Businesses warned of congestion threat

Over 100 business leaders attended the launch of the new Park & Change initiative at the October Chamber lunch which was held at the Mercure Southgate Hotel.

The new initiative, targeted at cutting congestion in the city, was launched at the Exeter Chamber’s monthly lunch. The aim is to enable the Chamber, along with Devon County Council and the Chamber subgroup, ESBN (Exeter Sustainable Business Network), to work with local organisations, building greater awareness for the scheme from environmentally conscious companies. Companies on the fringes of the city are asked to allow commuters to use parking spaces which would otherwise lie vacant in return for promotion and minor improvement works.

The initiative will allow commuters to continue their journey into the city on public transport, by bicycle, or by car sharing. It has four main benefits: helping people save money on fuel and parking costs ; reducing congestion, pollution and individual carbon foot prints; helping drivers to meet new people, and helping people get fitter by choosing a different mode of transport.

Zsolt Schuller from Devon County Council introduced the scheme and gave delegates an update on the package of sustainable travel measures that are being applied within the city. Ross Hussey from Exeter City Council then gave an update on the city’s electric vehicle strategy and Adrian Ullisse, from Ethos Smart, informed delegates on smart parking solutions.

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Highway Management, said: "Anything that can be done to tackle congestion should be applauded. Reducing traffic on our roads is good for the local economy and local environment. This park and change scheme is another good idea to help keep Devon moving alongside a number of schemes which are improving sustainable transport options in Exeter and across the county. Cycling journeys in Exeter have increased by 40% over the past six years, more than 1.8 million people used the city's park and ride sites last year and Carsharedevon.com now has around 11,000 members."

The first meetings to secure parking spaces on the outskirts of the city have started, with Westpoint leading the way.

Richard Maunder, Association Secretary & Chief Executive of Devon County Agricultural Association is positive about the initiative saying, “Exeter Chamber of Commerce approached us with the idea of using spare parking spaces for the new Park & Change scheme. We do have spaces which are not always in use at Westpoint and feel we would be able to give up about 30 spaces for the scheme. The DCAA is supportive of any initiative that helps the city of Exeter with congestion on its main routes into town’.

Chris Lorimer, Chair of the Exeter Chamber’s sub group ESBN said, “This successful event created greater awareness of the wide range of potential solutions to Exeter’s worsening congestion problems. Exeter Sustainable Business Network is committed to ensuring a strategic response is implemented, underpinned by excellent initiatives such as the Park & Change scheme which will benefit businesses, employees and customers."

Also in attendance at this month’s Chamber lunch were representatives from Flybe and Exeter International Airport. Both attended to help with the promotion of the hugely anticipated Exeter to London flights. This was helped with a pair of tickets for the new flights to London being given away to one lucky delegate.

The flight to London takes just under 75 minutes making it the fastest way to travel to the city.