South Ayrshire Council News

Some of the invited guests are pictured at the launch of up&go choose your move

South Ayrshire Council has launched a Sustainable Travel Campaign, ‘up&go choose your move’ to encourage employees to think about leaving their cars at home. The aim is to get more people who work for the Council to walk, cycle, travel by public transport or car share when travelling to and from work.

Officers from the Council’s Sustainable Development team have developed a Travel Plan to encourage Council employees to reduce the number of car journeys they make travelling to and from work and when attending business appointments. It outlines health and financial benefits that can be gained by leaving their car at home.

Speaking after the launch Councillor Peter Convery, the Council’s Portfolio Carrier for Sustainability and the Environment said: “The Council fully appreciates that some employees, due to the distance they travel to and from work, or during their working day, because of additional support needs, or personal circumstances need to bring their car to work. We are asking these employees to think about cutting down on their car usage at the weekends wherever possible, as every little helps. However, many employees live within walking or cycling distance of their work and could improve their physical and mental health by leaving their car at home. Others can easily access public transport, using it can work out cheaper and less stressful than driving.

“Less people using less cars will help the Council to reduce their carbon emissions and assist us to meet our commitment to tackle Climate Change, not just talk about it. Employees and residents will benefit and in cutting our emissions we could all be healthier and happier.”

Employees are being given information to encourage them to walk, cycle, use public transport and car share when travelling to and from work or to work appointments. As not all employees have access to the Internet a small booklet has been produced that contains useful information and space at the back to log miles walked or cycled. The information will also be placed on the Wire (the Council’s internal communications system for employees) so that it can be easily accessed.

With funding from Strathclyde Partnership for Travel, and some sponsorship, employees can benefit from a range of initiatives that tie in with a healthier lifestyle, with the added benefit of making savings in travel costs, these include:

• A reward scheme for those signing up to ‘Walking to Work’ and ‘Cycle to Work’ schemes and achieving particular goals – a one month free class pass to some classes held at the Citadel and free fitness testing.
• A bike workshop at the John Pollock Centre, Ayr - giving free bike checks and minimal cost bike repairs.
• A section of the Council's Intranet site will be developed to provide travel information on walking, cycling, public transport and car sharing. Employees will be able to post their comments, opinions and suggestions for improving cycling facilities.
• Special arrangements for bus and train discount schemes, competitions and savings.
• Installation of bicycle racks and bicycle lockers, initially for the County Buildings and Newton House in Ayr and then at other Council locations.
• Bike clinics, to encourage the maintenance and safety of bicycles.