Bexley Schools Cashing In On Green Travel Plans
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Representatives from the schools with approved travel plans, who attended the School Travel Conference.
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The London Borough of Bexley recently held a School Travel Conference (11 September) to celebrate the achievements of schools that have completed travel plans and to encourage and support more to do so.
School travel plans encourage schools to look at how students and staff travel to school and then to come up with measurable ways of reducing car usage. The aim is to reduce traffic congestion and parking outside schools, thereby reducing pollution, increasing physical activity and making the area around schools healthier and more pleasant.
Bexley has 57 schools with travel plans approved by Transport for London (TfL). They are all reaping the benefits both financially and environmentally. Ten have reached TfLs recognised 'bronze' accreditation standard and East Wickham Infant School, Welling has achieved the 'silver' accreditation standard. Another 18 schools started their plans at the conference and they will be coached and supported by the School Travel Advisors throughout the process.
Jeff Laws, Headteacher of Hillsgrove School, Welling said: "The Travel Plan is a great way to get the children thinking about the environment and road safety, as well as improving fitness. I think it is a great opportunity.
"We operate a 'Walk Once A Week' scheme so that parents who do drive, choose at least one day a week when they walk in. It has made a real difference and opened up a number of possibilities. I was surprised and pleased to learn that more than half our pupils already walk to school."
Cllr Val Clark, Chairman of Bexley's Road Safety Consultative Committee said: "School Travel Plans are not just about getting people to walk or cycle to school. We want them to do so safely. We are working with schools that have identified concerns about safety, to provide them with cycle training and road safety education for their students . In some cases we are able to provide extra crossing facilities if they would make journeys to and from school safer and more attractive to pedestrians and cyclists."
In addition to the environmental benefits of less pollution, schools receive a grant once their plan has been approved by Transport for London. For an average primary school this is approximately £5,000.
For an average secondary school it is approximately £10,000. Schools can also gain additional benefits from the Mayor of London's cycling initiative, including the installation of bike sheds as well as helmet storage. This is free of charge to any school promoting cycling in its plan, for students or staff.
For further information on School Travel Plans visit www.bexley.gov.uk/service/roadsafety/schooltravel or call the London Borough of Bexley's school travel advisors on 020 8308 7917.
