A trial to inform how local organisations could use electric and low emission pool cars for their staff to commute and get around is being run by the Council, Royal United Hospital NHS Trust and Sirona Care and Health.
Between them, five electric cars supplied by Co-Wheels will be used with charging points close to the buildings where staff are based. This innovative trial has been launched to provide a sustainable travel option for the Bristol and Bath and North East Somerset area. The pool car aims to cut pollution.
Councillor Caroline Roberts (Lib-Dem, Newbridge), Cabinet Member for Transport, said: “The Council is being proactive in encouraging our staff to take-up more sustainable forms of transport when travelling to work or to provide our services to the public. This electric car trial is part of this effort and it will inform all the organisations involved how to use it as effectively as possible in the future.
“We now want local businesses and public organisations to follow our lead by increasing awareness and understanding of their staff about the travel options available, like electric vehicles as part of a pool scheme. Ultimately, these measures will help improve air quality and cut pollution.”
Janet Rowse, Chief Executive of Sirona Care & Health, said: “Our staff use the car to travel in and around Bath and North East Somerset. Being able to share vehicles with the community fits the ethos of Sirona and we’re delighted to be working with our colleagues from the NHS and the local authority on this innovative project.”
Businesses who are interested in supporting their staff in travelling sustainably to work, should contact Senior Transport Planner, Christine Warren, to find out more. [email protected]
Matt Whitney, of Co-wheels, said: “We have cars in the Lake District, Newcastle, Oxford and many other locations across the country. As a Social Enterprise we are ‘not for profit’, and, in partnership with NHS Trusts, Local Authorities and Social Enterprise providers we aim to promote sustainable travel.”
Organisations interested in using the electric car scheme can contact Co-Wheels via www.co-wheels.org.uk
Funding for the electric charge points was granted from the successful West of England Partnership bid to the Department for Transport’s Local Sustainable Transport Fund. Outside office hours these cars will be available to staff who pay for private use as car club members.
