PUPILS are being encouraged to walk, cycle or use public transport to and from school as part of Hampshire County Council's new Safer Routes to School programme.

Education bosses have set aside £1.5m to implement road safety measures at schools to discourage car use.

About 30 school across the county will benefit from this year's programme.

The council's director of environment Alison Quant said: "The schools on the 2005/2006 programme have completed travel plans to the standard required.

"We aim to work with all schools that are keen to commit to reducing the impact of the school run and promoting walking and cycling as part of a more healthy lifestyle."

Schools taking part in this year's project include: Bursledon Infant and Junior Schools; Thornden School in Chandler's Ford; Shamblehurst Primary School in Hedge End; Toynbee School in Chandler's Ford; Fryern Infant and Junior Schools in Eastleigh; Hiltingbury Infant and Junior Schools in Eastleigh; Freegrounds Infant and Junior Schools in Hedge End; Portchester Community School; Hounsdown School in Totton; and Perins School in Alresford.