The national charity Living Streets is calling on the public to write to election candidates asking them to support policies that will create child-friendly streets. They have designed a door hanger for people to download that will help get the message to candidates and political parties.
We believe that every child has the right to be active, feel safe and breathe clean air.
That’s why in the run up to the General Election on 4 July we are calling for a simple, achievable target: We want 60% of primary school children walking to school in England by 2029.
When we design streets for children, we create places that work better for everyone. More people walking reduces congestion, increases road safety, and improves our health. It’s a win, win for policy makers as they come into leadership this year.
Write to your constituency MP candidates today, calling on them to make the walk to school safer and easier for all.
Please tailor your letter to tell candidates about specific issues in your neighbourhood. The more personal your letter is, the more impact it will have.
Click here to send a message to your candidates
Our four key recommendations to allow more families to walk to school
Targets
The government should increase the walk to school target to 60% and maintain the target for 365 stages walked per person per year, as outlined in Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy 2 (CWIS2).
Road Safety
The government should provide safe routes for children to walk to school, committing to a Vision Zero approach. Slower speeds, improved crossings and an end to pavement parking will make streets safer for all. Investment in both infrastructure and behaviour change initiatives is required to make change happen.
Devolution
National government should empower local authorities to make decisions that create safer, inclusive streets. They should ensure local authorities are properly resourced, have the right skills, and have the right powers to respond to local concerns such as speed, pavement parking and high traffic levels.
Spending
The UK government should allocate 10% of domestic transport expenditure to active travel by the end of the next Parliament.
Source: www.livingstreets.org.uk/get-involved/elections-2024
Let canvassers know you want streets for children
As the General Election approaches, candidates and campaigners from all parties may knock on your door canvassing for your vote. If you want your incoming MP to prioritise safer streets, then this is your chance to let them know using the Living Streets door hanger.
Click on the picture to download a door hanger which you can cut out to let candidates and canvassers know what you want