PUPILS returning from their half-term holidays yesterday travelled to school in style on two new single-deck buses.
The coaches, which arrived at King James School, in Knaresborough, at 8.30am, have been introduced by North Yorkshire County Council after parents voiced concerns about children travelling long distances on older double-deck vehicles.
The buses have been provided through a contract between the county council and Stephensons, of Easingwold. They have been built by Plaxtons, in Scarborough, and are designed to offer high levels of safety on school services. Each vehicle can carry a fully seated load of 70.
County councillor Chris Metcalfe, executive member for education, said: "The county council is serious about children's safety. In response to concerns from parents, we undertook a risk assessment on the use of double deck vehicles between Tockwith and King James School.
"This showed that this type of vehicle was not appropriate. We were delighted when our contractor offered to provide two high-capacity single deck vehicles to ensure a safe journey to and from school."
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