In attempt to reduce the carbon emissions generated by commuting, the Council has implemented various initiatives for staff. In addition to this, SBC ongoingly explores further potential initiatives or measures that could be taken to reduce emissions where possible. The Council has a Workplace Travel Plan 2020-2025 aiming to reduce car use by encouraging staff and councillors to use alternative modes of transport.
Currently, SBC has implemented the following schemes to promote sustainable commuting:
The Council provides a bicycle salary sacrifice scheme, provided by the Green Commute Initiative. This enables staff to get a voucher for a bicycle or e-bike, and accessories, for up to £3,600, spreading payments over up to 36 monthly salary deductions from their gross pay.
Assess the current scenario of SBC staff travel for council business and commuting via a newly updated Staff Travel Survey. The survey results will demonstrate how often officers travel on council business, chosen modes of transportation for doing so, and the reasoning behind that choice of transportation. The survey will also allow us to assess staff commuting frequency and modes of transport. Altogether, the results will input analyses for updating SBC current incentives for sustainable travel.
This plan aims to reduce car use by encouraging staff and councillors to use alternative modes of transport. As a large employer in Stevenage, the Council is keen to minimise the negative impact that over-reliance on car travel by its officers and councillors can have on the environment. An initial staff survey revealed that over three quarters used a car to get to work. As the majority of staff do not live far from the office there is considerable scope for an increase particularly in the proportion of people walking and cycling. Through this plan, the Council aimed to demonstrate what benefits moving to alternative modes of transport can bring and take some simple actions to make these choices more attractive.
The Council is a member of SmartGo Stevenage, a scheme which helps employers to encourage low-carbon transport for their staff, providing discounted workplace travel via several benefits. SBC staff can access discounts and incentives on seasonal rail and bus tickets, bus passes, railcards, and offers to buy bicycles. Further information: Smart Go Stevenage.