Following our Front Page story last week about parents’ concerns about their pupils travelling to school, Monmouthshire County Council have replied to our request for a comment.

The claimed overcrowding was brought to our attention by County Councillor Tony Kear who voiced serious concerns regarding the “overcrowding and safety issues affecting school buses transporting children from Usk to Monmouth Comprehensive School.” 

He said that he was “deluged by correspondence and social media posts during the first week of the new term” following growing alarm from parents and pupils about their claims of unsafe conditions many students face during their daily commutes after being

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 had 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.

A Monmouthshire County Council spokesperson said: "We have allocated transport to all learners as per the Learner Travel Measure Wales and our Home to School Transport Policy.  As with all public service bus routes, the vehicles are adapted to accommodate seated and standing passengers.  A learner having to stand would be reasonable and safe, as with any member of the public travelling and having to stand. 

“As the local authority, we are vigilant in monitoring the usage of each bus along with the provider. If the legal / safe capacity has been reached for any particular bus, drivers will not allow further passengers to enter. We are committed to taking swift and appropriate action when needed, ensuring the safety of all passengers.

Cllr Kear 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.