Local
children get ready for Walk to School week
Children at more than 40
local primary schools will be taking to the streets next week to try and
create a greener and cleaner environment
The children will be giving up seats in their parents' cars and walking to school instead as part of Walk to School week from May 19 to 23.
The aim of Walk to School week is to cut traffic congestion and pollution and encourage parents and pupils to abandon the traditional 'school run'.
Wandsworth's cabinet member for regeneration and transport Cllr Kathy Tracey said: "Walk to School Week is just one of the environmental initiatives being promoted as part of the wider 'Don't Choke Wandsworth' campaign, which is now in its ninth year. Last year's walk to school event was the most successful so far."
As much as 20 per cent of car journeys at morning and afternoon peak times is taken up by parents ferrying their children to and from school. Walking provides a healthy and enjoyable alternative, which gives children and parents the chance to talk with friends. It also helps young people develop better road safety skills.
Staff from the council�s dog control unit will also be taking part in the initiative to promote responsible dog ownership. They will be joined by representatives and pets from the Kennel Club and from Battersea Dogs Home, as they visit around a dozen schools during the week.
A second Walk to School week will be held in the autumn between October 6 and 10.
Cllr Tracey commented that all the children she spoke to really enjoyed the experience of walking with their friends and that they said it was very relaxing and they all wanted to do more to protect the environment and cut car use.
She added, "I was very impressed with their attitude and their views left me optimistic for the future. Hopefully this year's campaign will be even more successful in encouraging people to leave their car keys behind when they take their children to school."
For further
information on Don�t Choke Wandsworth events contact Andy Flood in the
transportation section on 020 8871-6674 or email aflood@wandsworth.gov.uk
May 16, 2003