The government has published new guidance that will improve journeys to schools around the country.
Published by Active Travel England and the Department for Transport, the guidance will outlined how councils can deliver successful school street schemes that work for pupils and staff, as well as local businesses and residents. By only allowing traffic with permits outside school gates during pick-up and drop-off times, school streets make it safer for children and families to walk, wheel or cycle to and from schools.
Some of the benefits that this move will bring to communities include:
- Improved physical and mental health
- Reduced cases of dangerous driving, parking and turning outside schools
- More children staying active by using active travel to get to school
- More opportunities for social interactions on the way to school
- Reduced carbon emissions around schools
There are currently hundreds of School Streets across the country, with more than 180 of these being funded by the government’s Active Travel Fund.
Chris Boardman, National Active Travel Commissioner, unveiled the guidance with the audience at COP29 in Baku:
“The majority of kids have told us they want to walk, wheel, scoot and cycle to school – it’s what they want, and it’s what we want for them. It is vital that we give them the opportunity to bookend their day in the classroom with fresh air and exercise, helping them build healthy travel habits for life.
“Through our new School Streets guidance, we will be able to better design activity into our neighbourhoods and help make life happier and healthier for future generations, all while reducing congestion on the roads during school run times for residents and businesses – it’s win-win for everyone.”
The guidance is built upon research and evidence from the Road Safety Trust that shows how the schemes increase active travel, with more than 85% of people in England wanting to support more active travel.
Local Transport Minister Simon Lightwood added:
“It’s crucial that children are able to enjoy the physical and mental health benefits that come with walking, cycling or scooting to schools.
“Today’s new School Streets guidance will help embed active travel at the heart of our neighbourhoods, so that children, parents, and local residents can all benefit from cleaner air, less congestion, and healthier journeys to school.”
Image credit: iStock
