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Surrey tops £1m for school travel initiatives

87 Surrey schools that submitted approved Travel Plans in 2005 will share £524,614 to be spent on projects to improve their travel facilities and encourage pupils to walk, cycle or use public transport.

The Department for Education & Skills and DfT award will go direct to schools to make improvements within their grounds. It takes the amount awarded to Surrey schools to more than £1m over the last two years.

Helyn Clack, Surrey County Council's executive member for transportation said: "The high award reflects the tremendous efforts being made by staff, parents and pupils to use sustainable green travel for school journeys. The award will enable many schools to move further forward with their plans."

Schools can choose to spend their awards on a range of capital projects. These include: cycle and scooter storage; new paths for pedestrian or cycle access; improved lighting and drainage; on site waiting areas for pedestrians and wet weather changing facilities; bus turning areas; and gates and guard rails to improve access.

Through the council's Safe Routes to Schools initiative, more than 250 schools have taken part in projects and campaigns to help pupils use sustainable travel. It is hoped that all Surrey schools will have a School Travel Plan in place by 2010.

For more information contact David Sharpington, school travel policy co-ordinator, on 020 8541 9977 or davidsharpington@surreycc.gov.uk