DEPARTMENT FOR
TRANSPORT News Release (009) issued by The Government News Network
on 24 January 2008
The popularity of
car sharing was highlighted by new research unveiled today by
Transport Minister Rosie Winterton.
A survey - the first ever undertaken by the Department into
levels of car sharing - showed that:
* 61% of those surveyed had taken part in some form of car
sharing in the past month
* 28% said the lift took place at least once a week
* 25% of those receiving a lift said the last journey was for
work/business related
* 1% of respondents said they were a member of a formal lift
sharing scheme run by their employer or other organisation.
Transport Minister Rosie Winterton said:
"Car sharing helps reduce congestion, tackle pollution and
carbon emissions and importantly, cut the costs of travelling.
While this research shows that informal car sharing is popular, it
highlights that formal schemes run by employers are still in a
small minority.
"I encourage employers to consider whether introducing a car
sharing scheme for their organisation could help them reduce their
carbon footprint and provide quicker, more convenient journeys for staff."
The Department for Transport started the National Business Travel
Network (NBTN) in 2007 as part of the ACT ON CO2 campaign. NBTN
promotes the take up of workplace travel plans among businesses,
which can include car sharing. The Network has around 250 members,
including the CBI, the British Chambers of Commerce.
Notes to Editors
1. The research 'Public Experiences of Car Sharing' can
be found on the DfT website: http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/statistics/datatablespublications/trsnstatsatt/pubexofcarsharing
2. The Department for Transport has published guidance for
employers considering implementing a workplace travel plan,
including car sharing schemes. 'The Essential Guide to Travel
Planning' can be found within the 'Environment &
efficiency' section at Business Link: http://www.businesslink.gov.uk
3. The Department for Transport's ACT ON CO2 campaign was
first launched in March 2007 and is aimed at giving the consumers
and business useful information on how to reduce their individual
carbon emissions. The brand was developed by the Department for
Transport and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
4. Employers interested in further information on the National
Business Travel Network should see http://www.nbtn.org.uk/
Public Enquiries: 020 7944 8300
Department for Transport
Website: http://www.dft.gov.uk