With children and young people returning to school and college, you can help ease demand on our road and transport networks by choosing to walk, cycle or scoot to school.
We’re asking students, parents and carers to consider active travel options like walking, cycling or scooting where possible, or to use public transport, and remember to plan journeys ahead of time.
Walking, cycling and scooting are great ways to get around, while keeping active, as children return to school from this week, and it may be quicker than driving during busier times.
By choosing to walk, cycle or scoot to school or work, instead of driving, you can help reduce the pressure on our road and transport networks – as well as improving your health and helping to protect our environment.
Public transport adaptations
If you, or your children, travel to school or college by public bus, you may notice some changes. Please remember to:
- plan ahead – visit traveline.info
- follow safety guidance
- try to avoid busy times
We have been working closely with operators, including Warrington’s Own Buses, to ensure public transport is safe for everyone. Warrington’s Own Buses, for example, have introduced widespread safety measures on their buses to support social distancing, and have increased capacity on some routes to support demand. Find out more about travelling by bus in Warrington on our website, visit the traffic and travel coronavirus page on the council’s website.
If you’re aged 11 and over, you must wear a face covering on public transport to keep yourself and others safe. You should also wear a face covering when using school transport where possible.
Make sure to plan ahead
Plan ahead and always check your travel options in advance, as timetable changes may be in place, so leave a bit more time for your journey. You may also notice an increase in the amount of traffic on the road at peak times, and there may be changes to routes due to some temporary traffic or road restrictions.
Cllr Hans Mundry, cabinet member for highways and transportation, said: “We are committed to ensuring that all students can safely return to school for the new school year. We’re working with schools and colleges to encourage students, parents and carers to use active travel options – walking, cycling or scooting to and from school where possible.
“We have also been working with transport operators to ensure that transport – both school and public – is not a barrier to people accessing education. If students are using school or public transport, they should continue to follow government guidance to travel safely – plan your journey in advance, allow more time to get to school or college, wash or sanitise your hands regularly, and wear a face covering if you’re aged 11 and over.
“If you are unable to walk, cycle, scoot, or use public transport for whatever reason, and are car-sharing with people outside of your household or support bubble, you should share with the same people each time, open the windows for ventilation and wear a face covering if you are aged 11 and over, and are not exempt.”
For more information about the reopening of schools and travel options in Warrington, visit the school’s coronavirus page on the council website.
