Get on Board with Safe School Travel Message

A number of videos have been produced to encourage families in South Tyneside to ditch the car and take more active options to travel to and from school.

With funding secured from central government, South Tyneside Council commissioned the Give Yourself a Lift videos in a bid to urge more young people to walk, cycle or take the bus to school.

The set of four videos feature three children who have to find alternative ways of getting to school when their mother's car fails to start.

The videos, which will be promoted in schools and on social media, highlight the benefits that sustainable travel has on young people.

Walking or cycling to and from school is not only good exercise, it also boosts mental health and provides opportunities for socialising. Teachers find that students who cycle to school are more relaxed, alert and ready to start the day than those who travel by car.

Councillor Adam Ellison, Lead Member for Children, Young People and Families, said: "Almost one quarter of peak time traffic is made up of cars on the school run.

"While I understand many parents think they are doing the right thing, children are actually far more likely to be involved in an accident when in a car than when walking."

The videos also highlight the air pollution and damage to the environment caused by the school run. With the average drive to school and back releasing 800g of CO2 - enough to inflate more than 60 balloons - the videos also support the Council's priority of investing in the natural environment.

Councillor Ellison added: "Walking, cycling or getting the bus is not only good for our young people, it is also kinder for the planet.

"Supporting families is one of our priorities and we believe these videos will help parents make informed choices about the way their children get to and from school."

The videos can be viewed at www.youtube.com/SouthTynesideCouncil