The A*STARS Road safety team from Walsall Council have revealed plans for a ‘Go the distance’ campaign, which encourages pupils and parents to walk to school.
Walk to School week, which takes place between 17-21 May, will be promoted in primary and secondary schools this week.
Primary schools will have wall charts detailing the progress of students as they aim to encourage as many pupils as possible to walk, cycle or scoot to school. The campaign will also be promoted in local secondary schools.
Walsall Schools Action Plan
At the end of each year A*STARS schools will be awarded a level according to their achievements and the percentage of pupils using active travel. Participating in Walk to School Week will enable Walsall schools to meet core elements on their action plan, helping towards their overall rating.
Councillor Adrian Andrew, Deputy Leader an Portfolio Holder for Regeneration said:
“I encourage all Walsall children and families to take part in Walk to School week. Every pupil will be given the challenge to travel sustainably into school. They can choose to walk, scoot, cycle or travel by wheelchair or mobility scooter meaning that everyone can participate.
“I know some parents drive their children to school but they can still take part. Parking a little further away and walking to school, even if it’s just for five minutes, will help to reduce congestion and air pollution at the school gates and improves road safety.
“Where it is possible to use active and sustainable travel, let’s do so, keeping the traffic off the streets and making Walsall a much safer place.”