A SET of new buses which have changed the complexion of the school run in Wilmslow will be officially unveiled on Friday.

Since January, a trio of American style yellow buses have been seen taking children from Wilmslow to All Hallows High School and from Bollington to Tytherington High School.

The four buses - a familiar sight in small town America for many years - have been designed to be at the forefront of safer school travel, with features including three-point seatbelts and CCTV to encourage good behaviour.

It is also hoped that their introduction will cut down on car use by encouraging parents that their child will be safe on the bus.

The vehicles will be officially launched at Tytherington High School in a ceremony attended by Cheshire County Council chairman, Barrie Hardern.

He said: "This launch of the yellow school buses marks the culmination of a great deal of work with local schools regarding our Safer Routes to School scheme and school travel plan objectives.

"It is much more than an investment in newer vehicles - this is a scheme addressing many issues relating to safer school bus travel.

"As well as the obvious safety features of yellow buses, they form part of a strategy to improve the availability, quality and use of school buses in the wider context of safer, more sustainable routes to school.

"For example, all schools involved in the scheme complete travel plans to promote walking, cycling and use of public transport instead of travelling by car."

Other features of the yellow bus scheme include intensive training and refresher courses for all drivers, individual seats for individual students, and high backed seats.

The buses may also be used during the day by other local schools for trips and outings.

It brings the total number of yellow school buses operating in Cheshire to seven, with three currently serving the Northwich and Winsford areas.

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