WITH?almost two weeks of International Walk to School month left, Hampshire County Council is encouraging drivers to leave the car at home for all, or part of the school run, and to walk the journey instead.

The aim is to help improve air quality around schools.

The campaign, which runs for the whole of October, celebrates the importance of walking to school for health, safety and the environment.

Rob Humby, the county council’s executive member for environment and transport, said: “We can all do our bit to improve local air quality by the way we choose to travel – and we’re keen to encourage everyone to try different options on their daily commute to work and school, and leave the car at home if they can. Not only does it support the environment, and cut down congestion, but it also helps keep you healthy and active.

“Even if it’s not possible to leave the car at home for the entire school run, park and stride sites may be available at schools, and turning off idling engines while waiting can make a positive difference too.”

During October, the authority’s ‘My Journey’ team is encouraging schools to promote walking to parents and pupils, through a variety of events and competitions.

Children in Hampshire are being encouraged to get involved in the ‘Clean Air Basil and Babs selfie competition’, where pupils receive a cutout bird to colour in, and then take pictures on cleaner air routes to school.

Schools can also get involved in do-it-yourself park and strides, where pupils can create their own cleaner air routes to school.

The number of children walking to school in Hampshire over the last 15 years has risen to more than 50 per cent.