Learning the benefits of green travel

Local businesses and Rochdale Council will discover the environmental and economic benefits of travel planning at a seminar being organised by the Highways Agency.

Seventy organisations are expected at Manchester United’s Old Trafford stadium tomorrow (Tuesday 16 June), for the seminar – Making Sustainable Travel Work.

The event – which is being supported by Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive and the Association of Greater Manchester Authorities – will demonstrate that sustainable travel makes business sense.

Graham Riley, the Highways Agency’s Regional Manager for its Influencing Travel Behaviour initiative, said: “The Highways Agency is committed to reducing congestion by promoting all forms of travel including public transport, car sharing and walking and cycling when appropriate. Not only is this good for the environment but it is good for businesses and employees alike. Businesses can save money on the cost of providing and maintaining car parking spaces, can reduce their fleet size and release land used for parking for more productive use. Employees can benefit by introducing healthy exercise into their daily life.

“The seminar will show delegates how sustainable travel can be easily and practically put into place by companies of all sizes. It will outline the advice available to produce effective plans in Manchester including from local authorities.”

Speakers have been drawn from across the public and private sectors.