SCHOOL transport will only have space for around 13 per cent of qualifying children if existing social distancing rules are applied, officials say.

Pupils are due to return to classrooms on August 11, around five months after schools closed because of coronavirus restrictions.

But Scottish Borders Council (SBC) says existing buses will not have enough space to fit all qualifying pupils, if the vehicles need to ensure occupants are two metres apart.

SBC chief executive Tracey Logan said: “Unfortunately, despite exploring various models, it is clear that we simply will not be able to provide school transport for all eligible pupils, even where pupils are not in school every day of the week.”

The council says almost 3,000 children travel on school transport every day.

But officials say vehicles would only have space for around 400 children if the two-metre social distancing rule is applied to the existing fleet.

Parents are being urged to complete a survey so the council can work out “the best plan possible”.

Ms Logan said: “One of the key issues we are facing with the return of pupils to schools on 11 August is how we transport almost 3,000 pupils with a significantly reduced capacity.

“Unfortunately, despite exploring various models, it is clear that we simply will not be able to provide school transport for all eligible pupils, even where pupils are not in school every day of the week.

“Therefore, to help us develop the best plan possible, we are asking parents whose children normally use school transport, or will from August, to complete a short online survey which explores various options, including more pupils walking or cycling to school, or parents transporting their children themselves.

“We know that these options will not be available to everyone due to individual circumstances, but it is vital that we explore these now to understand where parents are able to play their part in getting pupils back to school.”

The online survey, available until June 28, can be accessed here.

Parents and carers can view more information here.