This paper examines the TravelSmart School Travel Planning Pilot project’s attempt to change travel behaviour through School Travel Planning. By adopting a multifaceted approach, School Travel Planning attempts to address concerns relating to health, congestion, safety and the environment, through locally devised and implemented initiatives. An underlying ‘hands on’ philosophy which involves school staff and students working with parents, members of the wider community, and local government leads to customised Travel Plans that are responsive to the specific needs of the local area. This paper begins by providing the context in which School Travel Planning began, and highlights the necessity for a mode shift in school travel. It then outlines the TravelSmart methodology for the School Travel Planning Pilot. Perceptions of the school journey are discussed in relation to survey results as well as focus group feedback. Real or perceived barriers are identified and an overall strategy developed which combines initiatives which address the specific school situation. (a) For the covering entry of this conference, please see ITRD abstract no. E213716.
Abstract