Students in Shropshire could be forced to pay an extra £120 each year to travel by public transport to college under new proposals.

Shropshire Council is proposing to increase the amount that students over 16 pay towards the cost of using public transport from the current rate of £330 to £420, with an additional annual £30 administrative charge for processing applications also due to be introduced.

The charge would cover processing applications and ticket production.

The council says the move is necessary to bring its charges in line with other councils across the country, as its prices are currently among the lowest nationally.

Councillor Cecilia Motley, council cabinet member for education and skills, said: “We were among the country’s unitary authorities that spent the most on home to school transport in 2009/10 and have some of the lowest charges for our discretionary schemes.

“We absolutely appreciate the challenges of getting teenagers to college, and are doing everything we can to encourage youngsters to learn.

“But we have to look at the best use of our resources as we review everything we do in the light of Government spending reductions. These proposals will only affect a small percentage of students, and even if the increases are implemented the charges will still be on a par or cheaper than many other areas.

“Students are being contacted about the proposals, so I would urge parents and carers to check whether the changes may affect them – and have their say.”

The council said the change should not affect vulnerable groups, including pupils or students with statements of special educational needs and families in receipt of certain benefits.

A spokesman for the council added discussions are taking place with bus companies in Shropshire about allowing students to use their passes on any services.

A consultation will run until January 31. Comments can be sent to Andy Evans at Passenger Transport, Shirehall, Abbey Foregate, Shrewsbury SY2 6ND or e-mail andy.evans@shropshire.gov.uk