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If you can't go car free - car share
From Adrian Lane, Exeter 383262, September 04, 2008
MOTORISTS are being invited to do their bit to support Devon Car Free Day on 22 September even if they have no option but to drive for their commute.
Carsharedevon.com is asking car drivers to register on its website in a bid to reduce the number of vehicles on the road on Monday 22 September.
Those who sign up between 8 - 22 September may find one or more people to share their journey with and they will also be entered into a free draw to win £100 worth of vouchers of their choice.
The www.carsharedevon.com website is free for anyone to join, and the advanced matching software provides members with details of others who are travelling in the same direction.
This year's Devon Car Free Day is expected to be the biggest ever with Devon County Council, Plymouth City Council and Torbay Council all working in partnership on the event for the first time.
Councillor Margaret Rogers, Devon County Council Executive Member for Environment, said: "It may not be possible for everyone to go without their car on 22nd September so car sharing is another option where people can at least reduce the number of cars on our roads. By joining carsharedevon.com motorists can save themselves money and help do their bit make Devon even greener."
Councillor Kevin Wigens, Plymouth City Council's Cabinet Member for Transport, said: "Car sharing is a great way for regular commuters to cut their costs and help reduce congestion and pollution, as is cycling and travelling by public transport. We are marking Devon Car Free day on the 22nd September with the launch of the Area Wide Travel Plan at Langage. A Langage Links bus, kindly provided by Target Travel, will be on site during lunchtime to provide travel planning advice. The advice will include how to get involved with carsharedevon."
Councillor Chris Lewis, Torbay Council's Cabinet Member for Transport, said: "We fully support Devon Car Free Day. Car sharing is a viable option for those who are unable to leave their cars at home on the 22nd September. Torbay Council is also running an event on Paignton Green on 20th September which we hope people will attend in order to help them choose other modes of travel. They will also be able to get advice on energy saving, waste and other green issues."
Notes for Editors:
Councillor Margaret Rogers, 01297 680384.
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Fact File
- Leader of the Council - Cllr Brian Greenslade
- Chief Executive -- Phil Norrey
- Budget £800 million
- Key investments include:
- Schools £349 million
- Adult and Community Services £164 million
- Environment, Economy and Culture £106 million
- Children and Young People £101 million
- Other important County Council support includes:
- Building programme: £185 million for new schools, roads, care services, libraries and recycling centres
- Political make-up:
- County Council seats: 62
- 33 Liberal Democrat
- 23 Conservative
- 4 Labour
- 2 Independent
- Next County Council elections: May 7, 2009
- Key stats:
- Population: 741,000
- Schools: 365
- Pupils: 96,200
- Children looked after: 584
- Adults helped to live at home: 17,622
- Residential and nursing care: 4,212 adults
- Libraries and Mobile Libraries: 61
- Roads: 12,831 kms (7,973 miles)
- Bridges: 3,500
- Public Rights of Way: 4,960 kms (3,200 miles)
- Streetlights: 71,000
- Illuminated road signs: 10,917
- Recycling Centres: 20
- Recycling rate: 49.21%
Figures may be subject to change