A WORRIED mother from Brentford is set to challenge the legality of council plans to save cash by forcing disabled schoolchildren to use public transport.

Karen Adams, whose 13-year-old son Zack has autism, claims proposals unveiled this month as part of the Tory-led executive's £50million cost-cutting drive breach government guidelines.

The concerned mum, chair of governors at special school Lindon-Bennett, told a scrutiny panel on Monday that attempts to limit parentsÕ choice of schools would be 'unlawful'.

Hounslow Council wants parents who do not send their disabled kids to the nearest mainstream schools to meet 'all or part of the transport costs'.

But Ms Adams believes the 'flawed blanket policy' contravenes the Government's code of practice which states councils must not restrict parental choice through matters such as transportation.

She told the meeting: "You cannot limit choice and that's exactly what this policy does."

The mum-of-one has contacted the Independent Panel for Special Education Advice (IPSEA) -  a parent-led charity supporting people with children who have special educational needs.

The body has lobbied the Government against blanket policies and in 2005 forced it to issue legal guidance stipulating local authorities must not use such measures.

Ms Adams added: "I have contacted the IPSEA and they say there is little doubt this is a blanket policy. It is therefore unlawful."

As part of the overhaul council consultants KPMG want to introduce a computerised routing system to provide 'a more efficient service' and reduce journey times.

Critics claim the proposals will force disabled children to travel to and from pick-up and drop-off points, and others on to public transport.

Michele Rooney, a scrutiny panel member and parent of a disabled child, hit out at the KPMG savings drive at Monday's meeting. She said: "This is going to send quite a few parents over the edge."

The plans are under public consultation but parents have also branded this process 'flawed' after the council failed to send out the draft policy alongside the consultation paper.

Merle Abbott, head of inclusion in children's services, admitted this was an 'error' and conceded the consultation may now have to be extended beyond the April 18 deadline.

But she told the panel the criticism was not 'a fair and accurate' reflection of the council's policy.

"Each child will be assessed to deem the reasonableness and ability to travel independently or to a pick-up point. We don't expect those with the most profound needs to wait at such points," she added.