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Clegg 'very keen' on free bus passes for children in England | |
(about 7 hours later) | |
Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg is "very keen" to introduce free bus travel for all under-16-year-olds in England, the Daily Telegraph has said. | |
The Liberal Democrats have been developing the idea but it is still at an early stage, according to the paper. | |
It could form part of a set of "family friendly" policies, alongside Conservative-backed tax breaks for married couples, the Telegraph added. | |
But the BBC understands ministers have barely begun discussing the idea. | |
"This is an interesting idea but it's far too early to say whether it can be delivered," a senior Lib Dem source told the BBC. | |
The intention is to reduce the risk of children being involved in road accidents and curb the number of cars on the road, bringing environmental benefits. | |
Liberal Democrat Transport Minister Norman Baker had previously told Parliament he was working with the bus companies to try to narrow the disparity between the costs of bus travel for children in different parts of the country. | |
Under-16s and under-18s in full-time education in London have been able to travel on buses without paying for almost 10 years, while some children in other parts of the country benefit from means-tested schemes. | |
Oversight of transport policy is devolved in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. |