AN immediate review of transport provisions to day care centres is being called for after a study highlighted failings.

Middlesbrough Council's social care and health scrutiny panel was commissioned to carry out a survey of travel to and from the authority's adult day care centres - Albert Cocks, Kirkley Lodge, Newport, North Ormesby, Lansdowne and Erimus.

Although they are served by other transport providers, the council is the main one, with social services commissioning fleet services to cater for specific centre users.

During its investigation, the panel met service users, carers and other transport providers, and sent out a questionnaire to five other local authorities.

It found that, while service users regard transport provision as excellent, there are serious flaws in the system. Among its failings are an outdated vehicle fleet, journey times exceeding one hour, a lack of escorts to ensure passengers' safety and restrictions on the length of time and days people can visit centres.

The report says: "Resources/funding are major issues in transport provision. Whilst acknowledging a commitment from social services and fleet services to provide the best possible service within resource constraints, the panel believes that existing service provision could be improved, as current transport arrangements are not based on the needs of service users."

It recommends that an immediate review of existing transport routes and catchment areas for centres be undertaken with a view to allowing people to attend the centre of their choice when they wish to go