More children are taking the bus to school whilst less are being driven. However, statistics from Sustrans revealed that the number of children walking to school is decreasing in Perth and Kinross, Fife and Stirling.
The number of parents “parking and striding” is on the rise. Park and stride is a scheme where parents are encouraged to park away from school and walk the last five or ten minutes.
Commenting Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP Murdo Fraser said:
“Good practice in physical health starts from an early age and it’s important that parents help children make active choices.
“Scotland is facing an obesity epidemic, therefore it is important to encourage children to walk, cycle or skate to school.
“Setting out good practice in diet and exercise from an early age will be crucial in making sure the next generation is healthier than the last.
“The Scottish Government has an important role to play and must do more to encourage better health in schools. I strongly believe that there are still too few hours of PE and too little competitive sport in schools in Perth and Kinross, Fife and Stirling.”