All staff and over half the students in Summerhill Primary school in Maghull took part in Car Free Day this week on Monday 22^nd September, leaving the staff car park empty and the pupils cycle shelter full.

On this year’s car free day families and staff were encouraged to use active travel or public transport to get to school, and children who walked, wheeled or cycled to school were given a free breakfast in school.

All staff at Summerhill Primary in Maghull took part, including nursery staff, leaving the staff car park empty. With over half of all the students taking part, the newly repaired and cleaned cycled shelter was full of bikes and scooters used to travel to school.

Car Free Day is held every year around the world to encourage people to experience the streets without cars, with less pollution and safer streets.

Mrs Govan, Headteacher of Summerhill Primary School said:

“We had such a great day, and I’m so pleased to see staff as well as the pupils take part, it was amazing to see the staff car park completely empty! I had a parent with three children at Summerhill who regularly walk and scoot say how much nicer and safer it felt having less cars around the school.”

Pupils who took part reported that they felt safer because it was less busy, liked chatting to their friends and enjoyed the exercise and hearing nature.

Other pupils said:

"I liked it because I could pick conkers up on the way, breathe in the fresh air."

"I think it's good because there is less pollution and it's good for the environment."

Cllr Diane Roscoe, Cabinet Member for Children, Schools and Families said:

“It is great to see the school community get on board with Car Free Day this year. I hope that we might see more pupils and staff arrive without the car in future. There are many benefits to walking, wheeling or cycling on the school run – including a nicer, healthier and safer environment around the school, but also boosting mood and confidence and an increased focus and performance in the classroom.”

Sefton Council is continuing to work with schools to make journeys to school safer and healthier, through implementing school streets and taking a school neighbourhood approach to improving the community around the school to encourage active travel journeys. Read more about the work with schools in Sefton.