Transport
Transport is responsible for over a quarter of Britain's climate changing gas emissions. Although it is rarely an option not to travel at all, there are things we could all do that will make a real difference.
Frequency and distance
To reduce the amount of carbon and other polluting gases emitted during travel we should aim to cut both the distances we travel and the frequency of journeys. Why not think about:
- Home working. Even just for one day a week, many organisations encourage this to improve their environmental credentials
- Multi-purpose journeys. Plan ahead and make the most of each journey by doing more than one thing, getting as much done in one round trip as possible.
- Lift share. Find someone at your workplace to share with, or consider setting up a scheme. You could even go one step further and share the costs of running a car with a few friends.
- Live near amenities. If you are moving anyway then it is worth considering how easily you can access basic amenities such as shops, post office, doctors, recreation grounds and public transport links.
- Holiday closer to home. Longer journeys tend only to be made for holidays. Why not explore the many options for holidays without the need to travel overseas?
Air travel
As an alternative to short haul flights always consider travelling by train or other public transport. If you must travel by plane, keep your luggage weight down, and consider off-setting your CO2 emissions through a Government Quality Assurance approved scheme (see the Further Information section).
Efficient driving
There are many ways we can help lessen the environmental impact of driving. Next time you get in your car think about:
- Tyre pressures. Ensure they are correct as under-inflated tyres reduce fuel efficiency.
- Do not overload. Avoid unnecessary loads as they reduce fuel efficiency. Don’t carry unnecessary things around in your boot and always remove a roof rack when not in use!
- Drive at a steady speed. Rapid acceleration and braking reduces fuel efficiency. Most cars will have a most fuel efficient speed (around 55 mph for most cars) and the closer you stay to this on long distance journeys the better for your pocket!
- Switch off the engine if stopped. Avoid the temptation to run the engine until your car is cosy before setting off in the morning.
- Consider whether you really need air-conditioning on. It can increase fuel consumption by up to 20%. Open a window instead!
- Avoid short car journeys. Cold engines pollute up to 60% more per mile than hot ones, so consider walking or cycling for those really short trips.•Service your vehicle regularly. This will keep the engine at its most efficient.
- When buying a car always remember that smaller engine sizes mean lower fuel consumption and there is now a range of other options such as LPG (liquid petroleum gas) vehicles, electric/petrol hybrids and completely electric vehicles.
Biofuels
Biofuels are fuels derived from present day organic materials. The biofuels most commonly available at the moment are:
- Biodiesel. This is currently produced from plants, or less commonly from waste cooking oil, and is a diesel substitute.
- Bioethanol. This is currently produced from fermenting plant material and is a petrol substitute.
Be careful however, if you are thinking of using biofuels, that good intentions do not in fact increase environmental problems.
Biofuels currently tend to require a crop. As well as concerns over global food security if we use agricultural land to produce fuel and concerns over general environmental degradation if forests are cleared for biofuel cropping, according to Friends of the Earth biofuel from oil seed rape for example can contribute 70% more to climate change than fossil fuels due to nitrogen emissions from the agricultural fertilisers used to grow it!
New and improved biofuels are being developed all the time. For example, biogas, the bi-product of a natural decomposition process, could be harnessed from landfill sites, sewage works and farm waste, biodiesel can be produced from waste cooking oils, and there are possibilities for the use of fast growing algae and other microorganisms for biofuel production that are yet to be commercialised. So watch this space!
Public transport
Going by bus (if the bus is full) is one of the most energy efficient ways of travelling (apart from cycling and walking of course).
There are many journeys, especially between larger locations, that with a little planning could be done on bus or train or a combination. Even if you only make part of your journey on public transport this will make a difference. During the summer there are extra services that make it even easier, such as the New Forest Tour hop-on hop-off open top bus.
Make journey planning easier by getting a full bus timetable from the tourist information office, library or bus station. Also the New Forest Public Transport Guide and Map is available from tourist information offices within the National Park. Traveline is the place to call for information on public transport and there are a range of online journey planners that make navigating public transport easier (see further information for details).
Walking or cycling
Choosing to cycle or walk for any journey is not only a great way to reduce pollution, it is also a fantastic keep fit regime and reduces traffic and parking problems.
Cycle and walking maps are on sale at the New Forest Centre in Lyndhurst, visitor information centres, information points and some local businesses. They are also available online from the New Forest Visitor website (see below for details).
Further information
ACT ON CO2
www.direct.gov.uk/actonco2.
The government's website gives rankings for the top 10 new cars with the lowest CO2 emissions in their class and advice on efficient driving and lists the off set schemes approved by the Governments Quality Assurance Scheme.Call 0800 512012
Car Clubs
www.carclubs.org.uk.
Information about car clubs in your area.
Traveline
www.traveline.org.uk..
One stop shop for public transport information. Call 0871 200 22 33A
Transport Direct
www.transportdirect.info.
Free online journey planner that will tell you door to door how to get somewhere without using a car if you wish.
The Man in Seat Sixty-One
www.seat61.com.
Information for anyone wishing to plan a trip without flying.
The Ramblers' Association
www.ramblers.org.uk.
Britain's biggest walking charity working to promote walking and to improve conditions for everyone who walks in England, Scotland and Wales. Find out about local groups.Call 020 7339 8500
Living Streets
www.livingstreets.org.uk.
A charity campaigning to create better streets and public spaces for people on foot. Call 020 7820 1010
CTC - The UK’s National Cyclists’ Organisation
www.ctc.org.uk.
Protecting and promoting the rights of cyclists since 1878.Call 01483 238337
Sustrans
www.sustrans.org.uk.
The UK's leading sustainable transport charity which works on practical and imaginative ways of overcoming the transport challenges affecting us all. Through Sustrans you can get a map of the National Cycle Network or find out about the Safe Routes to Schools campaign and events. Call 0845 113 00 65
Wilts & Dorset
www.wdbus.co.uk.
As the main bus service provider for the area you can find timetables, ticket prices and things to do.Call 01983 827005
Trainline
www.thetrainline.com.
Get train times, ticket prices and book your seat. Call 0870 010 1296 8am to 10pm daily, visit .
New Forest Tour
www.thenewforesttour.info
The open top hop-on hop-off service connecting the best bits of the New Forest over the summer months. Find out the route, times, fares and book your tickets via the website.
The New Forest
www.thenewforest.co.uk.
Buy cycle maps, book accommodation and find things to do. Call 01590 689000
The mention of an individual product, brand or company is for illustrative purposes only and should not be taken as either an endorsement or recommendation by the New Forest National Park Authority of that individual product, brand or company. You are advised to seek independent professional advice as to what might be appropriate for your individual circumstances.
back to what you can do
