Trouble on the buses could lead to the introduction of student photo ID cards and the banning of students from boarding buses at a York school.

Steven Briddon and his father, Leslie, wait for the school bus in Huntington Road, York

Picture by Garry Atkinson

Potentially "dangerous situations" - including the attempted removal of emergency hammers - have arisen on at least two services from Joseph Rowntree School in New Earswick and senior staff are asking parents for permission to go ahead with the pilot scheme.

The idea will mean that drivers - mainly on the 19a and 19c routes - can ensure trouble-makers are pinpointed and their actions reported back to school and parents.

But one parent, Leslie Briddon, thinks the scheme would affect the right of his 11-year-old son, Steven, to freely use public transport anonymously.

Mr Briddon, of Huntington Road, York, said: "I think it's a civil liberties infringement. It immediately puts my son in a bad light because he can't go on a bus without an ID card. It marks him out as a trouble-maker.

"I don't think the idea should go ahead, even as a pilot scheme."

He had spoken to some other parents who objected to the idea and thought a petition against it may be started.

But the bus operator First York, and the school's deputy head, Dr David Selby, believe the ID cards could stamp out rowdiness and trouble on the circular routes which take in Haxby, Wigginton and Monks Cross.

Brian Asquith, managing director of First York, said: "It's very difficult for the drivers whose main concern is the safety of passengers.

"Recent incidents have detracted from that, including children throwing things, foul language and the attempted removal of emergency hammers.

"We came up with the ID card idea and hope it will work."

Dr Selby said: "One bus in particular has had younger children who have been lively and rowdy and for ordinary passengers it can be a pain.

"The people in charge of the buses have to be safe and maintain control of the children and when some are asked for their names some say 'Joe Bloggs' or whatever.

"The photo cards would enable drivers to tie faces to the names of students and the school and parents can deal with them and ensure the journey is pleasant for all."

In his letter to parents, Dr Selby says cards would be retained for a while if trouble-makers are caught and, "this would mean that the student would not be able to use the bus for that time".

Pupils using these services do not currently have bus passes of any kind.

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