The issue of seat belts on school buses is addressed

The report produced by the University of Ulster found children were worried about the lack of seat belts on buses and did not feel safe going to school.

It recommended stopping three children sitting on a seat meant for two people.

The Northern Ireland Children's Commissioner and Consumer Council called for urgent action to end "hazardous" school journeys.

The comments were made at the launch of the report, "Safer Journeys to School", jointly funded by NICCY, the Department of Regional Development and the Consumer Council for Northern Ireland.

"Children told us their concerns, worries and feelings about travelling each day to and from school," said Children's Commissioner Barney McNeany.

"It is clear that they do not feel safe.

"The report authors believe it is time for a serious review of school transport, including the costs of operating the current system.

"We know there are many examples of good innovative practice out there already that can be adopted quickly across more schools to make immediate safety improvements."

The research has nine key recommendations, including abolishing the so-called "three for two" rule, which means three children can sit in a bus seat designed for two people.

The research also highlighted the concern of many parents and children about the lack of seatbelts on school transport.

Eleanor Gill, Chief Executive of the Consumer Council, said: "We urgently need to sign up to the creation of a safe, secure and enjoyable environment for young people to travel to and from school.

Safer journeys

"Their experiences of public transport today will influence their travel choices tomorrow.

"The debate must move on from the costs and complexities of delivering safer school journeys to the benefits and opportunities to increase use of sustainable transport options in the future including buses, cycling and walking."

Ronnie Wilson from the Department for Regional Development said schools participating in the Safer Routes to Schools Initiative were increasingly choosing to walk, cycle or car share on the school run.

"This generated a reduction in congestion around schools and enabled children and young people improve their general fitness levels and make a contribution to more sustainable travel," he said.