Pupils at Newton St Cyres Primary School are finding their own solutions to vehicle congestion at the school gate.

From Monday, February 2, they will walk to a collection point in the Parish Hall car park to get their lifts home instead of being picked up outside the school on the busy A377 main Exeter to Crediton Road.

The school is launching a walking bus scheme to help cut congestion, improve children's pedestrian and road safety skills and to help establish exercise patterns in early life.

The scheme is part of the school's travel plan currently being undertaken by pupils to analyse issues relating to travel to school.

Headteacher Heather Perry said the pupils realised a self-help scheme was the best solution.

'Thanks to the support of a local landowner we are able to use a private footpath running alongside the busy main road so we have a safe route from the school to the Parish Hall car park,' she said.

The walking bus will be run by volunteer parents led by co-ordinator Julia Walters.

'The enthusiasm shown by pupils and parents has been overwhelming," said Mrs Walters. 'We may need three or four walking buses each day as about half the pupils - 50 children - have said they intend to take part.'

Devon County Council's Road Safety Officer for East & Mid Devon commented: 'Regular exercise helps keep children healthy and the walking bus scheme will also provide opportunities to develop their road safety skills under tight supervision. At Newton St Cyres, Walking Bus activities have the potential to resolve many issues associated with parking problems near the school.'

Devon County Councillor David Morrish, Executive Member for Environment, welcomed the initiative: 'This is an excellent example of a school community working together to help their children become healthier and safer. I hope many more schools across Devon will join in the enthusiasm shown at Newton St Cyres and start up their own walking schemes.'

Local County Councillor Michael Lee added: 'This scheme can help to reduce congestion and frustration for those on the school run. Everyone could benefit from the example and actions of these young people.'

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