Langstone schools see a reduction in traffic outside school gates thanks to council scheme

Langstone Infant and Junior schools are the latest to complete Portsmouth City Council's Pompey Monster Walk to School Challenge.

Nearly 500 pupils celebrated completing the seven-week challenge in a final assembly on 20 March, when Pompey Monster mascot 'Stomper' made a special visit.

Mrs Jane Bush, headteacher of Langstone Junior School, said. "I have certainly noticed a reduction in traffic outside the school gates since the scheme started and there has been an increase in awareness amongst our children. Some have shown further interest in road safety and have volunteered to become junior road safety officers. They will now work alongside our school council to encourage parents and pupils to continue walking to school."

For the past seven weeks children walked to school as many times as they could, to keep their school gates clear of cars and improve fitness. Those who live a distance from the school and were driven by their parents, parked nearby and 'stomped' part of the way. If they walked three times or more in a week they were rewarded with a special road-safety themed monster key ring, with one to collect each week including 'Neon' - the Pompey Monster who promotes being seen during the hours of darkness.

Year five pupil Rebecca Brooks, age 10, collected all seven key rings and said. "Collecting the key rings made me walk to school more than I used to. I hope to carry on walking as it only takes me 10 minutes."

Councillor Hannah Hockaday, the council's Cabinet Member for Education, said. "The road-safety inspired key rings are a vital part of this scheme, the children love them and work hard to collect all seven. I was thrilled with how many Langstone infant and junior school children took part and am pleased that the schools noticed a change in behaviour during the challenge."