The external costs of escorting children.

The author outlines the contribution made to congestion by educational escort trips. Estimates are given for the costs of congestion to industry as a whole and to individual companies. In Greater London education escort trips are estimated to account for 9% of vehicle mileage between 7 and 10 am. Although a reduction in such traffic, as experienced during school holidays, would be welcome, it is suggested that the space would soon be filled by further traffic. An overall reduction in dependence on the car is required. A move towards more cycling, walking and car sharing is seen as a benefit both to the development of children and to economic prosperity.