Schoolchildren 'must have' scooter pods have arrived in Weston

Every school wants the lastest 'must have' scooterpods.

The new plastic toadstool coloured racks are designed to provide a convenient, secure and fun way to store scooters

Primary schools at Ashcombe, Weston-super-Mare, Banwell, Locking and Yatton have already fitted the pods to encourage more pupils to scoot to and from school.

It allows the scooters to be left at school all day with minimal disruption.

The pods normally sell at £350 but are being offered for £280 thanks to a bulk order scheme initiated by North Somerset Council.

Although not a formally recognised mode of travel to school, scooting is recorded in the annual travel school census.

With the emphasis on keeping fit and healthy walking to school with parents it is seen to help young legs cover longer journeys.

It also encourages the car to be left at home therefore minimising congestion at the school gates.

Executive member with responsibility for schools Jeremy Blatchford said scooting was a fun, healthy and convenient way to get to and from school.

The Nailsea councillor added: "By offering a pod at school, pupils can leave their scooters safely and parents don't have to take them away with them.

"Not using the car also relieves parking pressure at the school gate, provides gentle exercise and helps the environment. It really is an all round winner.

"We would encourage as may schools as possible to sign up for the scooterpod offer which provides excellent value for money."

For more information about the scooterpods contact transport planning officer Kevin Speakman on 01934 426240 or email kevin.speakman@n-somerset.gov.uk.