Buckinghamshire Council has announced that its Strategic Environmental Protection Team has been awarded funding to support the delivery of a travel planning and sustainability project.
The UK Government’s Air Quality Grant has allocated grant funding worth £120,000 to Buckinghamshire Council, with this helping the council to work alongside local business engagement groups to move away from single occupancy car use and drive changes to active travel.
The council have undertaken a similar campaign in the past, with an electric vehicle focused push coming in 2020, however that was focused on businesses with over 100 employees. This new campaign will be focused on small and medium-sized enterprises that weren’t eligible for the first project, giving them the ability to create new active travel plans as well as trialling an app to encourage a safer, eco-friendly style of driving.
Gareth Williams, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Environment, said:
“I’m really proud of our team for securing this grant and or their ongoing efforts to improve air quality in Buckinghamshire. This project will give small to medium businesses the chance to make a real difference and lead the way in sustainable travel. I can’t wait to see he positive impact it will have on our community and the environment.”
Managing Director at Buckinghamshire Business First, Phillippa Batting, said;
“Transport associated pollution accounts for more than a quarter emissions released within the county, impacting health, whilst impeding economic growth. Businesses can only benefit from formulating travel strategies which will help them to save money whilst also improving the wellbeing of employees and we are happy to support this initiative.”