Wednesday 22 September was World Car Free Day, with motorists around the world being encouraged to leave their cars at home for the day.
Waverley Borough Council has made a commitment to become a net-zero carbon borough by 2030 and many councillors attending the Full Council Meeting on 22 September chose to lead the way by using low emission transport to show their support for the day. Some came by electric vehicle, others carshared or used public transport, some even arrived on foot.
Staff were also encouraged wherever possible, to use alternative forms of transport on the day, unless they use an emission free vehicle.
Councillor Steve Williams, Waverley Borough Council Portfolio Holder for Environment and Sustainability, said:
“We hope that, like us, many Waverley residents embraced World Car Free Day and, where possible, left their car at home and used an alternative form of transport. Waverley has many rural areas with limited access to public transport; we’ll be calling on Government and Surrey County Council for increased investment in public transport in these areas to benefit both the environment and our communities.
“Of course, it’s not just about the one day, it’s about making small changes every day to help protect our planet’s dwindling reserves.”
Also high on the council’s agenda is active travel and ensuring the right infrastructure is in place to offer better public transport, cycling and walking routes.
Councillor Williams continued: “Active travel is key and, in conjunction with Surrey County Council, we are soon to launch a consultation on a new cycle path in Godalming as part of a wider Guildford to Godalming Greenway project. The route will be created to offer residents a safe and comfortable route between the two towns, whether by cycle or on foot and then continue through Godalming to the train station.”
In addition, Waverley Borough Council is taking part in a major Surrey trial for on-street electrical vehicle (EV) charging points in three towns across Waverley. It means drivers using EVs can now use two charging points in Hale Road, Farnham; four charging points in Summers Road, Farncombe; and four charging points in Farnham Lane/St Christopher’s Green in Haslemere.
Councillor Williams adds:
“We are delighted to be part of this pilot scheme. As a council, we have made the commitment to become carbon-neutral by 2030 and making it more viable for our residents to switch to electric vehicles is a key factor.
“In order to achieve this, we need to ensure the correct infrastructure is in place. I look forward to seeing the results of the trial as the basis for a more ambitious programme of rolling out better provision for electric vehicles and encouraging more sustainable and active transport in the borough in the future.”
To view Waverley Borough Council’s Climate Change Strategy and Carbon Neutrality Action Plan, visit our Climate Change Strategy page.
Pic from left to right: Councillor Peter Nicholson, Councillor John Robini, the Mayor of Waverley and Councillor Jacquie Keen arrived at the meeting in Godalming by car-pool from Haslemere