We often have no choice but to drive, but that does
not mean that we cannot reduce the environmental impact of our
use of the car.
We are working through a wide range of initiatives to relieve
congestion and reduce parking problems. In doing so we
are reducing damage to the environment and people by cutting
harmful emissions from exhaust fumes.
Car sharing
We support car sharing - when two or more people travel by car
together for all or part of a trip.
We have teamed up with our
neighbouring
councils and the UK's leading car share company
Liftshare to
launch 2carshare.com to find
suitable matches for potential car sharers. This
well-established scheme has over 8,000 members so there is a good
chance that you'll find a suitable match. The
2carshare leaflet (pdf, Apr 10,
84KB) provides further information.
You can share a car for any journey - regular trips such as the
daily commute to work, taking the children to school or one-off
trips like going to a festival or show.
Car share safely
Avoid exchanging home addresses with your travelling companion
before you meet them. Arrange to meet in a public place.
Inform a friend or family member of who you will be travelling
with, when and to where. Make sure you show each other your I.D.s -
passports, student cards or driving licences - so you know you're
travelling with the right person.
You are under no obligation to travel together. If you have any
doubts about your travelling companion, for any reason, you should
avoid travelling with them.
Eco-driving
Just how you drive your car can markedly affect how much
fuel you use. Use eco-driving techniques to reduce your
impact on the environment and save yourself money. Eco-driving is
also safer too!
Read the government's
green tips for driving your car or watch this
eco-driving film (courtesy
of Devon County Council). The comprehensive advice includes
smooth gear changing, braking and acceleration, anticipation of
road hazards, tyre pressures and awareness of other road users’
behaviour.
Parking
For information about local car parking and the blue
badge scheme visit our
parking and access
section.
For more information contact our
Sustainable
Travel team.
