SCHOOLS in Wiltshire are to receive funding to help them encourage environmentally friendly travel to school.

Sixteen schools across the county are to get cash to tackle problems caused by cars on the school run as part of the council's Travelwise campaign.

William Prendergast, Travel-wise manager, said: "We have been encouraging schools to develop their own travel plans.

"By doing this schools can identify which projects will help them to increase the number of pupils travelling to and from school by using 'greener' forms of transport."

The projects are part of the Taking Action on School Journeys initiative aimed at encouraging pupils and parents to walk, cycle or use public transport to get to school.

Mr Prendergast said: "Ensuring that pupils can travel healthily and safely to Wiltshire's schools is essential, and forms an integral part of county council policy.

"Travel planning is a good way to reduce the impact of car journeys on the environment. It is very encouraging that so many schools are working with the county council to help combat congestion and reduce the number of journeys made by private car."

The initiative is open to all Wiltshire schools and new bids for funding are invited for 2004/5.