Walking bus aims to improve school road safety

Head teacher Amie Norcliffe says more and more families are asking to join the scheme

A school in Warwickshire is trialling a "walking bus" scheme to help make the school run safer and more enjoyable.

Pupils and teachers at Lillington Nursery and Primary School in Leamington Spa have been taking part in the initiative as part of a bid to slow down and reduce traffic outside the school gates.

The latest Department for Transport figures show 534 primary school aged children were injured on West Midlands roads in 2023.

The figure was a 10% rise in child casualties on the previous year, and the region has one the highest rates in the country.

The walking bus scheme in Leamington Spa has been taking place for a number of months and there are multiple pick-up points along the short route near the school.

Teachers said they planned to continue the scheme once a week until at least the end of term.

Head teacher Amie Norcliffe said over the months, more and more families had asked to join.

"That's what we're hoping now, that we can build on it. The more we do it regularly each week, the more children will join," she said.

'Feel safer'

The scheme is backed by the road safety charity Brake, which wants to see 20mph limits on roads around schools.

"We try to build those safety mechanisms for the children themselves, but as a parent I think it's ultimately our responsibility to make sure that our children are being safe," said teacher Charlie Pegg.

The walking bus is popular with children as well.

"I enjoy it with my friends because we get to walk to school together every morning," Annabel said.

Meanwhile Jenson told BBC Midlands Today: "I think it's safer when I walk with my friends."

Ms Norcliffe said staff had spoken with the children about the benefits of the scheme relating to safety and reducing traffic on the road. There were also mental health benefits, she said.

"The children are really eager, they're always asking us when's the next walking bus."