More children are making ‘green journeys’ to school in Medway than any other area in Kent.
Over the past academic year, Medway has seen 30,829 fewer cars on the roads – the biggest reduction in the county.
The decrease in car journeys comes as a result of schools participating in a number of travel initiatives run by the council .
During last term, more than 82,000 green journeys have been undertaken in Medway – that’s any mode of transport that helps to reduce pollution, including car sharing.
The council’s Safer Journeys Team invited all schools in Medway to participate in the ‘Walk 2 Count Challenge’ during National Walk to School Week in May.
Nearly 14,500 green journeys were made over the campaign week and more than 5,300 car journeys were saved according to data from participating schools in Medway.
The council, in partnership with the KM Charity Team, has encouraged schools and community groups to start up walking buses, of which there are now 47 routes across Medway.
And more than 800 children in Medway are opting to travel to school in this way.
Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Frontline Services Cllr Phil Filmer said: “The figures are very pleasing and shows drivers in Medway are really making an effort to cut down on the amount they drive.
“It is great that so many children are now on board with walking buses – this active transport improves pupils’ heath, benefits the environment and reduces traffic on the roads.
“I’d like to urge everyone to keep up the good work and let’s make sure we stay top in Kent.”
While schools are asked to encourage active transport all year round, the council will be pushing two new initiatives during Walk to School Month in October.
Two new challenges, the Hedgehog Hike for primary schools and the Social Netwalk for secondary, are currently being planned.
The challenges will run for the entire month and encourage schools to compete for the highest percentage of walks.
Mike in Medway 
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