Parents and carers across Hertfordshire could see changes to home-to-school transport support after new policy amendments were approved by councillors this week.

The changes, which will come into force from September 2026, mainly affect post-16 students aged 16 to 18 with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) who receive travel assistance to schools and colleges.

Under the updated policy, Hertfordshire County Council says Personal Travel Budgets (PTBs) will become the "default offer" for eligible post-16 students, rather than council-arranged transport. PTBs provide families with funding to organise transport themselves, such as driving children to school or arranging alternative travel options.

The council says the move is designed to give families more flexibility and independence while also helping manage rising transport costs and increasing demand for SEND transport services.

Families who are unable to use a PTB will still be able to request council-provided transport following an assessment.

Current PTB payments in Hertfordshire are based on mileage, with families paid 55p per mile for four journeys a day between home and school or college. Additional support is also available for some children receiving higher-rate mobility benefits.

The council said the changes follow consultation work carried out earlier this year with parents, carers and education providers.

A Hertfordshire County Council spokesperson said the authority faces "significant financial pressures" alongside increasing demand for SEND transport services, but stressed that support would remain available for eligible young people.

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The revised policy applies to the 2026/27 academic year onwards. Existing arrangements for children of statutory school age are not changing as part of the amendments.

More information about SEND home-to-school transport and Personal Travel Budgets can be found on the Hertfordshire County Council website.