Walking to school

Why your child's school asks children to walk there

Hounslow Council is working in partnership with the Borough's of Kingston, Richmond and Merton on this project.

We are trying to tackle the problems of traffic congestion around schools and the air pollution caused by traffic.

We believe that children will be fitter and healthier if they have this exercise, and that walking to school will give them the chance to learn how to use roads more safely as pedestrians.

Dangers to your child

We suggest that young children walk to school with an adult. Although we recognise parents’ fears about abduction by strangers, we believe that the dangers to children from traffic are far greater.

If you drive to work anyway

If you need to take your car, we suggest that you park a short distance from the school and walk the rest of the way with your child.

'Walk to School Week' explained

The schools choose a week during the summer term for walking to school.
The children receive a sticker to put on a special card for each day they walk to school. Small prizes are awarded at the end of the week, and there is also the opportunity to take part in a calendar competition. The winning entries are used to make a calendar, which is sent out to all schools in the four boroughs.
Many schools hold extra assemblies with a visit from the project mascot – Debra the Zebra - and do extra road safety work during this week.

Taking part in the project if your school is doing it

'Walk to School Week' is not compulsory, although we hope that as many people as possible will make the effort to do so – and perhaps feel some of the benefits of walking to school.

Contact us:

Road Safety Education Team
Environmental Safety Section
Street Management & Public Protection Department
Civic Centre
Lampton Road
Hounslow
Middlesex
TW3 4DN

Tel :020 8583 5036
Fax: 020 8583 5044
E-mail: roadsafetyeducation@hounslow.gov.uk

Reception: Ground floor reception desk, Street Management & Public Protection Department, Civic Centre