Council to respond to government over new rules which could place bus services under threat

Councillor Cecilia Motley, chairwoman of the authority's communities overview committee, spoke at the cabinet meeting after the committee discussed the rules, which could could force volunteer drivers for services like Dial-a-Ride to gain a commercial licence.

This process would cost thousands of pounds per person and mean that services that currently provide a lifeline to thousands of people in the region would have to be scaled back or could fold altogether.

Councillor Motley presented a letter the committee had drafted which she said should be sent to the Department for Transport.

"There's real concern that if the Department for Transport decides that community transport groups have got to conform with legislation then this is going to put a lot of them out of business," she said.

"It's important we understand how important community transport is in filling in services.

"It's proposed that we respond as a county to the consultation that is going on.

"It's terribly important for our community."

Council leader Peter Nutting agreed with Councillor Motley's proposals.

He said: "I think it's appropriate that we do respond."

Councillor Roger Evans, asked to endorse the response and said he would put his signature to it.

"Rural areas will be affected greatly if this is adopted. We want to contact all our MPs to ensure they are aware of it," he added.

Councillor Lezley Picton said this was not just an issue that affects Shropshire.

She added: "It's another example of cracking a nut with a sledge hammer.

"I've already spoken to Shrewsbury MP Daniel Kawczynski's office about it."

The Department of Transport is carrying out a consultation to determine whether new licences should be brought in for drivers of community buses.

Due to the rurality of the county, community bus services offer a much needed link to the outside world for people cannot use public transport and would otherwise become isolated.

Since the DfT launched the consultation, community bus operators have been in talks with Shropshire Council to find a way they can still offer their services.