American-style yellow school buses could be the answer to improving the county's school transport system, according to a mid Essex MP.

Braintree MP Alan Hurst thinks the buses would make it easier and safer for Essex children to get to school as well as cutting rush-hour traffic.

He will meet representatives from Essex County Council, Braintree Council and bus company First Group at Notley High School on Friday to discuss the issue in depth.

First Group - the UK's biggest bus firm and a major operator in school transport in the States - is currently touring Britain promoting the yellow buses and one will be on show at the meeting.

Mr Hurst said: "It is a very good idea for the children obviously but it is also a good idea for everyone because it is getting cars off the road.

"It makes a colossal difference.

"The idea will go back to the county council and they will discuss it."

But Colin Cranley, principle engineer at Essex County Council, who deals with transport and highways, said the yellow bus system could prove too expensive.

He added: "Would you want school buses or their books? You've got to consider expense.

"We know little about these buses but we are going to listen to what they propose. You've got to have an open mind and any improvement would interest us."

Mr Cranley said the last legislation on school transport - the 1944 Education Act - needed review.

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