Published on:
15
September 2011
Both Clackmannanshire Council and Forth Valley College provide green travel plans for their staff and college students.
The number of parking spaces planning authorities can grant to new developments is restricted by the Scottish Government, to encourage more sustainable travel options. So both the College and the Council have publicised other options to make it easier for people to leave the car at home.
Clackmannanshire Council promotes car sharing, encouraging staff to join TripShareClacks.com to register their journey and find someone travelling similar route to share with. There are also designated parking spaces at the Kilncraigs Council building for car sharers only.
The Council also encourages people to get on their bikes, with pool bikes available for travel between Council offices and secure cycle storage for staff. More widely, the Council has developed the National Cycle Route, so that Clackmannanshire boasts one of the best networks of cycle routes in Scotland, and sponsored the reinstatement of the Stirling-Alloa-Kincardine rail line, bringing a station back to Alloa.
Councillor Eddie Carrick, portfolio holder for sustainability, said: "There's often no need to drive because Clackmannanshire has great walking and cycle routes, as well as regular buses and the train. Green travel not only cuts down on carbon emissions, it also saves money, promotes fitness and cuts congestion on the roads.
"I'm delighted that the College has been so proactive in promoting green travel."
The College's range of green initiatives includes a car share scheme similar to the Councils and a new route planner on their website which promotes all the different options available when travelling to any of their four campuses. Cycle lockers are also available for use and a 'Cycle to Work' scheme has proven popular with staff. In addition, the College is working in partnership with NHS Forth Valley who have offered learners access to their H Bus Routes at child fare rates in a bid to encourage travelling by public transport.
Gail Fertacz, Associate Principal for the College's Alloa Campus said: "We are highly committed to promoting green travel options to our staff and learners across all campuses. Not only do we have a responsibility to consider the impact our activities have on the environment but we also recognise the fact that green travel options can have significant cost and health benefits. Our green travel plan therefore has a strong focus on promoting these benefits to the individual and also making sure staff and learners are equipped with all the information to find the solution that's right for them."
"Of course, some staff and learners will still choose to travel by car as this is the most convenient method of transport for them. With the launch of our new campus in Alloa, we were keen to ensure our staff and learners were parking appropriately from the outset and we issued guidance and maps in regards to permitted parking. Our facilities staff have also been on hand to answer any queries."