Sustainable modes of travel strategy
We have a statutory duty under the Education and Inspections Act 2006 to promote sustainable travel to school, in particular the promotion of sustainable travel and transport modes on the journey to, from, and between schools and other institutions.
The strategy is a statement of our overall vision, objectives and work programme for improving accessibility to schools.
Our vision is to encourage parents and children to choose more active, healthier and environmentally friendly ways of travelling to school, as an alternative to driving.
Key objectives
Our key objectives are:
- to contribute towards the immediate and long-term health and well-being of children and young people through active travel
- to reduce road traffic, ease congestion and reduce carbon emissions, especially on routes to schools through active travel and the use of public transport and car sharing
- to allocate resources, where these are available, that create, sustain and maintain a transport infrastructure that is conducive to active, healthy, safe and environmentally friendly ways of travelling to school
- to use travel planning to create a culture of active and sustainable travel among children and parents that has a long term impact on future travel choices
Working with schools, parents, pupils and partnership agencies we will encourage more active modes of travel by promoting walking, cycling and scooting, public transport and car sharing through activities and initiatives.
Travel Smart programme
Our bi-annual Travel Smart initiative is timed to coincide with the national Walk To School Week held during May and October. Currently 265 primary schools take part with over 43,000 primary-aged children benefiting from this initiative.
Scooter Smart programme
Scooter Smart promotes the safe use of scooters as a key mode of travel to and from school. During the academic school year 2015 to 2016 25 schools and 2,500 primary-aged children have benefited from the programme.
Cycle promotion
Encourage the uptake of cycle training for children and adults.
Promote public transport
Encourage use of the bus and rail network.
Modeshift STARS
Encourage participation in the National Sustainable Travel Accreditation and Recognition for Schools awards scheme which has been established to recognise schools that have demonstrated excellence in supporting cycling, walking and other forms of sustainable travel. For more information please see Modeshift STARS.
The sustainable modes of travel strategy is attached to this page.