CIVIC leaders are encouraging parents to leave the car at home and consider walking, cycling or even scooting for their children as they head back to the classroom.

BCP Council said half of all schools runs are two miles or less and, with people taking up exercise during lockdown, now was a great chance to consider an alternative method to get to and from schools.

Putting forward the concept of the 'new you' after lockdown, the local authority is keen for residents to continue positive behaviours by highlighting the benefits of active travel and providing support to those journeying back to school or college.

Meanwhile, with many people reliant on public transport, the council is assisting those who travel to school on a bus by providing an extra 28 buses at peak times to add capacity to the network. This will enable social distancing where necessary on busy routes, the council said.

Councillor Sandra Moore, BCP Council portfolio holder for children and families, said: “The health benefits of fresh air and regular exercise are well known. With flexible and home working practices becoming more prevalent, many of you might be able to find time to walk or cycle your children to school and enjoy some quality family time that we simply didn’t have before lockdown.’’

Councillor Andy Hadley, BCP Council portfolio holder for transport and infrastructure, said: “Now is a good time for parents, carers and students to re-think their traditional journeys and maintain some of those positive behaviours that COVID-19 has unintentionally instigated.

“We hope that as life starts to feel more normal you may choose more active ways to get to and from school. It’s good for you, contributes towards a cleaner environment and relieves pressure on the public transport network and will also help alleviate the car congestion we see across the conurbation on the journey to school or college. Importantly active travel can also be fun time spent together for adults and children.’’

The council said it recognised some families who live further afield have no other choice but to use a car. For these residents, the local authority has suggested trying to park and stride, which involves parking further away from school and walking for at least part of their journey. Parking is also restricted at and around many local schools and people are advised to avoid driving to the school gate.