Cutting Car Use

Did you know that 80% of the workforce who live in Torbay actually work in Torbay? And did you know that the current five congestion hotspots in the Bay could rise to sixteen by 2011? Car congestion in Hele Village accounts for 83.5% of all traffic, making Hele the worst air-polluted area in Torbay.

Traffic congestion and resulting poor air quality in various locations throughout the Bay are two good reasons to make a change to a sustainable and environmentally friendly mode of transport.

With good partnership working between Torbay Council and local bus operators, local bus services run more frequently than ever before with the 12/12A service being the tenth largest bus route by passenger volume in England. Bus patronage in Torbay continues to grow and has seen 2% growth in the past twelve months.

We all know the Government publish obesity rates and tell us to increase our physical activity, but clearly this message is not getting through. A recent National Travel Survey by the Department for Transport indicates that 24% of people only walk for at least twenty minutes less than once a year! Getting to the national target of 10,000 steps per day is going to be tough for the 24%!

So, let’s help ourselves a bit in Torbay by varying the way we travel. Leave the car at home wherever possible, catch a bus to work; walk if you live less than two miles from the office or try riding your bike – you know the one in the shed covered in dust.

You can make a difference to your health, wealth and the environment just by changing your commuting habits and giving the car a rest.