Deadline for car free challenge entries draws near
Secondary schools have only until the end of next week to register for the West Midlands Car Free Challenge.
The challenge is for groups of students to find innovative ways of reducing the number of cars travelling to school. The deadline for the initial applications is Friday 29th January 2010.
The most innovative and successful school in Warwickshire will win £100 for their school and a chance to win the top prize of £500 for the best school campaign in the West Midlands.
However, despite the benefit to the environment and potential cash prizes, only three schools in Warwickshire have entered.
All shortlisted schools will be invited to attend an event to showcase their efforts at Birmingham’s Think Tank in September where the overall winner will be announced and all schools attending will enjoy free access to the Planetarium.
The challenge highlights alternatives to using the car, while also helping students to become healthier, and making the roads less congested and safer.
With the ever increasing petrol price, walking to school also helps parents save money. And children that walk or cycle to school arrive more alert, ready to learn more and stay fit and healthy.
Cllr Alan Cockburn, Warwickshire County Council’s Portfolio Holder for the Environment, said: “Adults often find it difficult to leave their cars at home because of routines and this is a great opportunity for young people to let us know what they think.
“Young people can help to improve their school environment by reducing the number of cars and this makes it safer and more enjoyable for everyone travelling to school.
“It’s a tough challenge but I’m sure the young people in Warwickshire can meet it.”
The winning school’s ideas will be turned into a new campaign for all secondary schools across the West Midlands.
If a school wants to be part of the Car Free Challenge they need to register by 29th January 2010. Just visit the website: http://www.schooltravelwise.org.uk/carfreechallenge for more details.