More Bucks schools show star quality with their travel plans

A total of 73 schools across the county have now gained accreditation for their school travel plans as part of the national Modeshift STARS scheme.

The Modeshift STARS scheme recognises and rewards schools and other organisations that have shown excellence in supporting sustainable and active travel. Schools can gain awards ranging from Green for entry level work, up to Platinum for outstanding achievement in encouraging families to use more sustainable and active ways to travel to and from school.

Following the latest round of accreditation, 11 schools in Buckinghamshire now have Green awards, 45 have Bronze awards, 8 have Silver awards, 4 have Gold awards and 5 have achieved a Platinum award.

Steven Broadbent, Cabinet Member for Transport said: “This is a fantastic achievement! Well done to all our schools who have put in so much hard work to their school travel planning. The benefits of using more sustainable and active methods for journeying to and from school impact not just on the families taking part in terms of their health and wellbeing, but also on the wider community who will gain from cleaner air and clearer roads.”

Steven added: “The Modeshift STARS scheme also contributes to important lessons about road safety for pupils and wider learning about sustainability and the link to climate change, building awareness from a young age about the small things we can all do to make a difference."

Buckinghamshire Council’s School’s Sustainable Travel team works with all schools across the county to promote sustainable and active travel on school journeys. Steven said: "I know that there are many more schools working hard on encouraging their school community to travel sustainably and I would like to encourage them also to keep up the good work."

For more information visit the website: schooltravelplanning.com