OXFORDSHIRE County Council’s consultation on school travel has been extended after it received about 1,700 responses.

The council is consulting on plans to end free school transport to parents who choose to send their children to a school further than three miles away from home when there is another nearby.

An increase in concessionary two-term school bus charges from £164 to £180.40 for pupils who live more than three miles away from their school and do not qualify for free transport is also proposed. County Hall hopes the move will save £340,000 a year.

Children, education and families cabinet member Melinda Tilley said: “We have extended because of the massive response and to allow people who have not yet responded, more time to do so.”

If approved, the changes will be brought in for new starters from September 2014.

The consultation now closes on Monday, July 15, instead of Friday. To have your say, visit myconsultations.oxfordshire.gov.uk