HC Deb 18 November 1997 vol 301 cc137-8W
Mr. Dawson

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what proposals he has to assist the development of safe routes to schools. [14943]

Ms Glenda Jackson

The Government are committed to reducing car dependency, and in particular, the number of children being driven to school. We are supportive of projects which encourage children to walk and cycle in safety and take the bus to school. The DETR is currently funding research in this area. We are also providing capital resources to a number of local authority transport packages which include safer routes to schools projects. The current fundamental review of transport will be examining journeys to school, and considering how the DETR, in conjunction with other Government Departments, should take this forward.