HAMPSHIRE County Council is encouraging parents and carers to leave the car at home during Walk to School Week.
The week starts on Monday, May 15, and 94,000 Hampshire pupils from almost 400 schools have already signed up to take part.
A council spokesman said: “The aim is to encourage as many school children and their families to try walking to school, or part of the way, and it’s a great way to start the day.
“Walking can help teach children life-long road safety skills from their parents and carers, such as how to cross roads and be aware of cars and cyclists.
“It can help children be more active and arrive at school more alert, which improves general health and wellbeing, while at the same time easing congestion at the school gates.
“A number of ‘led walks’ to schools will be taking place and all children taking part in Walk to School Week will receive a log book, certificate and stickers.”
Walk to School Week is the initiative of national charity ‘Living Streets’. According to the charity, by walking to school, parents say they find the journey to school less stressful, their petrol bill goes down, their children perform better at school, and both they and their children feel healthier and fitter.
Find out more on the website www.livingstreets.org.uk