A busy bus route has been described as dangerous by parents after their children were forced to sit on their friend’s laps and stand during journeys to school.

Students at Alec Hunter Academy, in Braintree, use the 38A bus, provided by Stephensons of Essex, every morning.

The bus is often full to capacity but the operator says it runs safe numbers, with a maximum of 69 standing.

However headteacher Trevor Lawn has criticised the company and Essex County Council after it cancelled the previous free school service.

Parent Bonita Morris, who has a daughter at the school, said: “Lots of mums have been complaining about it.

“Children have no choice, they have to go on the bus that’s offered. It’s chock-a-block, but they have refused to put a double decker on.

“You can see in the driver’s face they are not happy. That would be on their conscience if something happens, but they don’t want to lose their jobs so what can they do?

“The last kids stand next to the driver. It only has to pull up sharp and they will be through that windscreen.”

The journey from Silver End to Alec Hunter Academy is 15 minutes long and is also used by college students.

Mr Lawn has accused Stephensons of burying its head in the sand and ignoring the problem.

He said: “We are very concerned about the unhelpful responses that we have received from both Essex County Council and Stephensons.

“We went into the summer holidays having received no communication from Essex County Council about the arrangements that would be in place.

“Both organisations seem to be burying their heads in the sand and ignoring the problem, rather than listening to valid customer feedback.

"I remain extremely disappointed by the lack of support from both Essex County Council and Stephensons and I anticipate there will continue to be problems with overcrowding in the mornings.”

Stephensons of Essex says 'safety is top priority'

Bus company Stephensons of Essex has said it cannot find evidence capacity on the buses is insufficient for school passengers.

Since the start of term, the bus operator provides transport for up to 22 entitled students after Essex County Council changed contracts.

Stephensons claims the 15 minute journey from Silver End to Alec Hunter, which sees children standing, is not unsafe because the vehicle is designed to carry them.

Bill Hiron, managing director, said: “The modern high-capacity buses used on the service are certified by the DVSA to carry 38 seated plus 31 standing passengers.

“The safety of passengers is paramount, and our drivers must not exceed the legal capacity of the vehicle.

“However, provided all seats are occupied, and passengers use the space available, capacity appears to be adequate, though fully agree that there will be a large number standing.

“Whilst we fully appreciate the school would prefer every child had a seat, as per the previous contract bus, this is simply not possible at peak times on a local bus service.

“Neither is it simply possi- ble to use a double decker, the service has seven identical buses running continuously throughout the day and sections of the route have low-hanging trees.”