Bradford Council bosses have approved a cost-cutting plan to change how school transport is paid for.

From next year, parents will have to pay for the transport if they choose not to send their child to their nearest school.

But children at faith schools, under-16s with special needs, and those from low-income families will not be affected.

The changes will only affect new pupils starting school from September 2014.

The decision was made by the Council’s executive.

Under the new approach, some parents will be encouraged to drive their children to school, rather than use a free school bus, minibus or taxi.

A mileage rate paid out to such parents is being upped from 40p to 75p in a bid to make the option more attractive.

Councillor Ralph Berry, executive member for children’s services, said he could not deny part of its purpose was to cut costs.