Demand for ‘action now’ over college safety fears in Cornwall
Cllr Sean Smith, Reform UK member for St Cleer & Menheniot, proposed a motion earlier this year asking for an end to over-subscription of bus seats
A Cornwall councillor who first raised concerns about student safety on college buses in his area last year and then brought the matter to the floor of County Hall in May has said it’s still a problem.
Cllr Sean Smith, Reform UK member for St Cleer & Menheniot, proposed a motion earlier this year asking for an end to over-subscription of bus seats ensuring passengers, including students, do not stand on rural routes, following complaints that students were having to stand in the aisles and on stairs on Callywith College buses.
The motion was lost after Cornwall Council’s Liberal Democrat leader Cllr Leigh Frost told a full council meeting there was no evidence provided to suggest bus routes were about over-subscribed. “We have no evidence from Go Cornwall or Stagecoach that there are over-subscribed buses,” he added.
Cllr Smith has now asked Callywith College, Stagecoach and Cornwall Council’s transport portfolio holder for written answers following further reports of students standing on overcrowded college buses while other buses have spare seats.
The bus company and college have both told us that student safety is their top priority and everything is done to ensure they have a seat.
Cllr Smith said: “I raised this serious safety concern in my ‘1 Ticket – 1 Seat’ motion in May. Parents are telling me it is still happening. Students travelling on busy roads should have a safe journey and families paying for tickets deserve value for money.
“I have asked who is responsible for allocating students, monitoring capacity and fixing the problem. This needs action now, no matter which organisation is in charge of each route.”
Cllr Smith has asked all three organisations “to explain what immediate steps they will take and when parents can expect an improvement”.
Cornwall Council’s cabinet member for transport Cllr Dan Rogerson told us that the local authority has no oversight of the arrangement. Regulations are set by Government and the Traffic Commissioners. The Callywith College buses are operated by Stagecoach on a contract direct with the college.
Dr Jonathan Grey, principal of Callywith College, told us: “We take every concern raised by students, parents and local representatives seriously and investigate issues as they arise. Student safety remains our absolute priority.
“All services operated by Stagecoach for Callywith College are running within their legal passenger capacity and are subject to regular monitoring by our transport team. Where capacity pressures emerge, we actively review passenger numbers, make operational adjustments and, where necessary, redirect students to alternative services to balance demand across the network.
“While registered public bus services can legally carry standing passengers within their permitted capacity, our aim is always to provide sufficient seating for students wherever possible. However, the ability to increase capacity across the network is significantly constrained by the level of funding currently available for 16-19 transport.
“We will continue to monitor services closely, respond to concerns raised by students and families, and work with transport providers and public bodies to secure improvements. We recognise the importance of reliable, safe and affordable transport in enabling young people to access education and remain committed to providing the best possible service within the resources available. We are also working with MPs across Cornwall to secure a better deal for Cornish young people when it comes to public transport access and affordability.”
A spokesperson for Stagecoach added: “Student safety is a top priority for Stagecoach and we take all concerns raised by students, parents and local representatives seriously. We work closely with Callywith College and local authorities to provide safe and reliable transport, regularly monitoring passenger numbers and reviewing capacity to respond to demand.
“All Stagecoach services operate within their legal passenger capacity. In line with national regulations, registered public bus services can carry standing passengers within their permitted capacity, helping to minimise the risk of students being unable to board. However, we recognise the importance of providing sufficient seating wherever possible and continue to work with the college to review capacity, make operational adjustments and balance demand across services.
“We remain committed to working in partnership with the college and local authorities to address concerns and deliver the best possible service for students within the resources available.”