Efforts to reduce school-run congestion are gathering momentum.

In May, a record 34,000 pupils from 148 schools in West Sussex took part in Walk to School Week and other events have also been successful.

Now, a new pilot scheme called Go For Gold will form part of Walk to School Week in May 2004, with the aim of crediting young people who commit to walking part or all of the way to class.

West Sussex County Council's Travelwise team hopes to produce stickers or bookmarks to present to children.

Schools involved in the scheme could win prizes for innovative ways of persuading pupils to take part.

Tex Pemberton, West Sussex County Council's highways and transport executive, said: "It is estimated one in five cars on the road at 8.50am on a weekday are involved in the school run and it is a major cause of congestion.

"The council is always looking for innovative ways of persuading people there are very real alternatives to the car and Walk to School Week has become a very popular part of our campaigns.

"I am looking forward to seeing how the Go For Gold initiative develops and hope schools will want to take part in the pilot."

Letters containing details of the project are due to be sent out over the next few weeks together with slips to register for Walk to School 2004.

Schools that want more details can contact the Travelwise department on 01243 777365.