Dorset Council funded school buses will NOT be running today due to flooding
Dorset Council has cancelled all of its commissioned buses to and from schools for the safety of children
School transport across Dorset has been cancelled for today as the county experienced even more rainfall following days of severe flooding.
Dorset Council confirmed that all council-commissioned school transport services will not operate, covering journeys both to and from school.
The decision came amid forecasts of localised heavy rain overnight and concerns over already saturated ground, rising river levels and widespread road closures.
A yellow weather warning is currently in place, with the Met Office saying the impact is likely to be greater because of “saturated ground and ongoing flooding” after Storm Chandra swept through the region earlier this week.
The storm brought strong winds and torrential rain on Monday and Tuesday, leaving roads impassable and whole regions flooded.
The latest warning also highlights the risk of spray and flooding on roads, potentially leading to longer journey times and disruption to public transport.
In a statement, Dorset Council said the decision to cancel school transport had not been taken lightly.
Officials stressed safety was the overriding concern, given the unpredictable way river catchments are responding and the number of roads already closed.
“We have to consider whether the transport can safely take children to and from school,” the council said, acknowledging the frustration this may cause for parents, carers and school leaders.
Children who normally use public transport may not be affected, although families are being advised to check directly with bus operators for the latest travel information.
Individual schools will decide whether to remain open or close, with headteachers assessing local conditions and staff availability.