Schoolchildren should find it easier to walk to school after Southwark Council added 25 new walking maps to its growing collection.
The waterproof maps are displayed outside schools and aim to encourage families to use sustainable modes of transport by highlighting footpaths, zebra crossing and cycle routes.
There were already 27 maps outside schools, a number that has now grown to over 50 with the latest additions.
Pupils and parents at the school are said to be delighted with the new maps. Hal Phillips, who walks with his mum every morning, said: “I like walking to school as a family as it gives us a nice chance to connect.
“We really like doing things like spotting nature. And it’s a quick way of getting to school without using a car.”
His mum, Dominique said: “We get to have a good chat, we enjoy walking through the park. It’s a nice way to start and finish the day.”
Through colour-coding, the maps also show which areas are within ten and fifteen-minutes walking distance from school.
Geovani Goncalves, who cycles the school with his son Leo, said: “We live about a mile from here. We take a route through the park sometimes, which is nice. The maps are helpful as they guide us to the best routes.”
Cllr James McAsh, Cabinet Member for the Climate Emergency, Clean Air and Streets, said: “Through Streets for People we are working to improve the air we breathe in Southwark. We want to encourage more children and families to walk and cycle to and from school so we are investing in making it easier and safer.
“We have 28 School Streets schemes in place across the borough; these timed closures reduce congestion and air pollution outside schools, encouraging parents and pupils to walk, cycle, scoot or use other greener ways to travel. We aim to get at least three new schools signed up each year.”
The council is also improving access around schools, with wider pavements and improved paving benefiting people with prams, pushchairs or wheelchairs.
In addition, 140 new pedestrian crossings have been installed over the last five years to make walking safer, with plans to install around 25 more before April 2024.