Boy can't share sister's council taxi to school

Leicester Mercury

December 24, 2007 Monday

Boy can't share sister's council taxi to school

County council bosses have refused to allow a teenager to travel to school in a taxi with his sister - even though they go to the same place.

Fourteen-year-old Alex Archer has cycled three-and-a-half miles to Countesthorpe Community College every day for three years.

His sister, Sianta, 12, suffers from epilepsy and is taken to nearby Leysland High School, also in Countesthorpe, in a taxi paid for by Leicestershire County Council.

However, transport chiefs will not let Alex jump in the spare seat unless he pays a £140 annual fare.

Despite repeated appeals by mum Melanie, from Enderby, the council will not budge on the issue. The pair go to schools outside their catchment area for legal reasons, but Alex does not qualify for free travel.

Mrs Archer is registered disabled and is unable to drive the two to school.

She said: "It's just ridiculous.

"There's a taxi going from my front door to his school with his sister in it and they won't let him use it.

"The taxi company is happy to take him at no extra cost to the council, but needs its permission for insurance reasons.

"But the council won't do it unless we pay them £140.

"He is a young carer for his sister, so if she had a fit on the way he'd be the one helping her. But they said he has to find his own way there."

Alex said the bike ride leaves him too tired for school.

He said: "I cycle there and back but I'm left shattered. I can't think in lessons.

"The teachers started to bring me in because I was so tired, but it is right out of their way."

A county council spokesman said: "Sianta is provided with transport on exceptional grounds.

"The county council would not wish to make the individual circumstances public when exceptional transport is agreed, as these are private matters.

"On the basis of this provision there is no reason to provide a carer, as the council would have provided an escort if required.

"However, a further risk assessment will be carried out to check the current arrangements.

"In this particular circumstance a spare place exists on the taxi and a fare-paying place is being offered for the remainder of the academic year for Alex, an option provided on many school contracts across the county."