SCHOOLS are gearing up to promote safer routes to school which are less reliant on the car.

Pupils in High Wycombe will join forces with teachers, parents and the community to make journeys to schools safer and to consider different modes of transport.

This year's Safer Routes to School project kicks off at a meeting at Downley School, School Close, High Wycombe.

The public meeting, on February 1, will give parents, teachers, governors and any other interested parties the chance to understand why the school has been earmarked for the project and what it is all about.

Buckinghamshire county councillor, Rodney Royston, explained the project had proved a big success when it was held at Hamilton Primary School, Priory Road, High Wycombe.

Cllr Royston, cabinet member for planning and transportation, added: "I would encourage anyone in the local community with an interest to come along and give support for this new project in High Wycombe to help improve safety for everyone."

Safer Routes to School is part of a programme the council is using to improve road safety. About 20 per cent of pupils use buses and less than two per cent cycle.