Are you reaping the walking to school benefits this week?
As the UK enters “Walk to School Week”, Regtransfers discover the benefits of walking not driving could lead you to savings equal to three years of a Netflix subscription.
Walk to School Week
Walk to School Week aims to highlight the benefits of leaving the car at home. Choosing to walk not only supports physical health but also offers substantial financial savings.
From May 20th to May 24th, schools across the UK will celebrate Walk to School Week, an event organised by Living Streets (The Pedestrians’ Association) that encourages students, parents, and communities to experience the benefits of walking to school, including reduced fuel costs.
In England, the average school commute is about two and a half miles. Despite various transport options, 47% of students currently walk to school, indicating a strong preference for pedestrian travel. However, road safety concerns remain a significant barrier to increasing this number, with many parents advocating for improved traffic conditions to ensure safer walking routes.
For example, a “round trip” of two and a half miles, with the driver returning home after each school drop-off, costs approximately £2.18 per day in fuel (at £1.50 per litre). While the savings during Walk to School Week might seem modest, over an entire school year of at least 190 days, the savings add up significantly. The annual cost of driving for the school run can reach at least £414.20, equivalent to 37 months (three years) of a standard Netflix subscription paid monthly.
By walking to school, families can significantly reduce expenses while promoting a healthier, more active lifestyle. Frequent short car trips can negatively impact a vehicle’s lifespan and increase maintenance costs. Reducing car journeys during the school run can also alleviate local traffic congestion, decrease vehicle emissions, and improve air quality and public health. Walking fosters a sense of community, providing opportunities for social interactions and reducing the likelihood of accidents associated with heavy traffic.
Addressing common concerns about walking to school, Regtransfers CEO Mark Trimbee offers practical advice: “If the walk to school is too long for younger children or simply too far in general, consider driving partway and walking the rest. If you feel pressed for time in the morning, try starting your day a little earlier. And if you’re worried about road safety, remember that if more people walk to school, roads will naturally become less congested. This Walk to School Week, let’s not ask ‘Why should we?’ but rather ‘What’s stopping us?’”
About Regtransfers
Regtransfers, the UK’s leading private number plate supplier, has over four decades of industry expertise. Established in 1982 by Tony Brown, they are officially registered with the DVLA and offer an extensive selection of over 50 million personalised registration plates.
