“Stuck in a catch-22”: parents drive their children to school because they are concerned about traffic

17 per cent of Welsh parents are put off walking their children to school because of concerns about traffic.The data, released for Living Streets’ Walk to School Week (16-20 May 2022) finds that schools being too far away from home (18%) and cars parked on pavements (17%) are also barriers preventing tens of thousands of children from walking to school.During Living Streets’ Walk to School Week, families are being encouraged to walk to school and enjoy the benefits that come from fewer vehicles on the road.

New polling data released for Living Streets’ Walk to School Week (16-20 May 2022) finds that traffic is one of the biggest barriers to children walking to school, with 17 per cent of parents in Wales naming it as a reason their child doesn’t walk.[1]

With over 460,000 pupils in Wales, it would mean tens of thousands of them are being denied the physical and social health benefits of being more active.

Schools being too far away from home (18%) and cars parked on pavements (17%) were also barriers for Welsh parents.

The latest data suggests just 50 per cent of primary school aged children in Wales[2] walk to school.

Stephen Edwards, Chief Executive, Living Streets said:  

“We’re stuck in a catch-22 where families see driving to school as the safest way to protect their children from traffic.

“Leaving the car at home will reduce chaos and road danger around the school gates. It’s also a great way for children to learn about road safety in a real life setting and build their confidence in managing risk.

“Walk to School Week is an excellent opportunity for families to give walking to school a go and reap the health and social benefits of moving more.”

Living Streets works with schools, local authorities and parent groups to help improve the walk to school.

Stephen Edwards continues:

“We want to enable as well as encourage more families to walk to school. We’re here to help parents who are worried about safety around their child’s school. Car-free zones, 20mph limits and better crossings can all help make the walk to school safer and we’re here to help people campaign for them in their area.”

For more information on Living Streets’ walk to school campaign, visit livingstreets.org.uk/WalkToSchool