A MOTHER fears her autistic child will have to be hit by a car before he is allowed on the school bus.

Caroline Austin makes a 40-minute walk to and from Poverest Primary School with son Kieran, seven, and 10-week-old baby Paige every school day.

Kieran is scared of strangers and has no sense of danger so frequently runs into the road.

Ms Austin says this means she has to leave her baby in its pram on the street while she chases after him.

But Bromley Council says Kieran was not allowed free transport to the school in Tillingbourne Green, St Mary Cray, where he attends the autistic unit because he lives too close.

It said his home is 1.73 miles away, instead of the minimum two miles.

Single parent Ms Austin appealed this ruling because she is worried about her children's safety.

She is also puzzled about why distance is an issue when her friend's son Liam is allowed to get the bus.

Liam's family lives in Petersham Drive, which is almost opposite the Austin's house in Petersham Gardens, St Paul's Cray.

But the appeal was rejected so Ms Austin is now going to see whether her ward councillors can help.

Ms Austin said: "The walk to school is awful.

"If he was well enough to walk to and from school, he would not be in a unit.

"I have to chase him and I'm scared someone might take the baby.

"What is it going to take to get this transport for my son? For him to get hit by a car?"

A Bromley Council spokesman said: "Ms Austin has gone through the appeals process.

"The only thing which could cause her case to be reviewed again is if there was another child with special needs or if she moved home."

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