From Pam Newby, Exeter 383654, May 16,2008

Brampford Speke Primary School is the latest to sign up for a walking bus.

Through the School Travel Plan process, pupils and parents identified that they could help reduce vehicle congestion near the school gates by walking the last leg of their journeys.

Initially nine pupils will take the five minute walk along an off-road route overlooking the Exe Valley from St Peter's Church to the school gates every Thursday morning. It is hoped the walking bus will operate more frequently in future if sufficient parent volunteers and pupils come forward.

Head Teacher Stephen Powley, said: "The Church has agreed that we may use their parking area to contribute to greater safety near the school gates.  Thanks go to them and the parent volunteers who have helped to make this walking bus possible.

"The next goal in our School Travel Plan is the introduction of cycle training which has been made possible by Devon County Council meeting our travel plan request for a 20mph speed limit in the vicinity of the school."

Councillor Margaret Rogers, Devon County Council Executive Member for Environment, said: "This is a fine example of a community working together to try to improve safety on school journeys.  It is hoped that in future other walking bus drop off points can be agreed in the village to extend the service. If a reduction in vehicle congestion near the school entrance is achieved, it will benefit everyone, including those who walk and cycle to school."

Councillor Derek Button, Devon County Councillor for Broadclyst and Whimple, said: "I am really pleased to have another walking bus in my division. It will help provided safer access to school and less congestion at busy times of the day."

Notes for Editors:

The Walking Bus will meet at 8.35am on Thursday, May 22 outside St Peter's Church in Brampford Speke and media representatives are invited.

For more information contact:

Cllr Margaret Rogers on 01297 680384

Headteacher Stephen Powley on 01392 841414 

Devon County Council Road Safety Officer Marion Deacock, on 01392 385275.