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17/09/2003
Plans unveiled to cut school run congestion
New plans to encourage children to get to school by bike, bus or on foot will get £50 million from the government over the next two years.
Twice as many children are driven to school as 20 years ago and most journeys are less than two miles, said Education Secretary Charles Clarke. Increased car use also leads to a lack of daily exercise and a growing proportion of children who are overweight, he added. It is hoped that the measures will cut congestion and help children to get more exercise.
Transport Secretary Alistair Darling said: "At 10-to-nine in the morning around one-in-five cars on the road is on the school run and we are all aware of the extra congestion this causes in the rush hour peak."
The action plan unveiled today asks schools and councils in England to work together to: develop school travel plans; improve road safety skills, particularly at primary schools; promote positive behaviour by pupils during their journeys; and provide better facilities like cycle storage.
The government funding will provide £5,000 for a typical primary school and £10,000 for a secondary school to help them upgrade travel facilities. It will also provide £7.5 million annually for at least two years to fund more advisers who can help schools prepare travel plans.
"This is about ideas and encouragement - not prescription," said Mr Clarke.
(gmcg)
Twice as many children are driven to school as 20 years ago and most journeys are less than two miles, said Education Secretary Charles Clarke. Increased car use also leads to a lack of daily exercise and a growing proportion of children who are overweight, he added. It is hoped that the measures will cut congestion and help children to get more exercise.
Transport Secretary Alistair Darling said: "At 10-to-nine in the morning around one-in-five cars on the road is on the school run and we are all aware of the extra congestion this causes in the rush hour peak."
The action plan unveiled today asks schools and councils in England to work together to: develop school travel plans; improve road safety skills, particularly at primary schools; promote positive behaviour by pupils during their journeys; and provide better facilities like cycle storage.
The government funding will provide £5,000 for a typical primary school and £10,000 for a secondary school to help them upgrade travel facilities. It will also provide £7.5 million annually for at least two years to fund more advisers who can help schools prepare travel plans.
"This is about ideas and encouragement - not prescription," said Mr Clarke.
(gmcg)
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