News 06/02/06

Commuter Challenge Is Taking Cars Off The Roads

The equivalent of a half-mile long traffic queue has just been avoided in West Sussex thanks to a commuter challenge issued by the County Council.

Nearly 400 staff working for the Council signed up for the ‘10 per cent Commuter Challenge,’ and now it is about to be extended to teachers and other school employees.

The County Council is hoping many more public and private sector employers will follow the example, and talks have already started with a health trust about developing a scheme for hospital staff.

The Challenge involves employees at County Council offices across West Sussex pledging to use sustainable transport for at least 10 per cent of work related journeys – by car sharing, walking, cycling or using public transport. In return they go into a draw for prizes of shopping vouchers.

A follow-up survey by the Council’s TravelWise team at the end of the first quarter, has shown that if all the cars removed from the roads were parked end to end, the queue would stretch for half a mile.

More than 22,000 single driver miles have been saved, and carbon dioxide emissions have been reduced by almost 7 tonnes – more than 2,000 trees would need to be planted to achieve the same impact.

Lieutenant Colonel Tex Pemberton, West Sussex Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said: “This challenge has been a great success, and has really caught the imagination of our staff.

“The more we can extend schemes like this, the more cars we can take off the roads, particularly at peak times. That will help reduce congestion and pollution.”

The Commuter Challenge will also be making a major contribution to an overall 10 per cent Challenge launched by West Sussex Cabinet Member for the Environment and the Economy, Louise Goldsmith.

Colonel Pemberton said: “We elected members must lead by example and so I too am looking at my diary and public transport services to see how I can contribute further to this 10 per cent challenge set by my Cabinet colleague.”

Residents are being invited to visit an interactive website at www.10percentchallenge.org.uk which lists simple changes in lifestyle that can have significant environmental benefits. The site includes a calculator which instantly shows the benefits that individual pledges will have for the planet.

Leaflets about the challenge are also available from libraries and Help Points.