taken on mobile phones has emerged from students claiming instances of overcrowding, with students standing in aisles due to a lack of available seats. Such conditions he warned could pose significant safety risks, particularly on narrow rural roads, potentially increasing the likelihood of accidents.

“Parents have a right to expect that when their children board the school bus, they are transported in a safe and secure environment,” said Councillor Kear.

“Unfortunately, the current situation with overcrowding on these buses is far from ideal and places our children at unnecessary risk.” 

He claimed that Newport Bus has reviewed complaints made and in one instance, following a review of CCTV, “issues were identified with speed and cornering which has resulted In the driver being referred to their training school and driving standard officer.”

“Whilst MCC is following Welsh Government Learner Travel Measure Wales guidelines, no child should feel unsafe on their way to school,” he added.

“I’m advised by parents that there are spaces on the MCC provided transport at earlier times but equally there is overcrowding on the public transport bus where around 30 people standing can be allowed. 

He pointed out that The BUSK campaign (busk-uk.co.uk) ironically set up in Usk in 1993 to address safety and in particular  “legalised overcrowding” and seat belt usage “appears to have been forgotten and that safety of our children is being potentially compromised on the back of saving money.  That cannot be right in my mind.”

Councillor Kear is committed to working with parents and the Council to find a long-term solution that guarantees the safety and well-being of children travelling from Usk to Monmouth.

MCC have been asked to comment.