Students encouraged to go 'greener'

Tuesday 13 May 2014

Students got the 'green carpet' treatment as they arrived at Le Rocquier School this week - the start of a two week campaign to help cut school travel congestion.

There was a fanfare for all those who had walked, cycled or taken the bus to school and was the first of seven ‘surprise’ events being organised at the Island’s secondary schools by the Environment department’s Travel Team, who hope to encourage more green travellers.

The students could also get top marks for their efforts. They’ll get three points for walking and cycling, two points for taking the bus and one point for sharing a lift to school.

Those who clock up the most points in the ten-day Minutes in Motion challenge could win a prize – either one month’s unlimited bus travel, a shoe shop voucher or some new bike gear. There is also some extra school house points up for grabs.

Primary schoolchildren who get to school every day during the fortnight in an environmentally friendly way will get to create a green travel superhero who might even come to life and pay them a visit!

Transport Minister Deputy Kevin Lewis said: “Green Travel Fortnight is a great way to help schools raise awareness and focus attention on school traffic congestion which is a significant issue.

“During school holidays rush hour traffic on our roads drops by about 15 per cent. As part of the Sustainable Transport Policy, my department is actively trying to address the congestion problem with the introduction of school travel plans to relieve traffic at school gates at drop-off and pick-up times.

“We have so far helped 28 schools to complete their own individual School Travel Plans and a further eight schools’ plans are in development.”

Environment Minister Deputy Rob Duhamel said: “We very much hope that all schools, their pupils and families will take part in the campaign to promote greener, safer, and healthier journeys.”

Green Travel Fortnight runs until Friday 23 May.