Going green without the car

Kent County Council and Town Centre Management asked people who work, live, shop or are on the school run to leave their cars at home. Maidstone was one of 47 towns in the UK that took part in this sustainable transport campaign.

Results from this initiative were encouraging. Travel times were improved and traffic flows and congestion were reduced around the Maidstone gyratory by up to 4.34%.

Several thousand people participated over the week, with around 600 making pledges such as to: cycle to work, continue to walk into the town centre; use the park and ride; try the bus, car-share and catch the train. For Maidstone to really go green, action is needed by businesses, government, individuals and communities alike.

The council has implemented a climate change plan to make it carbon neutral by 2010. This type of campaign along with its recent move to new energy efficient town centre offices and other initiatives will all help to reduce energy use and costs.

Bill Moss, Town Centre Manager, was pleased with the initial results: “We have managed to raise awareness of this important issue and made people realise that they can play a part in making Maidstone town centre a greener and more pleasant place to be. It is through innovative ideas such as ‘In town without my car day’ that we will continue to bring the green agenda to the fore.”

Next step…
For more information, contact Jacqui Elliott on 01622 696914 or visit www.kentonline.co.uk/intownwithoutmycar.