Travelling sustainably around our developments

To help achieve the UK’s target of reducing net emissions of greenhouse gases by 100% by 2050 (relative to 1990 levels), we should all consider how we can reduce our personal carbon footprint.

On this page you’ll find sustainable travel information for some of our developments. You’ll also find resources and apps to help you make eco-friendly travel choices.

View travel plans for our developments

As part of their planning consent, we are required to publish sustainable travel plans for our developments to promote walking, cycling, public transport and car sharing where possible.

Travel plans are available for the following sites:

Barbury View
Castlethorpe
Mendip View
Mulberry Meadows (also known as Wayside Farm, Castle Cary)
Star Ground

Simple and sustainable switches

Here are some steps we can all take to make our journeys more sustainable.

Walking and cycling

Walking is a great way to explore your local area and add some gentle exercise into your daily routine.

Cycling is also an easy way to fit exercise into your day, and a sustainable form of transport. Ask your employer if they are signed up to the Government’s ‘cycle to work’ scheme, so you can hire a bike for your work commute.

You can plan your cycle route using the CycleStreets Journey Planner (which is also available as an app on Android and Apple devices).

Car sharing

Could you share your trip with another car user? You could probably share on many of your journeys, from commuting to work to one-off events. The benefits of car sharing include reduced fuel costs and parking fees.

Fewer cars on the road will also mean:

Better air quality and lower carbon emissions
Less congestion and shorter journey times
More chance of finding a parking space

Car sharing may be formal, using an organised car share scheme, or informal, for example sharing with friends, neighbours or colleagues. You could be the passenger or the driver.

To find car sharers in your local area, visit these websites:

Eco-friendly driving

If driving is your only option, here’s six ways you can become a more eco-friendly driver:

Service your vehicle and check tyre pressures regularly. A well-serviced car will operate more efficiently. Under-inflated tyres can increase a car’s fuel consumption by as much as 6%.
Drive smoothly. Assess the road ahead as much as possible to avoid unnecessary braking and acceleration, which both increase the amount of fuel you use. Keep a suitable distance from the vehicle in front so you can adapt your speed when necessary without using the brakes.
Shift up early to a higher gear. Driving at lower revs reduces fuel consumption – don’t labour the engine, but try changing up at a low engine speed.
Slow down! Fuel costs increase when you travel faster. Drive at 70mph and you’ll use up to 9% more than at 60mph, and 15% more than 50mpg.
Use air conditioning wisely. Using air conditioning can increase fuel consumption by as much as 5%, so try to use the windows where possible.
Lighten your load. Removing excess items from your car before travelling can reduce weight and save fuel.

(Sources: The Energy Saving Trust, AA, The Telegraph)

Apps to help you travel sustainably

There are a plenty of apps available on Android and Apple devices to help you travel more sustainably. Check them out:

	Strava: Run, Ride, Swim Track your fitness activity and share with friends.
	Go Jauntly: Discover Walks Discover new walking routes. Find the greenest route from A to B.
	CycleStreets Plan your cycle journey with a choice of three route modes to suit your level of experience.
	Uber Request a lift from any location on demand or in advance using the app.
	Moovit Real-time public transport information and journey planner.
	First Bus Book bus tickets and check services in real time.
	Liftshare Companion Request and confirm trips as a passenger or driver.