Sustainable travel 'makes business sense'

Seventy organisations are expected at Manchester United’s Old Trafford stadium tomorrow (16 June) for a seminar on “Making Sustainable Travel Work.”

The event — which is being supported by Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive and the Association of Greater Manchester Authorities– aims to demonstrate that sustainable travel makes business sense.

“The Highways Agency is committed to reducing congestion by promoting all forms of travel including public transport, car sharing and walking and cycling when appropriate,” said Graham Riley, the Highways Agency’s regional manager for its “Influencing Travel Behaviour” initiative. “Not only is this good for the environment but it is good for businesses and employees alike. Businesses can save money on the cost of providing and maintaining car parking spaces, can reduce their fleet size and release land used for parking for more productive use. Employees can benefit by introducing healthy exercise into their daily life.”

Riley added, “The seminar will show delegates how sustainable travel can be easily and practically put into place by companies of all sizes. It will outline the advice available to produce effective plans in Manchester including from local authorities.”

The seminar will include talks on:

• “The Benefit of Smarter Choices,” presented by Graham Riley, Highway Agency ITB regional manager;
• “An Update on Public Transport Improvements across Greater Manchester,” presented by Simon Warburton, GMITA policy team leader;
• “The Business Benefits of Travel Planning,” presented by Berni Grant, sustainability manager at Hilti
• “Business Travel Planning — The Results,” presented by David Malone, regional travel plan coordinator for Newcastle upon Tyne Hospital Foundation Trust; and
• “What Can ACT TravelWise do to Help Your Company?,” presented by James Noakes, director of ACT TravelWis.

The seminar will also feature exhibits by Bike Right, which provide adult cycle training; Car Plus, which promotes responsible car use; Wizzgo, the car club providing short-term car hire; GMPTE, which promotes the use of public transport in Greater Manchester; Bike Shak, which promotes cycle-to-work schemes; and the Energy Saving Trust.