School travel plans

What is a school travel plan?

A school travel plan is a document which sets out a number of practical ways to reduce the number of car trips made to a school, to encourage more walking, cycling and public transport use and to improve safety on the school journey.

The travel plan aims to raise awareness among pupils and parents of the harmful effects of increasing car use on children's health, safety and independence. The travel plan process aims to win "hearts and minds" by raising awareness of the implications of travel choice and the benefits of encouraging more sustainable travel to school. The travel plan can also include proposals for physical improvements and facilities to make the journey feel safer and more pleasant for those on foot or bicycle such as 'Safer Routes to School' or '20 mile per hour school zones'.

Examples of school travel initiatives

• promoting walking, cycling and public transport in the school prospectus and newsletter
• setting up a walking bus
• rewards for walking, cycling and using public transport
• using our walking passport stamp and reward scheme
• taking part in walk to school and cycle to school weeks
• promoting 'park and stride'
• cycle training and permit scheme
• voluntary car lift share scheme.
• walkwise training

Why develop a school travel plan?

By developing a travel plan, a school is demonstrating a commitment to promoting a safer, cleaner and more attractive school environment. The travel plan process provides its pupils with excellent curriculum activities in a wide range of subjects. With their health, safety and environmental messages, School Travel Plans can contribute significantly to other projects such as Sustainable Schools, Healthy Schools, and Eco-Schools. The travel plan can provide eligibility for funding from the Council and possibly other sources towards the cost of some proposals. Funding for primary schools is typically in the region of £5,000 and £10,000 for secondary schools.

How to start your school travel plan

Before starting your school travel plan you should contact the road safety team for advice and support. Please call us on 01752 307730 or email roadsafety@plymouth.gov.uk. We have a template that should be used to complete your school travel plan which can be downloaded from the documents table below.