School Transport Consultation – Checkbar to Portlethen Academy

What you told us

Between 16 February and 3 April 2026, we asked for your views on a proposal to withdraw discretionary home-to-school transport on the Checkbar to Portlethen Academy route.

We would like to thank everyone who took the time to share their feedback through the online survey, public meeting, and wider engagement activity. The strength and detail of responses provided valuable insight into how the route is experienced in practice and the potential impacts of any change.

There was significant engagement with the consultation, with 116 responses received through the online survey, alongside feedback gathered through a public meeting and Place and Wellbeing Assessment.

A clear majority of respondents did not support the proposal, with over 92% expressing opposition.

Across all engagement activity, several consistent themes were identified.

Concerns were raised regarding the safety and suitability of the walking route, particularly the requirement to cross complex junctions and roundabouts connected to the A90/A92. Respondents also highlighted issues such as traffic volumes, perceived speed of vehicles, limited lighting in winter months, and the overall experience of navigating the route on a daily basis.

The consultation evidence also highlighted the practical challenges for families, particularly the expectation that pupils would need to be accompanied by a responsible adult. Many respondents advised that this would not be feasible due to work patterns or caring responsibilities.

There was clear evidence of strong reliance on the existing service, with many households currently using the transport and a large proportion indicating they would seek to use it in future.

Respondents also identified that removal of the service would be likely to result in increased reliance on private cars, with associated concerns around congestion, parking and safety around Portlethen Academy.

What we're doing

We have carefully considered all feedback alongside the Walk Route Safety Review and the Place and Wellbeing Assessment.

We recognise the strength of feeling expressed through the consultation, particularly in relation to safety and the day-to-day experience of the route. This feedback has been an important part of the decision making process.

However, decisions on school transport must also be considered within the statutory and policy framework. The Checkbar to Portlethen Academy route is below the statutory walking distance of 3 miles for secondary pupils, and the existing Walk Route Safety Review concluded that the route is suitable for accompanied travel in line with national guidance.

In response to the issues raised through the consultation, a further targeted assessment of the uncontrolled slip road crossings on this route was undertaken by Road Safety Engineers in May 2026.

This review found that:

• There have been no recorded injury collisions at these crossing points over both a 5 year and extended 10 year period
• There are sufficient gaps in traffic to allow safe crossing movements at these locations
• Vehicle speeds at the crossings are within expected levels for the road environment and below the posted speed limit
• The existing infrastructure, including visibility, lighting, and crossing layout, meets relevant design and safety criteria

Importantly, the review concluded that the crossings are operating as intended and no additional engineering measures are required beyond routine maintenance, such as vegetation management and ongoing upkeep.

Taking all of this into account, and recognising the need for consistency in how school transport policy is applied across Aberdeenshire, a decision has been taken to proceed with the withdrawal of discretionary school transport on this route.

What happens next

We recognise that this change will have a significant impact for some households, and work is now focused on supporting the transition.

Before implementation, we will:

• Complete all maintenance and safety actions identified through the Walk Route Safety Review, including improvements to visibility, barriers and route condition
• Develop a clear transition plan for families, including route information and guidance on key crossing points
• Work with partners to explore public transport capacity and alternative travel options where feasible
• Support Portlethen Academy to promote road safety awareness and update the School Travel Plan

We will also monitor the impact of this change following implementation, including any effects on congestion, safety concerns or school attendance, and will keep the position under review.