Howdenburn moves ahead with School Travel Plan
Tuesday, May 30 2006
Howdenburn Primary School in Jedburgh has started a School Travel Plan project.
The Plan aims to:
* Improve safety for all on journeys to and from school.
* Develop and implement safe and healthy strategies for Howdenburn School.
* Encourage active travel, where possible, such as walking, cycling or 'park and stride'.
* Improve the local environment by reducing pollution, fuel consumption, congestion and parking hazards.
* Raise awareness about the Travel Plan and involve the local community in it.
The school safety team, which meets regularly to develop the project, consists of the Headteacher, parents, pupils, teachers, the Lothian & Borders Police Road Safety Officer and the local Community Officer, local residents, a representative from Munro's of Jedburgh Ltd and Scottish Borders Council's School Travel Co-ordinator. The team is also supported by Councillor Sandy Scott, SBC member for Jedburgh and District East, and the local Community Council.
Parents at Howdenburn were surveyed in March this year to establish how children now travel to and from school. Fifty-six per cent of parents responded to the survey. It found that 65% of children walk to school, 14% travel by bus and 21% are driven. When asked their preferences, 70% of parents opted for walking, 12% wish to use the car, 3% would let their children cycle to school and 15% opted for the school bus.
Jenny Bagnall, SBC School Travel Co-ordinator, said, "The survey highlights a potential to increase walking and reduce car use at Howdenburn Primary School. This is really positive and the School Safety Team can now take a look at what can be done to encourage a change in travel habits."
The survey also gave parents the opportunity to express their concerns about the journey to school. Top of the list was the congestion outside the school at the end of the day and the difficulties this causes for children trying to cross the road.
To support the travel plan work, pupils at the school will be encouraged to walk to school as part of Howdenburn's Eco-week from 12 - 16 June.
Headteacher Ruth Strathie said, "Although many of our parents and children already walk to school, the surveys show that more would like to. Walking to school during our Eco-week will provide children with the perfect opportunity to make a more active choice and help relieve traffic congestion at the gates."
For more information, please contact Jenny Bagnall, SBC School Travel Co-ordinator, on 01835 824000 ext 5876.
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