Stuart Andrew recently joined pupils from Rawdon Littlemoor School as they won the Modeshift STARS National School Travel Award at the annual ceremony in Parliament.The school has been recognised for its outstanding achievements in encouraging more people to adopt sustainable travel habits for the journey to school. In doing so, they have managed to reduce the number of pupils travelling by car from 45.9% to 27.4% over the last two years. They have also made great lengths in encouraging cycling to school – in two years, the number of pupils cycling to school has risen from 0 to 42.
The Modeshift STARS scheme is supported by the Department for Transport and is available to every school in England outside of London. Presented by the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Transport, Robert Goodwill, Rawdon Littlemoor were recognised for the work they have done in a difficult area of the city.
Watching the school win the national award, which was accepted by two pupils, Meryl Frazer and Winnie Offland, Stuart said:
“The school is located on the busy A65 into Leeds City Centre and is on the main route to Leeds Bradford Airport. The school faces real challenges in developing sustainable transport schemes, but thanks to the determination of the pupils and teachers, they have rightfully been recognised with a national award for their efforts. I know that sustainability is important in all aspects of school life, so I am so pleased that Rawdon Littlemoor is taking a lead on this important issue, and representing our constituency on the national stage.”
