Ninety three per cent of people who responded to the survey, carried out in Belfast last week, backed the minister's calls encouraging people to leave the car at home in favour of walking, cycling, car-sharing or public transport. 85 per cent of those in favour of this initiative said they would embrace this call where it was possible to do so.
The survey was conducted to mark the launch of Travelwise "Once a Week" campaign which encourages people to leave the car behind, where they could, in favour of public transport, cycling and walking.
The minister said: "I am encouraged by the strong message of support coming from people in Belfast. I appreciate for many people the car is a necessity and sustainable modes are not a realistic option. As minister, like many others, I need the car for work. I do my best to car share with officials, use the train or walk instead of taking the car.
"The survey findings make clear the message that sustainable transport can bring financial, environmental and health benefits is starting to take hold with the public.
"Commuters know it makes sense to use the car less. The Travelwise survey found that 55% of commuters who drive to work have cut back on the number of miles they drive with 44% spending between an extra £10 to £20 per week on fuel and a further 31% spending an extra £20-£50 per week which equates to hundreds and thousands of pounds per year," said Mr Murphy.
Speaking at the launch of the ‘Once a Week’ campaign, Brian Moreland, Head of Travelwise NI said: “I appreciate that for many people leaving the car at home is not an option but by car-sharing with at least one other person, be they family member, friend or colleague you can automatically halve your fuel costs. Thirty eight per cent of respondents said they were interested in doing this and I would encourage them to access our online car-share site www.carshareni.com that can find travel partners for those seeking a commuting companion."
Thirty per cent of people in the survey favoured the use of public transport which would allow people to avoid congested traffic and enable them to read a book or paper on the bus or train. Our survey showed that nearly half (48%) of commuters coming into Belfast spent between 1 and 2 hours on their journey each day – this works out as between 5 and 10 hours a week in traffic.
When asked what put people off swapping the car for public transport, cycling, car sharing or walking 9% said cost of public transport, 15% said convenience, 12% said weather conditions was a deterrent with 47% saying that they were just ‘set in their ways’. Seventy four per cent said financial savings would be the biggest incentive to get them to change their ways. Using sustainable modes can save you money: by cutting back on the car and walking the kids to school where possible, or walking to the corner shop at least once a week people will start to notice the extra money in their pocket,” said Mr Moreland.
The launch of the Once a Week campaign marks the start of Travelwise Week in association with European Mobility Week (15-21 September).
Travelwise NI is an initiative of the Department for Regional Development and is supported by DOE Road Safety, Translink, Sustrans and the Health Promotion Agency. To find out more information please visit www.travelwiseni.com or contact a member of the Travelwise NI team on 0845 378 0908
Notes to Editors:
SURVEY RESULTS
- The survey was conducted in Belfast on Wednesday 3 September following the return of children to school. 500 commuters were surveyed.
- 53% drove to work, 26% used public transport, 13% walked with 7% cycling
- 93% supported the Once a Week call with 7% opposed
- 85% said they would leave the car behind for one journey a week compared to 7% who said no and 8% who made no comment
- 55% said they were driving less due to increase in cost of fuel 27% were not driving less and 18% were unsure
- 44% spent extra £10-£20 per week on fuel; 31% spent £20-£50, 11% spent under £10; 3% spent £50-£100 with 11% unsure
- 38% were interested in car-sharing, 30% public transport, 16% walking, 5% cycling and 11% unsure
- 74% said financial savings would be biggest incentive to change ways, 10% said environmental, 4% time savings, 6% health benefits and 6% unsure
- 48% spent 1-2hours commuting per day, 32% 30mins – 1 hour, 16% less than 30mins, 3% 2-3 hours and 1% 3-5 hours
MEDIA OPPORTUNITY:
- Media launch Monday 15 September, 9.30 at Parliament Buildings, Stormont
- DRD Minister Conor Murphy MLA, Head of Travelwise NI Brian Moreland & Translink’s Ciaran Rogan are available for interview on request
- Interview, filming and photography opportunities are available
- Media queries to: Ross Williamson, Inform Communications Tel: 028 9023 3550 Mob: 07734821070 or Emma Flynn Davies, Department for Regional Development, Press Office, 028 9052 0372
