Stop. Swap. GO! encourages parents and young people to get to school using active and sustainable travel this September

Parents and children across Essex are being asked to think about how they get to school in September and visit the Stop.Swap.GO! website to start to plan their journey.  This is particularly important because for many families their journey will be different – or they might want to choose another way of making it.

Stop.Swap.GO! is supporting students and their parents to get to school in September by providing an information service that encourages walking, scooting and cycling to school across Essex and helps young people know what to do if they travel by bus.

As schools return and bus capacity is limited due to social distancing requirements, many families will find their school journey is different.  Or they might choose another more active way to make it.

A new, dedicated ‘Getting to school’ page on the Stop.Swap.GO! website  is now live to help families develop a sustainable and active travel option for the school run. It includes maps and information on cycle and walking routes to schools in Essex, as well as suggested drop off zones away from the school gate to reduce congestion.  These are being developed for schools in our most congested areas – and schools are being asked for their own suggestions so you’ll see more added.

It also contains all the up to date information for travel to school by bus and travel to school for young people who receive education transport provided by Essex County Council.  It’s important parents and young people understand the new requirements on face coverings and social distancing.

Getting to School support will be promoted on Stop.Swap.GO! Facebook, Instagram and Twitter social media channels.

The Getting to School initiative will also include a competition to incentivise sustainable travel to school, launching late August.

Stop.Swap.GO! is a campaign led by Essex County Council, aiming to increase sustainable travel in the county.  The aim of the campaign is to make it easier and more motivating for Essex residents to switch from car to more sustainable travel choices in the future.

The campaign builds upon temporary measures which are installed in town and city centres across Essex to increase space for social distancing and encourages walking and cycling. For more information and tips on how to get the most out of walking and cycling visit the website.