A PILOT project to ease traffic congestion caused by parents taking children to school is proving a success.

Eighty of County Durham's 307 primary and secondary schools are taking part in the trial scheme.

The Safer Routes to School Initiative is also designed to bring health benefits for pupils at participating schools.

It is estimated that one in five journeys on roads at 8.50am are parents making the daily school drop-off, often of a single son or daughter.

More than 40 per cent of children now go to school by car, with much higher figures applying to some schools in County Durham.

But many of the 80 schools that joined the initiative are said to be reaping rewards in the first weeks, with a significant reduction in congestion.

More schools will now be given the chance to take part in the project, under which pupils are encouraged to use alternatives such as cycling and walking.

Chris Tunstall, Durham County Council's environment and technical services director, said: "Everybody is well aware that the school run is creating a problem of congestion around schools.

"It causes a consequent safety hazard to pupils, and a health problem for children who no longer benefit from the exercise gained by walking or cycling.

"By improving the facilities for walking and cycling around schools, this initiative aims to help address this decline and encourage sustainable forms of travel."

Among the solutions tried is a walking bus, where adults supervise children on pre-arranged routes.

More than 50 per cent of the 89 pupils at St Chad's, in Witton Park, near Bishop Auckland, use the scheme and headteacher Catherine Holborn said there had been a traffic reduction.

She said: "With the support of the county council, we have solved the problem. The effect in reducing traffic congestion outside the school has been staggering."

Invitations have been sent to schools not taking part to encourage them to join it. Applications for the scheme should be submitted by the end of January.