School bus victory in Chessington and Hook

Families across Chessington and Hook are celebrating the success of a three year campaign for a new school bus to take local pupils to Hinchley Wood School. This will reduce traffic on the road and provide a quicker, safer route to school for many local children.

Transport for London confirmed just before Christmas their proposal to extend a journey on the current 467 bus route to and from Hinchley Wood School at school times. Subject to consultation with stakeholders (including the local authority, London TravelWatch and the police) the new service will be introduced from Monday 22nd February 2010.

Local Liberal Democrat MP, Edward Davey, became involved in the campaign earlier this year when parents and local Lib Dem councillor, Mary Reid, asked for help in dealing with Transport for London. Edward commented on the good news, saying:

“I’m delighted our pressure has now paid off, and these young people will have a school bus to take them safely to school from next month. This is good for their education and good for the environment.

“The real stars in this campaign were the parents who produced such compelling evidence of the need for the bus that it was hard for Transport for London to say “no”.

“After the shocking way Surrey County Council behaved in removing the old service without consultation with parents, I’m grateful to staff at Transport for London who responded to my request to come to Kingston to listen to our case and have now produced this sensible solution. I’m also grateful to Lib Dem Greater London Authority Member, Caroline Pidgeon, who chairs the GLA Transport Committee and helped in encouraging Transport for London into making this decision.

“While this decision is formally subject to consultation, I’m sure everyone will see it makes sense for everybody – including motorists who should see a reduction in traffic at school opening and closing.”

Caroline Pidgeon added:
"I was delighted to help local parents, councillors and Lib Dem MP Ed Davey to put the evidence to TfL to secure this new school bus, subject to consultation".