Over the last decade there has been a steady increase in the number of children driven to and from school by car. This is now creating significant increases in traffic congestion, parking problems, air pollution, and road safety concerns during the daily school run.

To tackle these problems the Government has launched the ‘Travelling to School Initiative’ with the aim of introducing a sustainable travel plan for every school by 2010.

To achieve this target, every school that develops a travel plan will receive a Government grant to fund the sustainable transport measures identified within it. Every Primary school will receive a grant of £3,750 plus £5 per pupil and every secondary school will be awarded £5,000 plus £5 per pupil.

Waltham Forest Council’s Travel Plan Advisors will assist each school in developing their own site specific travel plan to ensure the school is eligible for the travel plan grant to support sustainable travel initiatives during their daily school run.

What is a school travel plan (STP)?

A STP is a package of practical measures designed to reduce car dependency for the daily journey to and from school by encouraging children, parents and staff to walk, cycle, take public transport or car share where feasible.

An STP has three main purposes:

  • To ease traffic congestion around the school gates by reducing the number of vehicle trips made to the school site by both parents and staff.
  • To increase the number of staff, pupils, and parents walking, cycling, taking public transport and car sharing for their journey to and from school.
  • To educate and raise awareness of the environmental and health benefits of choosing a sustainable travel alternative to the car.
  • The benefits of introducing a STP include:
  • A reduction in traffic congestion and parking problems outside your school during peak times
  • The school will be eligible for Government’s ‘Travelling to School Initiative’ grants. Up to £5,000 for a Primary school and £10,000 for a Secondary schools (dependent on number of pupils).
  • The establishment of safer walking and cycling routes and the development of personal road safety skills
  • Improved health and fitness through walking and cycling, reducing risks of sedentary illness and obesity
  • Educating on healthier, sustainable travel alternatives and the benefit to the local environment
  • Generating good publicity and strengthening the School’s relationship with the local community
  • Financial savings for staff and parents from reduced transport costs as well as reduced journey times during the school run
  • An opportunity for children to socialise on journey to school and arrived alert

Suggested school travel plan initiatives

  • Walking initiatives, walking bus, walk to school weeks, school car free day
  • Cycling initiatives, cycle training, cycle storage, cycle maintenance.
  • Road safety education, pedestrian & cycle training.
  • Public transport promotion, more school buses, travel information: maps and timetables.
  • Car sharing, parents sharing journeys.
  • Other, 20mph zones, safer crossings outside schools and along school routes, no parking outside school entrances.

For information contact Safiah Ishfaq, School Travel Plan Advisor on 0208 496 6782, or email safiah.ishfaq@walthamforest.gov.uk.