Kennedy launches Newtownabbey Travel Plan

Transport Minister Danny Kennedy today launched the Workplace Travel Plan for Newtownabbey Borough Council.
~ Thursday, 6 October 2011

In the joint launch with the Mayor of Newtownabbey Alderman Billy Webb, the Minister said: “Using sustainable travel options can make a significant impact on travel behaviour and help reduce traffic congestion, and improve the environment and people’s health.

Danny Kennedy said: “Newtownabbey Council have taken a positive step forward forming their Workplace Travel Plan and I welcome the efforts from the staff of Newtownabbey Borough Council on introducing this Plan to their staff.

“Workplace Travel Plans offer real benefits to organisations, their employees and the community that surrounds them by relieving local car parking and congestion problems and improve public transport connections across the area. It may also reduce 'car stress' on employees through reducing delays.

“Hopefully other businesses in the Newtownabbey area will follow the Council’s lead in promoting a package of sustainable travel measures designed to reduce car dependency by staff by exploring alternative travel to work options to the private car. These include walking, cycling, more use of public transport as well as car sharing and Park and Ride/Share.”

The Mayor of Newtownabbey, Alderman Billy Webb said; "Newtownabbey Borough Council is committed to the health and well-being of its citizens and employees and has welcomed the opportunity to work in partnership with Travelwise to develop this plan. Through this partnership the Council has been able to develop a plan which meets the needs of the Council and is tailored to the specific Council sites. Implementation of the plan will have benefits for the Council as an organisation, as an employer and on its impacts on the local community."

For further information on Travelwise please call 0845 3780908 or visit: http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/travelwiseni

Notes to editors:

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