Green travel heroes walking to school in Kent have saved carbon dioxide emissions equivalent to more than 10 times the weight of Big Ben.

That’s the conclusion of The Big Green Footprint report on the positive impact of KM Walk to School schemes, which have helped remove a record-breaking 250,871 car journeys from the roads.

More than 40,000 local children and 200 primary schools across Kent, Medway and Bexley use green travel methods everyday which includes walking, cycling, scooting and ‘park and stride’.

This is the fifth occasion Whitstable-based science graduate Malcolm Montgomery has produced the report.

Walk to School supporter Matt Trusty, Kent Regional Chairman of Specasavers, said: “Teaching children about environmental issues is something of great importance. KM Walk to School enables young people to see the benefits of their efforts, as well as teaching them essential road safety skills, promoting a healthier lifestyle, and building a deep-seeded sense of community.”

The report also indicates that KM Walk to School schemes have a positive impact on traffic congestion, noise pollution and global warming.

Simon Dolby, chief executive of the KM Charity Team who organises the schemes, said: “The campaign raises awareness of the serious environmental and health implications of using the car for short journeys and offers practical and fun alternatives.

He added: “I’m delighted with the progress we have made but there is more to do. The Big Green Footprint shows that KM Walk to School can help children, parents and teachers to make a huge difference to the wellbeing of our county.”

The schemes reward children for their efforts; offering fun incentives to keep walking such as stickers, trophies and monthly competitions to win tickets for action-packed days out.

KM Walk to School is led by a partnership of organisations including Kent County Council, Medway Council and the KM Group. The Big Green Footprint report was funded by organisations including Specsavers, Mini Babybel, Leeds Castle, Eurostar, Golding Homes, Orbit South, Whitefriars of Canterbury, Safer Kent, Circle Housing, Maidstone Council, Ashford Borough Council, Bexley Council, Three R’s Teacher Recruitment and Southern Water.

The partnership operates green travel initiatives for schools including parent-led walking buses, Walk on Wednesday (WOW), Active Bug and Green Footsteps.

For more information about KM Walk to School, and to find out how your school can get involved, visit www.kmwalktoschool.co.uk

Download a digital copy of The Big Green Footprint report here.