Driving people to walk.

A project to get children to walk to school in Knowsley has led to a massive fall in the number of cars around the building.

Staff at St Leo’s and Southmead primary in Whiston say traffic fell dramatically at pick up and drop off times in Walk to School week.

More children than ever have made their way on foot with parents or carers.

Walk to School Weeks operate twice a year throughout Knowsley and are part of a national initiative to encourage people to leave their cars at home.

The last initiative in May saw more people taking part than ever before at St Leo’s and Southmead and staff are hoping the October week will be even better.

They feel a walk to school can improve a pupil’s performance during the day and gives parents or carers a chance to talk to them about the day ahead.

There have been a number of fun activities at the school to promote the week, including a chance for the children to come into school with green hair and green faces.

Knowsley’s Walk to School Weeks are supported by the Road Safety and Travel Plan Team and TravelWise Merseyside who give the schools wall charts, stickers and posters to promote the scheme.

The project runs in May and October.