A FINAL decision on whether to introduce travel-to-school charges for teenagers in North Yorkshire has been delayed.

At an executive committee meeting in Northallerton, councillors approved proposals to introduce the charges for 16 to 18-year-olds living more than three miles from their place of education.

But the Liberal Democrats on the county authority have announced they plan to call-in the decision, which means it will be sent back to a committee to be looked at again.

Following consultations with the public, the committee had agreed that the recommended rate of £10 per student per week should be reduced to £8.

The charge would apply to students who live more than three miles from their place of education and are beginning a post-16 course in September.

It would not apply to students already enrolled on a post-16 course and students with a statement of special education needs will also be exempt from the charge.

But the Liberal Democrats say they are worried about the implications for traffic and the environment, and fear that the scheme may put off students from going to college altogether.

Lib-Dem leader Caroline Seymour said "These charges will make it less attractive to travel by bus to college.

"Parents will instead decide to drive their sons and daughters there. This means more traffic on the roads at the busiest times, more pollution, more parking problems and more safety risks around schools."

She added: "Charging like this also discriminates against people in rural areas, who are much more likely to have to travel more than three miles to college.

"Eight pounds might not sound like much, but a family with two sons or daughters in further education could end up having to pay over £600 a year."