Environment and roads

Business TravelWise

How many cars stream into the staff car park each morning containing just one person? How many cars were driven just a short distance, perhaps a mile or two? How many bus stops did those cars pass on the way? Alternative ways of getting to work can be cheaper, quicker, less stressful and better for the environment.

Increasingly people do now accept the arguments about leaving the car at home but old habits die hard and the cost of congestion continues to rise. Travelling more wisely, however, saves money and conserves the environment.

A large number of Hertfordshire businesses have proved the financial and economic benefits of taking a new look at transport and travel arrangements for staff and visitors. Through Business TravelWise you can learn from those businesses' experience and get free help in developing a company travel plan.

Business TravelWise puts forward the business case for alternatives to car travel for a number of journeys. It works with organisations throughout the county demonstrating how alternatives can work in practice. The scheme also also helps businesses develop Travel Plans to improve efficiency without making undue restrictions on their commercial effectiveness.

Run by Hertfordshire County Council, Business TravelWise works with a number of business advice organisations to provide free information on reducing transport costs and parking headaches. Business TravelWise is about creating common sense solutions - it understands change only happens when employees are convinced about no-fuss alternatives to driving cars. The scheme appeals to all transport users; staff, delivery drivers and visitors and shows how making small changes can save big money. Ideas that can be investigated include car sharing, car pools, involving public transport organisations, use of teleworking, audio and video conferencing.

For more ideas on saving money and the environment see "Are you doing your bit in the office?" on Connect.