RIBBLE Valley MP Nigel Evans is demanding a government minister tackles Lancashire County Council's 'chaotic' school transport policy.

He is also urging local authorities to do more to get pupils to travel to class on public transport rather than using their parents' cars on the school run.

Schools minister Charles Clarke has called on councils and transport authorities to work closer together to improve home to school transport.

He said too many parents took their kids to school by private car with the 'school run' accounting for 20 per cent of rush-hour traffic, producing congestion and pollution. He said he wanted more done to persuade parents to send their children on dedicated school transport, on ordinary buses, or to walk or cycle to school. He has urged action to ensure that youngsters can do this safely.

But Mr Evans is appalled that Lancashire County Council is forcing children from the Clitheroe area to travel miles to school to other parts of the county. And because it is axing free school transport for 16 to18-year-olds.

Mr Evans is also furious that the refusal of places at Ribblesdale High School in Clitheroe means some children having to go to school near Accrington. The Tory MP said: "Lancashire County Council is forcing children to travel miles to school because of its poor planning and is also cutting free transport for 16 to 18-year-olds.

"This runs directly against what Mr Clarke is saying. This is an example of hypocrisy and chaotic confusion between the Labour Party and national Government at Lancashire County Council.

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