Primary schools in Kent and Medway have helped to remove more than 200,000 car journeys from the road by embracing green travel.

The schools are taking part in Walk to School projects such as Walk on Wednesday (WOW) or Active Bug, which are organised by the KM's charity department.

Each week, the schools conduct a ‘hands up’ survey of how many children have used green travel and the information is added to the charity’s database.

The numbers walking in each class are compared to school travel census figures, which revealed that 208,543 car journeys were taken off Kent roads since the start of October 2013.

Simon Dolby, from the KM Charity Team, said: “Thanks to schools taking up these schemes we’re cutting traffic congestion and pollution and dramatically improving safety at the school gates. Families that walk to school get more quality time together and are quite literally taking steps towards a healthier lifestyle.”

He added: “Our award-winning KM Walk to School package includes Green Champions and Road Safety Skill Tests so schools are getting three fantastic schemes for the price of one.”

Supporters of KM Walk to School were invited to a celebration of green travel at Leeds Castle where the final figure of total cars off the road was officially announced.

Schools that sign up for WOW or Active Bug by the last day of term can implement green travel for the next academic year. Visit www.kmwalktoschool.co.uk or call Louise Rogerson on 0844 264 0291 to register.

As well as the KM Group, WOW and Active Bug are Kent County Council and Medway Council-led initiatives, and sponsored by Mini Babybel, Specsavers, Three R’s Teacher Recruitment, Countrystyle Recycling, Golding Homes, Southern Water, Independent Music Productions, Leeds Castle, Ashford Borough Council, Canterbury City Council, Maidstone Borough Council, Thanet District Council, Chaucer Foundation, Eurostar, Orbit South, Jelf Insurance Brokers and Whitefriars shopping area.