A councillor has slammed a decision to raise the cost of bus passes for children by 33 per cent.

North Watford Labour cllr Asif Khan voted against the increase at Hertfordshire County Council Transport Panel held in Hertford last night (Wednesday, November 1).

SaverCards, used by 11-18 year-old children to get half-fares on bus journeys in Hertfordshire, will rise by £5 from September 2018 at the start of the new academic year.

The passes will cost £20 a year when ordering online or £25 when ordering by paper.

Cllr Khan said: "I voted against this unnecessary increase for what is, after all, a small piece of plastic. It is unfair.

“Families are struggling with their budgets and this is yet another burden for hard-pressed parents.

“Children should be encouraged to take the bus not have to pay more to do so."

Hertfordshire County Council has been contacted for a comment.