Travel share scheme launched at Bishop Hooper School

Families at Bishop Hooper School are joining together to share the car journey to school. 

The school, which opened on its new site in Ashford Carbonell in 2011, has some pupils who are not eligible for school transport and who live too far away to walk or cycle to school. 

Car sharing is an effective way of reducing the number of cars converging on the school at the start and end of the school day.  It’s also a way for parents to save money and time, whilst helping the community and environment around the school. 

The headteacher and a group of interested parents have been working with Ray Hughes, Shropshire Council’s Travel Shropshire manager, to write a school travel plan which sets targets to reduce levels of car travel on the school journey. 

Caroline Prentice, who is helping promote the scheme amongst parents, said:

“We’ve already got five families interested in the travel share scheme, and there are also other families who already share the journey to school.  Children have come up with ‘I’m a Bishop Hooper car sharer’ designs which are displayed in our car windows, and a letter will to go out to all new school starters to make them aware of the scheme.” 

Simon Jones, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member with responsibility for transport planning, said:

“With increased awareness of climate change and the rising price of fuel, it’s pleasing to see Bishop Hooper families helping each other by sharing lifts, and we wish them every success with their new travel share scheme.” 

Martin Taylor-Smith, Shropshire Councillor for Ludlow South, added:

“Given the catchment area the school covers – not only part of Ludlow but the rural areas south of the town – it is important that pupils have access to affordable transport to this superb new school.  Sharing transport is an excellent idea.”