Research
TravelSmart
A major programme to change the way we travel is proving to be a success. The TravelSmart initiative, run by Sustrans, is designed to increase walking, cycling and use of public transport – thereby reducing car travel. It uses what is known as ‘individualised marketing’ to make people more aware of their daily travel choices.
During 2003-04 seven projects targeted a total of nearly 13,000 homes in Bristol, Gloucester, Nottingham, Sheffield, Cramlington and Kingston-upon-Thames in London. They achieved reductions in car travel of between 9-14% by promoting walking, cycling and public transport directly to households.
It is hoped that TravelSmart will help increase travel choice, reduce traffic congestion, promote physically active travel, make better use of existing transport infrastructure and help tackle climate change. Further details are available at www.sustrans.org.uk/travelsmart