Car sharing on the increase

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A SURVEY carried out among commuters in Warrington has shown that 55 per cent of them would now consider car sharing – an increase of 10 per cent compared with a year ago.
The findings are being seen as evidence that commuters are embracing sustainable travel options, such as car sharing and cycling.
It was carried out by Lingley Mere Management Company – a joint partnership between Muse Developments and United Utilities (UU).
The research – which forms a part of Lingley Mere Business Park’s annual review of its green travel plan – looked into the travel habits of 540 employees on the park.
With only 43 per cent of respondents currently aware of the guaranteed ride home for car sharers, the amount of commuters considering car sharing is set to increase.
Robin Uttley, head of commercial property at UU, said: “Conducting an annual travel survey enables us to identify and measure appropriate sustainable travel options for employees. It’s great to see the number of commuters moving towards green travel options and we’ll be continuing to encourage workers to leave their cars at home.”
In 2014, the business park relaxed parking regulations and developed additional on-site car parking places. However, this did little to alter people’s commitment to sustainable travel, with cycling and walking also proving to be popular options.
In addition, the research showed an increase in activity on Lingley Mere’s travel share database. A rise in usage has been attributed to the option to find a ‘cycle buddy’, as many employees revealed one of the main measures likely to get them cycling would be having someone to cycle with.
Wes Erlam, senior development surveyor at Muse Developments, said: “The business park’s proximity to some of the best transportation links in the area allows us to take the lead in providing sustainable travel alternatives for employees.
“The development of additional parking has done little to change employees’ dedication to sustainable travel, and we expect this commitment to continue as we roll out additional green travel options.”
Lingley Mere actively encourages individuals to adopt more sustainable methods of travel, by continuing to improve on-site facilities for cyclists and providing discounted season tickets for bus and rail transportation.


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Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.

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