Liberal Democrats urge County Council to promote Greener Driving

12.00.00am GMT Wed 31st Dec 2008

The Liberal Democrats at Suffolk County Council are urging the administration to take tougher action to reduce the 20 million miles that staff travel each year by more actively promoting Greener Driving schemes.

The figure, which has remained at this high level for three years, is the equivalent of 40 trips to the moon and back, and shows the Conservative administration struggling to overcome the astronomical total. The Liberal Democrats, are suggesting a number of initiatives that need to be actively promoted, to reduce the total miles and CO2 emissions,

The County Council should introduce a day a week where staff travel to work without their cars. Liberal Democrat run Councils like Devon have already introduced this scheme.

Promotion of Greener Driving for those using Council Pool cars.

Further promotion of teleconferencing/audio conferencing.

Assess the timing of meetings to ensure it leaves adequate time for those arriving on public transport.

County Councillor for Woodbridge, Caroline Page, who is a keen cyclist said 'The council has set targets to reduce the number of business miles, but over the last three years, the total amount has barely changed. We want to cut this figure, and at the same time promote greener driving for those using their own or pool cars on council business. Other councils across the country have adopted a leave car at home one day a week scheme in a bid to reduce the mileage used. This needs to be employed here."

Cllr Andrew Cann said, "As the number of business miles each year at this council has hardly changed in the last three years, we now need a solid commitment, not only to reduce the total number, but also to promote greener driving. Councillors need to set an example; the Liberal Democrat group is committed to a Greener future, and will endeavour to travel to council meetings by public transport at least one day a week. If all councillors and staff set this as their New Year's resolution, the Greenest County target would be more achievable."