School Transport Policy

Appendix 4: Walking route assessments

Local authorities must assess whether a learner’s walking route to school is available (safe) or unavailable (unsafe) in line with the Learner Travel (Wales) Measure.

1. What the Assessment Looks At
Assessors walk the route and consider:

• Footways and road width
• Traffic levels and speed
• Crossing points
• Visibility
• Environmental risks
• Lighting
• Changes in the area

2. When Reassessments Are Required
Reassessments are carried out when conditions change, such as:

• accidents or incidents,
• new developments,
• changes in traffic,
• infrastructure changes,
• or when a learner’s needs change.

3. Social Danger
Assessors also consider social risks, such as:

• crime or anti-social behaviour,
• stranger danger concerns,
• evidence of drug or alcohol misuse.

Local authorities work with the Police and safeguarding partners to identify and verify any social dangers.

4. Outcome
A route will only be classed as available where, having regard to the age of the learner and any requirement for accompaniment, it is considered to be reasonably safe to walk.

All route assessments are carried out on the basis that learners will be accompanied where necessary by a responsible adult. It is the responsibility of the parent or guardian to determine whether a learner requires supervision on their journey and to make suitable arrangements for such accompaniment where they are unable to provide it themselves.

Where identified risks cannot be reasonably mitigated, the route will be classed as unavailable, and transport assistance may be provided in accordance with the Council’s policy.