Successful green travel scheme by Nottinghamshire County Council's returns for second year

A green travel scheme set up by the county council has returned for a second year as it aims to inspire walking and public transport in and around Nottinghamshire.

Following a £845,000 cash boost from the Department of Transport, the two-year project hopes to encourage residents, businesses and jobseekers to explore other ways of travelling amid ongoing climate concerns.

Last year more than 4,500 residents in Hawtonville, Newark, were offered free travel advice on their doorsteps through the county council’s Travel Choice scheme to also raise awareness and improve air quality, access to employment, congestion and promote healthier lifestyles.

Of the 950 households that accepted the offer of travel information last year, 65% said what they received was useful in helping them to consider their travel options. And 32% said they changed the way they travelled as a result of the scheme, with more residents walking, cycling and driving less.

Next month, the Travel Choice team will return to Newark supporting a further 4,500 houses in New Balderton, Balderton and the Lincoln Road Estates to explore their travel options.

"We know that many residents are already making sustainable transport choices and are also improving their fitness by walking or cycling," said communities and place committee boss, councillor John Cottee. "I hope this free travel advice will motivate even more people to explore their travel options and make some small changes like leaving their car at home for short journeys, car sharing or giving public transport a go."

He added: "The county council has a long-term plan to help promote sustainable transport and improve air quality. Encouraging more people to consider walking, cycling and catching the bus is a key part of this plan."

Now, postcards are being delivered to homes letting residents know that a travel advisor will visit in early July over a period of three to four weeks. Households will be given the choice to opt-out.

Following conversations with the residents, the Travel Choice team will send a free, personalised ‘travel pack’ full of local transport information and maps showing local walks, cycle routes and public transport offers.

It will also work with students and jobseekers to support them into employment and further education by informing them of travel options, apprenticeships or further education by informing them of various travel options.

Local businesses are also getting involved with the chance for their employees to get advice, cycle training, wellbeing checks and cycle maintenance to encourage healthy and sustainable ways to commute to work.

A similar scheme is being rolled out in Mansfield next month.

For more information on the project or for help planning a journey, visit: www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/travelchoice or contact the Travel Choice team travelchoice@nottscc.gov.uk