West Sussex County News
July 21, 2010
Fewer mums and dads are using the car to take their children to school according to the findings of the national school census. Figures show a steady five per cent reduction in car use for school trips over the last four years in West Sussex.
Nearly three quarters (73 per cent) of journeys to and from school are now being made by ‘greener’ travel choices. Half of all children get to school on foot, with 14 per cent using the bus or train. A further five per cent share a car journey while four per cent use a bike to get to lessons.
The shift is thanks to the work West Sussex County Council has carried out with its schools to develop travel plans. Over 95 per cent of schools now have a plan in place to encourage more environmentally friendly ways of getting to and from school.
Schools are a real local hub for many communities and School Travel Plans are specifically designed to help identify travel, safety and access issues that we might encounter on a daily basis. By gaining a better understanding of local accessibility issues, we can work with our communities to help remove the barriers that discourage us from travelling more sustainably.
This approach is an important part of childrens learning and can help to develop independence, confidence, social and road safety skills, as well as an awareness of the impact growing car use can have on our environment including noise and air pollution and congestion.
Some of the ways the County Council is working with schools include:
Safer Routes to School schemes such as cycling and pedestrian improvements and School Safety Zones.
The County Council’s 3in1 card, which gives young people in West Sussex reduced bus fares.
Car Share Schemes.
Walking Buses and Park n’ Stride initiatives.
Walk to School Week events.
Supporting initiatives that seek to improve local air quality through a reduction in car use.
Cycle training (Bikeability) and pedestrian training to help support independence of young people and reduce the likelihood of child casualties.
Working with developers to secure funding to make necessary safety and accessibility improvements for West Sussex residents.
Improving perception of safety around schools by introducing advisory 20mph speed restrictions at drop off and pick up times.
AND the County Council is also grateful for this chance to remind people in the Crawley and Horsham area about what a great day out Buchan Park has to offer.
Events this summer include animal tracking, wildlife walks and kite making.The events guide is out now, with activities for all the family.
For example, you could try your hand at the ancient art of kite marking for National Fly a Kite Day, on Saturday June 12, from 2.30pm to 4.30pm. Look at different designs and make a kite to fly high above Buchan Park. £5 per child – all materials and tools provided.
On Saturday July 24, from 2pm to 4pm, go on safari on the Teddy Bears Tea Party and enjoy pond dipping, treasure hunts, storytelling and games. £3 per child – accompanying adults and teddy bears free.
And go bats on Saturday August 7, from 7.30pm to 10.30pm, with an after dark walk to find bats and learn about these mysterious creatures. £4 per person, or £12 for a group ticket. A donation will be made to the Sussex Bat Hospital.
Taking a trip to Buchan is both a fun and an educational experience – an opportunity to learn more about our beautiful countryside and wildlife in West Sussex.
To find out more about these and many other events coming up at Buchan Country Park, have a look at the events guide online at www.westsussex.gov.uk/buchan, contact Buchan Park on 01293 542088 or e-mail buchan.park@westsussex.gov.uk.
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