The West of Scotland Road Safety Forum promotes school travel plans through school travel coordinators, who can offer advice to schools on how to develop a plan. School travel plans bring together a number of important health and safety issues, not only for the children but also for the school and the wider community.

Some of the benefits are:

• Safer conditions for both walking and cycling to school

• Reduction in the number of accidents involving children travelling to and from school

• Reduction in traffic congestion and dangers to children at school entrances

• Practical road safety training for children.

• Establishment of regular exercise and health promotion patterns

• Reduction in noise and pollution levels

Drivers can also help by being aware of children walking and cycling to and from school. They should also be aware that at these times an appropriate speed might be well below the actual speed limit.