This report describes behavioural research commissioned by the Scottish Executive at several primary and secondary schools to find out why parents drive children to school where suitable alternatives exist. Interviews of parents formed a component of the research. Driving children to school is becoming more commonplace as distances travelled to school increase, affluence increases and car ownership increases. Concerns about the bus service, time pressures, the cost of alternative modes of travel, concerns about danger, concerns about the ability of children to cross roads and negotiate congestion, lack of facilities at school (such as lockers, cycle racks and places to dry wet clothes), the bulk or weight of equipment required for school, and peer pressure were cited. Increased traffic flows deter parents from allowing their children to walk or cycle to school. Traffic calming measures around schools, better pedestrian and pedal cycling facilities, education on the benefits of walking or cycling, better bus information, changes in policy on entitlement to use school buses, and a scheme for parents to check that their child has arrived at school are suggested. It is anticipated that there are limitations on the number of parents that could be persuaded to reduce the use of the car for journeys to and from school, in particular parents who deliver their children to school on the way to places of employment.
Samenvatting