Giving up driving to save money?

[Justabottle]

Has anyone decided to give up driving to save money during the cost of living crisis?

Im currently forking out up to £400 per month on my car, including fuel, insurance and tax. I rely on it to get my child to school as they got to a specialist school which is over an hour drive away. I’m also in the ULEZ zone and whilst it’s free for my car now, it won’t be in 2 years. I will not be able to afford another car again.
I’m not entitled to help with travel to school and back, I already enquired about a school bus or travel fee help which aren’t offered.
If I gave up driving I would need to get a bus pass which in the long run will work out slightly cheaper although exhausting as it will take almost 2 hours. The alternative is to change his school which I’m loath to do as he’s so settled there.
I’m on maternity leave and really struggling at the moment so would appreciate hearing from those who made big changes to afford to live. Thank you.

You've said that it would only work out "slightly cheaper" but take you two hours. Presuming you collect as well, that is going to be 4 hours a day. Not counting anywhere else you might ever want to go evenings, weekends or holidays. That can't be worth it.

But I would look at if you can get a better deal on your insurance. £400 is a LOT of money per month.

In your case don't get rid of your car.

If you have school hours free can you deliver leaflets to make it pay?

I've never bothered learning to drive, and when I hear my colleagues talking about the cost of petrol and MOTs I'm glad I didn't. I have purposely chosen a lifestyle that I don't need a car for though - made sure I lived somewhere with great public transport and schools within walking distance. It sounds like you need a car really in your circumstances. I assume moving nearer to school is out of the question?

I downgraded my car a few months ago and am saving £180 ish a month -is this an option for you?

Why isn't your child eligible for transport to school?

She's on maternity pay which presumably means there is a baby to look after!

Sorry, maternity leave

I’m going with the obvious answer that for whatever reason they don’t meet criteria

Well yes, but if the child is in a "specialist school" then the reasons given by the school/LA might be complete fiction and therefore the child may actually be eligible after all! Hence asking for more details.

Giving up driving doesn't sound like a good option. What kind of car do you drive? Could you swap it for a smaller runaround?

I'm also wondering if the reason you can't get help with school transport is fiction from the council.

Have you ever looked up how to save money whilst driving. It's all about driving in the most economically sensible way and can save ££££

https://www.which.co.uk/reviews/new-and-used-cars/article/money-saving-driving-tips-aqs524k9iZ9H?gclid=CjwKCAjwx_eiBhBGEiwA15gLNw6Jy6OF8AVV9qIWOdAl2N5PQaTrF-2a3Ru2zdR-gZr7G59CYgSREhoC8mQQAvD_BwE

It would be madness to give up your car. 2 hours on a bus adds up to 8 hours each day if you are doing the round trip twice each day. Add in a baby and it is a recipe for disaster especially as it is only slightly cheaper.

You make a good point 👍🏻. I tend to go with the assumption that OP has considered the basics like this, but perhaps not

Many many people are told complete unlawful bollocks by their LA about their rights when a child needs specialist provision. And far too many of them believe it (not a criticism, people should be able to trust those paid to help them to be honest and behave lawfully!).

I asked the wrong question though really.

The question should be: what sort of specialist school is your child at, and why?

4 hours a day on a bus with a new baby?
For only slightly cheaper?

Keep the car.

I think if you're not using a car enough to justify its cost then it seems pointless to have one.
However, I don't think that's the case in OP's situation. 2 hours each way to collect a child from school is just too much (for OP and the child and the baby).

I'm assuming moving closer to the school isn't an option? Even if more expensive, it may be cheaper than running a car?

I'd probably consider a downgrade. I've been driving a long time admittedly so my insurance is cheap but monthly my car costs £50 in fuel, zero in tax (annual cost £25) and £20 insurance premiums. I don't have an hour long drive every day hence using less fuel but there should be ways to make significant savings without having the utter disruption of not having a car in your circumstances.

Also SN parent here, your child should be eligible for transport and that is something you need to address again. Extra info on this would be helpful so that people can try and advise.

You need to sort out an alternative to the school run in any case, as you also can't keep driving the baby in the car 4 hours a day, it's not at all right for their development. Agree with pps about your child quite possibly being eligible for paid transport and/or him or you for PIP or similar support, you could post on the SN board to get advice too

Or if you're truly not eligible for travel help I do think you need to change either his school or your housing situation, as this is clearly not sustainable, you can't prioritise the school of the eldest over the developmental needs of a young child and the financial stability of the family.