Sefton Council is working with Sustrans and local pupils on schemes to make school journeys safer, healthier and more enjoyable.
Sefton School Streets is a programme to identify where closing roads around schools to motorised traffic during school drop-off and pick up times can improve safety. This and other measures can also make these journeys healthier and more enjoyable.
One example of the great work is at All Saints Catholic Primary in Bootle where a year-6 pupil-led task force worked to identify ways to reduce congestion and pollution outside their school.
One of the results is that parents and carers can now use the car park at nearby Bootle Leisure Centre free at school drop-off and pick-up times (8.10am – 8.45am and 2.40pm – 3.20pm). There is plenty of room, it is a 10-minute walk from the school and removes the need to drive there.
Councillor Diane Roscoe, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Children, Schools and Families, said:
“It’s great to see the Council working with Sustrans and local young people to make these simple changes which can make travelling to and from school safe, healthier, less polluting and a more enjoyable overall experience.
“And the good news is we have worked with eight schools for the Sefton School Streets scheme, with plans to engage with more.”
Identifying where it may be appropriate to introduce the closure of roads surrounding a school to motorised traffic during school drop-off and pick up times is key element of the Sefton School Streets programme. This is known as a School Street.
Where a School Street isn’t feasible, other initiatives are implemented.
Councillor Paulette Lappin, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Economy and Skills, said:
“Babies and young people breathe in up to 60% more air pollution on the school run by being closer to the ground so active travel schemes like Sefton School Streets are vital, for health and wellbeing, as well as for tackling climate change.
“Next Week is National Walk to School Week and I am delighted that this year we have made it easier and more enjoyable for parents, carers and pupils to do just that. And by next year, thanks to Sefton School Streets, more young people and their families will be benefiting.”
Working with schools, parents and communities we are continuing to make journeys to school safer, healthier and enjoyable.”
Walking to school has many benefits, from improving physical health, helping pupils feel more energised and able to focus in class, encourages autonomy and independence in older children, and encourages social interaction in the community.
Walk to School Week takes place from Monday 19th to Friday 23rd May 2025. Organised by Living Streets it aims to promote active travel to school.
Details of Sefton School Streets and other active school travel schemes can be found at https://www.sefton.gov.uk/ActiveTravelSchools
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