VOTE: Drivers challenged to ditch their cars for short journeys
THE race to drive down carbon emissions by ten per cent next year is being taken on to the roads of Grimsby, with motorists encouraged to get revved-up about the environment.
As the 10:10 campaign rolls on into next week, drivers in the region are being challenged to ditch their car for short journeys in favour of walking, cycling or using public transport.
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TEST YOUR SKILLS: A driving simulator will be installed at the Renaissance Shop next week as part of the 10:10 campaign.
However, for those who are forced to jump behind the wheel to get to work, environmental whiz kids from the council are organising a week of motor mayhem in the form of an eco-driving simulator which is designed to show residents the best way to save energy and cash while on the road.
The state-of-the-art gadget will be installed at the Renaissance Shop in Victoria Street throughout next week with the top performers entered into a free prize draw to win one of five new sat nav systems.
Sallyanne Lindsey, environmental management officer for sustainable development, said: "Everyone knows cars are bad for the environment. They use up finite resources, contribute to climate change and reduce air quality, which affects people's health.
"If residents have to use a car, rather than walk, cycle, or use public transport, they may like to have a go on the simulator to find out how they could alter their driving style to be more environmentally-friendly."
Top tips on how to be greener when driving will be reeled off to visitors at the shop, where simple advice – such as removing unnecessary weight from the car and driving in higher gears – is likely to prove the most effective.
Participants on the simulator, which is being donated by the Energy Saving Trust, will be added to a town-wide leader board to add an element of competition to the event.
Budding eco-warriors will also have the chance to get their hands on ten four-week Megariders, which are valid for unlimited bus travel in Grimsby, Cleethorpes, and Immingham.
The tickets, valued at £44, will be up for grabs during the week – simply turn up at the shop from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday next week, for more information on how to win one.
13 Comments
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by Observer, Humberston
Thursday, September 02 2010, 9:20PM
“Quote "Whiz kids from the council are organising a week of motor mayhem".
Only a week? Take a look at the daily morning and evening scramble.”
by rob, grimsby
Thursday, September 02 2010, 8:50PM
“asking a motorist to give up the car even for short journeys,is like asking a politician not to use spin, its something that wont happen, never.”
by officer for plain English, talkstraight !
Thursday, September 02 2010, 8:48PM
“Sallyanne Lindsey, Environmental Management Officer for Sustainable Development !
Now that is a mouthful !
I mean job title and not Sallyanne !!”
by I'm alright, In my car
Thursday, September 02 2010, 6:37PM
“Driving is great, it saves mingling with the general public.”
by Neil, Clee 2
Thursday, September 02 2010, 5:36PM
“JT. Was the bloke who told you called Rupert or Carruthers by chance? Hmm ! I smell a rat.....”
by Haydn, edge of Grimsby
Thursday, September 02 2010, 5:36PM
“Short journeys will KILL your car early!
http://www.torquecars.com/articles/killing-cars.php”
by Jimmy Tickleburger., Meggies.
Thursday, September 02 2010, 4:19PM
“CC,that's not what Tarquin told the bloke round the corner.You see,this is how rumours start. And there is no smoke without fire......ouch!”
by A Taxpayer, Local to the area
Thursday, September 02 2010, 3:28PM
“You don't need a simulator to know whether you're driving economically. Most modern cars these days are fitted with a fuel consumption gauge and the handbook normally states methods for economical driving appropriate for the car.
Trust the Energy Saving Trust to come up with some gimmick to justify its existence. Yet another quango that can be easily abolished and save the country money.”
by Caring Conservative, On Holiday In Grimsby
Thursday, September 02 2010, 2:32PM
“The Condems are doing everything they can to cut down on congestion. Firstly we will let the rail companies put their fares up . Thats a sure fire way of getting more people the roadonto the trains . Then we will take money from councils so as they can't subsidise the busses ,so they will be cut. The final outcome should then be not many using public transport and put fuel tax up for those who still use their cars . I also so wish to quash the rumours out there that Tarquin and i were more than friends.”
by Chrisj, Obviously another planet
Thursday, September 02 2010, 2:22PM
“How about bus services which run when people need them, an increase in the number of routes, incentives to use public transport like lower fares, a reliable and punctual service.
Better designed roads and junctions, traffic lights phased to keep traffic flowing smoothly, get rid of or redesign speed bumps on roads so you can cross them at the stated limit without damage to your vehicle. Enforce parking restrictions to keep routes clear and traffic flowing.
Regardless of what is done and how much drivers change their driving habits the running cost of your car will not reduce as tax on fuel will continue to rise to ensure the government take from duty will not reduce.”