'Safer Routes to London Schools' Launches in Haringey and Hackney

Two schools in Haringey and Hackney were putting safety first in February as they signed up for a scheme to improve student safety on journeys to and from school. 

The Safer Routes to School SAFEMark scheme was launched at Park View Academy in Haringey and Cardinal Pole Roman Catholic School in Hackney as a direct result of an initiative from Home Office Minister Hazel Blears, Chair of the London Youth Crime Management Board. 

The Minister asked what more could be done to ensure the safe passage of children to and from school.  As a direct result the Government Office for London set up and funded the Safer Routes project, providing £20,000 from the Crime and Drugs Division funding programmes.

The SAFEmark scheme was first successful in South Yorkshire and promotes co-operation between the schools, bus operators and police.  It is designed to help young people feel safer whilst travelling, and if a student is unfortunate enough to become a victim they will be able to report it immediately.  

John Waterman, Transport & Street Crime Reduction Advisor at the Government Office for London, said

"London transport systems are safe, but students can sometimes become victims of crime and other types of anti-social behaviour such as bullying when travelling to or from their school. The Safer Routes initiative offers reassurance to students, school staff and a police officer available at bus stops, wardens who can travel on some services, and safer travel education packages."

David Brown, Passenger Services Director at South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive, believes the SAFEMark scheme has plenty to offer schools to improve safety and tackle anti-social behaviour. He said:

"We have been working closely with many partners including the police, bus operators and schools to make the journey to school a safer one. In Sheffield dozens of schools have signed up to the scheme, and it's great to have schools in London joining in too."