Leave car at home for just one day to help change the world
Published: 09:00, 18 June 2010
Motorists are being urged to swap their cars for an environmentally-friendly mode of transport for just one day.
Swale council is taking part in the Sustrans Change Your World campaign, which aims to get people to forego one trip they would normally make by car and to make it either by foot, bicycle or public transport.
Businessmen who travel the length and breadth of the country can make use of the latest technology and hold an audio conference call.
Those who can't do without their car for just one trip are urged to find someone to share their journey by visiting http://kentcarshare.liftshare.com
New figures show that in 2008/09 Swale council employees clocked-up 329,854 miles on business use and 876,088 miles commuting to work. Councillors travelled 49,610 miles.
This means, in total Swale council was responsible for creating 427 tonnes of CO2.
Executive portfolio holder for the environment and rural affairs Cllr David Simmons said: "While it is obvious that everyone needs to travel, the council is committed to reducing this and making Swale a cleaner, greener place for everyone to enjoy.
"We are very proactive as an authority in addressing issues surrounding climate change and are keen to back this initiative.
"At a time when financial and environmental considerations are central to business planning, the challenge to all of us is whether we do enough to manage the travel that we do.
"We want to lead the way and set the example to residents by asking our staff if every trip is necessary and whether there is more we can do together to bring this figure down."
All participants will be entered in to a draw to win a free family break to Center Parcs and other great prizes.
You can register for the event, which runs until July 4, by visiting http://www.changeyourworld.org.uk
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Gemma Constable