WEST Devon Borough Council is hoping to reduce its carbon footprint with a new ?green? travel plan that has just been adopted by the authority. The plan aims to introduce a more efficient and environmentally sound approach to travelling on council business to and from the council?s offices in Kilworthy Park, Tavistock for staff and councillors. The council wants to promote more car sharing and keep single occupancy car use to a minimum. New technology and flexible working also has a role to play in the travel plan strategy with more staff working from home and better planning of journeys. Earlier this year, the council carried out a survey of West Devon staff ? around 125 people ?which showed that 86% of those who responded travelled to work in single occupancy cars, 6% of respondents travelled as passengers and a further 6% of respondents walked to work. The council will also be reviewing the system of car business travel reimbursements with the aim of encouraging more fuel-efficient vehicles and better journey planning. Implementing the new strategies will not only help reduce pollution, but bring financial savings too with an expected 10% reduction in business mileage claims by councillors and staff over the next three years. Cllr Margaret Garton, chairman of the council?s future planning and housing committee, said: ?We are committed to reducing the impact any of the council?s activities may have on the environment but realise it will take time to deliver changes. ?The plan complements other energy efficiency measures that the council has implemented over the last few years particularly where our offices and buildings are concerned. ?We want to act as an exemplar to other businesses in the West Devon community and hope that other businesses will follow our lead.?
