Driving force for change – University's sustainable travel plan rewarded
Posted on 23 November 2012
The University fought off strong competition from finalists York Marriott and H&A to win the Best Sustainable Travel Initiative award.
We are thrilled that our work to promote sustainable modes of travel has been recognised by the local York business community with this award
Fiona Macey
Since 2006, the proportion of staff travelling to campus by car has decreased by seven per cent, with the proportion of students travelling by car reducing from eight per cent in 2010 to 6.6 per cent in 2011.
Fiona Macey, the University’s Travel Plan Coordinator, said: “The University recognises its responsibility in the community and the city of York towards caring for the environment and the living conditions of local people. It also recognises that the University is a successful and growing organisation which both stimulates and depends on travel to and from its Heslington campus.
“Combining these contrasting and complex factors requires analysis, understanding and management of travel and traffic, with the principal strategy for delivering this being our Sustainable Travel Plan. We are thrilled that our work to promote sustainable modes of travel has been recognised by the local York business community with this award.”
The judges felt that the University had developed a comprehensive travel plan, with clear information enabling progress to be mapped against targets. They said all modes of sustainable travel were covered, and the hearts and minds of students and staff were won over through promotions, events and incentives.
Car parking on campus has remained capped at 1999 levels and the number of permits applied for is reducing year on year, despite a significant growth in numbers of staff and students on Heslington West. The University provides a City Car Club car and has a successful car-share scheme with more than 300 members.
Other initiatives include providing loan cycles to staff and students, free ‘Bike Doctor’ events monthly throughout the year, reduced price bus tickets for staff and students on a number of services, as well as free travel on Unibus (Transdev) between Heslington East and Heslington West.
The Press Business Awards, now in their 22nd year, were held at York Racecourse and attracted 220 entries from businesses in York and North and East Yorkshire. Of these 45 were shortlisted across 15 award categories.
Steve Hughes, Managing Editor of The Press, said: “These awards pay tribute to the ambition, innovation and diversity of York’s business community. Every year we get more entries and every one of our finalists is helping to spread the word that York is a great business city.”
Notes to editors:
- For further information on sustainable travel visit www.york.ac.uk/about/sustainability/travel/
Contact details
Keep up to date
Subscribe to news feeds
