Smarter Ways to Work: Farnborough

Smarter Ways to Work: Farnborough is an exciting new project that Hampshire County Council is undertaking which aims to help reduce rush hour congestion on the approaches to Farnborough and Fleet and on roads leading to and from the M3.  The project is called ‘Smarter Ways to Work: Farnborough’ as we are aiming to reduce the levels of traffic in the area by assisting employers to encourage staff to use alternative forms of travel to work.  We hope to achieve this by setting up a travel planning network in Farnborough and by helping businesses in the Farnborough area to develop their own ‘Travel Plan’ (for more information on what a Travel Plan is please click here)

We will be providing employers with information packs containing public transport maps, timetables, cycle maps and promotional material to market sustainable travel to members of staff.  There will also be area-wide events such as Bike to Work day to encourage commuters to try alternative forms of transport.  In addition Hampshire County Council's travel plan team will also be available to provide advice on developing a travel and implementing measures to reduce car travel.

What are the benefits of taking part in the project?

Travel Plans have a number of proven benefits including:

• Financial savings; e.g. increased productivity by reducing time lost by staff and freight caught in congestion,

• Improved accessibility to employees, suppliers and customers

• reducing local congestion (especially during peak the hours) and improve air quality;

• improving the recruitment and retention of staff;

• improving the health of staff  through active travel; plus reduced absenteeism due to a healthier, happier workforce

• reduction in the inequalities that may exist between car / non car owners;

• reducing your carbon footprint;

• opportunities for more flexible working practises for staff;

• reduced pressure on car parking.

In addition to these Travel Plan benefits, taking part in the ‘Smarter Ways to Work: Farnborough’ project will provide:

• opportunities for networking with other local businesses

• the opportunity to exchange information and ideas on how to promote sustainable travel to your employees;

• increased collective bargaining power with local public transport providers (as this initiative is area-wide)

How can you take part?

In signing up we would ask you to contribute to the travel plan network by:

• nominating a contact as a representative from your organisation;

• assisting HCC staff in carrying out a travel survey of employees;

• promoting sustainable travel to staff; and

• promoting and raising awareness of the travel plan network amongst staff and other businesses.