Children from Brindley Heath Primary School, Kinver, who have just launched a walking bus scheme as part of their travel plan

One million milestone for school's green travel plans

Staffordshire's schools have hit the million pounds jackpot thanks to their commitment to cutting congestion around the school-gates.

176 schools county-wide have received a share of the Government funding over the last three years after they submitted School Travel Plans designed to reduce congestion and pollution as well as offering parents an alternative to taking kids to and from school in the car.

A fantastic 49 travel plans were submitted in March alone, which between them brought in just under £300,000, taking the total received since grants became available in 2003, to more than £1 million. Staffordshire County Council has also spent around £80,000 on additional work to improve road safety around schools including dropping kerbs at crossing points and signage.

School Travel Plans were introduced as part of the Department of Transport ( DFT) and Department for Education and Skills (DfES) 'Travelling to School: An Action Plan' and encourage schools to produce action plans for improving children's safety on the school journey and cutting the number of car trips made to the school.

The funding received has paid for a whole range of improvements to the school journey including covered waiting areas, cycle storage units, new or improved entrances, car park barriers and CCTV systems.

Cabinet Member for Development Services County Councillor John Wakefield said: "The School Travel Team are thrilled that more than four in ten schools within Staffordshire have between them brought in over a million pounds through the School Travel Plan process. The commitment and enthusiasm shown by all the schools involves means the county's kids are going to have a much safer journey to school."

Cabinet Member for Children and Lifelong Learning County Councillor Robert Simpson said: "As a result of all the schools hard work not only will Staffordshire's children have a safer journey to school, but through the encouragement of walking and cycling they will also be healthier, have increased independence and also play a part in the reduction of congestion and pollution around the school gate."

Grants for School Travel Plans are available until March 2008 and maintained primary schools can attract £3750 + £5 per pupil and £5,000 + £5 per pupil for maintained secondary and high schools. Schools that have not yet started their plans are being encouraged to contact the School Travel Team at Staffordshire County Council for guidance on 01785 854036 or 01785 276513.

Page Last Modified: 30/01/2007 16:05:13

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