Council in greener travel plan
Archived press release
Date Published: 07/08/09
Aylesbury Vale District Council’s 600 employees are being encouraged to take a more environmentally-friendly approach to their travel to work.
The council has developed a workplace travel plan which encourages staff to walk or cycle to work, use public transport or reduce single occupancy car journeys.
The far-sighted plan, which was adopted by cabinet members on 4 August, forms part of the action being taken by the council to change the way it operates in order to tackle the causes and consequences of climate change in Aylesbury Vale.
AVDC is proposing a number of key initiatives for the plan including:
• Offering staff guaranteed rides home in an emergency to encourage car sharing
• Providing discounted bus tickets with Aylesbury Vale’s main bus operator
• Changing the mileage allowance policy so that lower emission ranges lead to higher mileage allowances
• Improving accessibility to the council’s cycle loan scheme
• Encouraging staff to work from home where appropriate and possible
The introduction of the workplace travel plan follows the council’s signing of the Nottingham Declaration on Climate Change and its publication of a new carbon management plan, setting out a wide range of actions to help reduce its carbon emissions. AVDC has set itself a tough target of cutting its CO2 emissions by 22 per cent over the next five years.
The council has already taken significant steps towards reducing car journeys made by its staff. Measures include bicycle loans for staff, discounts on train travel and the installation of showering and changing facilities in most council buildings.
“We are committed to reducing the impact the council’s activities have on the environment,” said Councillor Sir Beville Stanier, Cabinet Member for Environment and Health. “It is only right we look at our travel practices to and from work, as well as at work, and minimise the impact we have on traffic congestion and air quality. It will take time to deliver change but developing the workplace travel plan is a step in the right direction.”
For more information about how climate change is being tackled in Aylesbury Vale, visit the council’s website at www.aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk/environment or call 01296 585112.