Parents fighting plans to scrap subsidised school travel for thousands of children across Hertfordshire are urging residents to have their say before the end of the month.

The proposals would almost double the cost for school bus travel as subsidies provided by Hertfordshire County Council would be scaled back to the legal minimum.

A public consultation is due to finish at the end of January, though many parents fear the decision to axe the service has already been taken.

Mother-of-four Sarah Fitzpatrick attended a public meeting about the proposals at which residents were invited to share their views.

She said: “It wasn't so much a consultation as a 'here are the proposals, they have to be agreed'. It feels as though they are forcing it on us. Saying that, I think there is time to fight this. If every parent writes to their local councillor opposing the move, at least we will have our voices heard.”

The county council currently spends £25million a year on school transport and it is thought the proposals, due to be introduced in 2012, will save between £5million and £6million.

The cuts come as the authority looks to slash £150million from its annual budget by 2015.

Mother-of-six Sheila McHugh claims more parents need to be aware of how the cuts will affect them.

She said: "I am feeling very concerned we are going to lose this transport system. A lot of parents don't seem to be aware it will affect all school transport. The council know the routes they are going to cut and I'm not sure if the consultation will make a difference."

Hertsmere Borough Councillor and father-of-four Simon Patnick (Conservative, Aldenham West) believes the county council has been hasty in its move to scrap travel subsidies.

He said: “Everyone is aware costs will increase but this level beggars belief. Most people would be prepared to see a relevant increase take place but not those that burden parents even more than they already are. Many parents that I have spoken to are saying they will be forced to drive their children to school and surely that defeats the purpose.”

Subsidies for faith school transport would be cut altogether under the plans while the cost of the SaverCard public transport concessionary scheme will rise from £10 for five years to £20 per year.

Stuart Pile, Executive Member for Highways and Transport, said: "Hertfordshire schools and parents are already making an impressive commitment to sustainable school travel. I anticipate that the proposals in our consultation will encourage schools and parents to use their local knowledge to create their own school-run solutions."

Residents have until January 31 to comment on the proposals before a decision is expected in March.

To have your say, visit the Hertfordshire County Council website. Children can also comment by visiting the Channel Mogo website.