SCHOOLS in Bexley are reaping the rewards for developing more environmentally friendly ways of getting to school.

Currently 57 of Bexley’s 82 schools have a green travel plan approved by Transport for London (TfL) and they have just got together at a conference hosted by Bexley Council.

The travel plans encourage schools to look at how their pupils and staff get to school and then come up with measurable ways of reducing car usage.

Their aim is to lessen traffic congestion and parking problems outside schools which, in turn, will reduce air pollution, increase physical activity and make the areas around school cleaner and healthier.

So far 10 schools have reached a bronze accreditation from TfL and East Wickham Infant School, in Wickham Street, Welling, has achieved silver standard.

Another 18 schools launched their travel plans at the conference and they will be supported and coached through the process by Bexley’s school travel advisers.

In addition to the environmental benefits of a green travel plan, schools also get cash from TfL once their plan is approved.

The average primary school receives a grant of around £5,000, while for the average secondary school it is around £10,000.

Schools can also qualify for extra benefits from London Mayor Boris Johnson’s cycling initiative.

This can provide facilities such as bike sheds and helmet storage free to any school promoting cycling to staff or pupils as part of its travel plan.

Jeff Laws, headteacher at Hillsgrove Primary School, Sidmouth Road, Welling, which has an approved plan, said: “The travel plan is a great way to get children thinking about the environment and road safety, and improving fitness. I think it is a great opportunity.”

He added: “We operate a Walk Once A Week scheme so parents who do drive choose at least one day a week when they walk in.

“It has made a real difference and opened up a number of possibilities. I was pleased to learn more than half our pupils already walk to school.”

Councillor Val Clark, who chairs Bexley’s road safety consultative committee, says Bexley is also working with schools to resolve any safety concerns.

To find out more about green travel plans, go to bexley.gov.uk/service/roadsafety/school travel.html or call Bexley's school travel advisers on 0208 3087917.