§ Mr. Don FosterTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what research has been conducted for and by his Department on the effect of legislation covering school transport under the Education Act 1996 on(a) reducing congestion and (b) promoting social inclusion; and if he will place copies in the Library; [76197]
(2) what research has been conducted by his Department on the role of free home to school transport, on (a) reducing congestion and (b) promoting social inclusion. [76484]
§ Mr. JamiesonIn March 2001 DTLR commissioned W S Atkins to assess what the effects would be of increasing the current provision of home-to-school transport. The study, which reported at the end of 2001, identified considerable interest in using home-to-school transport amongst households that were currently not entitled to free home to school transport. It concluded that relaxing the eligibility criteria would have a noticeable impact on car use. Copies of the report—Assessment of parental attitudes to and the potential take-up of additional home to school transport—have been placed in the Libraries of the House.
The Social Exclusion Unit is currently carrying out a study into transport and social exclusion. The full report is expected later this year and is expected to include a chapter on access to learning.