Sustainable Transport

Getting Around

Getting around by car is more difficult these days. As a consequence there’s more congestion, more pollution and a higher risk to public health. Traffic jams and noise are a constant source of distraction for the millions of visitors who come to enjoy the region’s incredible landscape and culture.

Vehicular exhaust gases are a serious threat to health and the environment. Carbon monoxide, and particulates are harmful to the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. Nitrogen oxides are also toxic and contribute to photochemical smog and acid rain which is gradually eating away at the region’s historic architecture. Carbon dioxide is a principle greenhouse gas, of which more than 16% in the UK is estimated to come from motor vehicles.

If the region is to maintain its reputation for culture, heritage and vibrant atmosphere, the tourism industry must play its part in sustaining a clean and healthy environment. Encouraging staff and visitors to use public transport is not a second-best option, it’s a first class choice.

tracking transport

The tourism industry has an important role to play and much to gain by supporting public transport.

Looking after your staff

What incentives can you provide for your staff to encourage them to leave the car at home? Here’s a few ideas:

• Investigate the availability and frequency of public transport to the workplace
• Set up a vehicle share system between staff
• Offer incentives such as mileage allowance
• Set up the company’s own free minibus service or car pool system

Encourage them to get on their bikes by providing:

• save, secure parking for bicycles under cover
• shower, washing and locker facilities
• if you provide a mileage allowance for the car, why not offer it for a bicycle
• interest-free bicycle loans

 

Most companies need their own vehicles for transporting goods and senior personnel. Have you considered reducing emissions by, for example, using cars with smaller engines fitting catalytic converters or using lead-free petrol? There are a number of vehicle makers who design for recyclability thereby reducing environmental impacts of vehicles form cradle-to-grave.

Visitors to the area may not be familiar with the local geography. Getting around can be tedious: one way streets, roadworks, congestion and a lack of parking places can all add to the frustration. Buses, trains and trams offer a much less stressful way of seeing the attractions of Cumbria.

But visitors and guests need to be informed about what’s available. Reception is usually the first point of contact for visitors and members of staff are best placed to provide advice and information about the local transport network. Provide visitors with route maps and timetables and explain the following:

• where the bus, tram and train stations are located
• where they go, how often they run and when they return
• telephone contact numbers for taxis and public transport information

Some visitors prefer to get around under their own steam so why not offer them free bicycles and route maps showing all the cycle lanes to their destinations.

Useful Links:

Cumbria Community Transport
Another way in which public transport problems in rural areas can be overcome is through Community Minibus sharing schemes. These schemes enable groups and organisations within the community to have accessible and affordable vehicles, which can be either on a self-drive basis or with a driver supplied.
The sharing scheme is only open to non-profit making groups or organisations and they must be involved in one or more of the following activities:

Social welfare
Education
Religion
Recreation
Other activities to benefit the community
www.cumbriact.org.uk
Registered Charity Number: 1089378

TRANSPORT DIRECT
This is a fabulous easy to use journey planner which allows you to search up to date information using public transport giving you timetable information, pricing etc. You can then plan your journey and compare your CO2 emmissions on various options of transport.
For businesses with a website, this can also be downloaded to your site using your own postcode as your destination
transport direct website

VCA Car Fuel Data
A website of the Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA), on New Car Fuel Consumption and Exhaust Emissions Figures - The purpose of the site is twofold:

• To help buyers of new cars to reduce the impact of their vehicle on the environment and;
• Identify the vehicle excise duty and/or the relevant Company Car tax percentage
  bracket, based on their CO2 level.

 

Sustrans
Sustrans is the UK's leading sustainable transport charity. Our vision is a world in which people can choose to travel in ways that benefit their health and the environment. Every day we are working on practical, innovative ways of dealing with the transport challenges that affect us all.