Travel plan launched by Wolverhampton City Council
Released: 12 March 2007
Wolverhampton City Council has launched its Travel Plan, which sets out its commitment to tackling congestion in the city, promoting sustainable transport, and increasing the travel options for staff.
Deputy Leader, Councillor Peter Bilson, said: “Through the planning process and Company TravelWise initiative we encourage other organisations in Wolverhampton to implement their own Travel Plans - and by launching our Travel Plan we aim to lead by example.
“We have already invested in a wide range of transport initiatives including cycle mileage rates, pool bikes, discounted annual travel cards and our own Car Share database.
“To be successful, the Travel Plan will need the support of staff who I would encourage to become involved in the new travel initiatives which we will be promoting through our Travel Plan”, he added.
The Plan complements the Wolverhampton Partnership’s Sustainability Charter particularly by reducing dependence on the car and providing high quality and attractive alternatives. It is also crucial to the efforts the city council is making to improve air quality to support the City’s Air Quality Action Plan.
The following objectives have provided the framework for the development of the Travel Plan for the City Council:
- To promote the economic vitality of the city centre
- To better manage the authority’s transport requirements
- To reduce the impact of the authority on the local environment by:
- Promoting and facilitating wider travel choices
- Reducing the need to travel
- Encouraging travel by more sustainable modes for the journey to / from work and business travel
- Supporting initiatives that seek to improve the health of staff and local communities
- To lead by example and demonstrate commitment to Travel Plans and Sustainable Transport issues generally
Chief Executive, Richard Carr, said: “This Travel Plan seeks to improve the range of transport options available to city council staff in travelling to work and going about their official business.
“It is part of our commitment to do what we can to minimise the impact of our travel related activities on the environment, to ease congestion and enhance both the economy of the city and the health of its population.
“These are some of the key challenges we face in promoting Wolverhampton as a great place to live, work and do business.
“The Travel Plan is also integral part of the Council’s commitment to encouraging a healthier workforce, although we accept that some individuals are limited in the choices they are able to make and that their needs and interests have to be taken into account as part of our commitment to equal opportunities”, he added..
Issued by the press office.