The Nestrans Sustainable Travel Grant Scheme (STGS) is now open for funding applications from organisations across the north east to help support active and ‘greener’ travel initiatives.
Whether for increasing travel to work by public transport, supporting cycling and walking or investigating the use of low emission vehicles, the STGS could provide a grant to assist in funding such plans.
Organisations who apply, having successfully demonstrated the benefits such a scheme would have on their business, could receive a grant of between £500 and £10,000 (normally up to a maximum of 50% of any proposal). This can be used to help fund, for example; secure cycle parking and shower/changing facilities, improvements to pedestrian access or even employee training in travel planning.
Since its launch in 2004 the scheme has funded a number of different initiatives and most recently helped Sport Aberdeen to increase cycling provisions at its Beach Leisure Centre venue.
The grant helped fund the installation of a new sheltered cycle rack for 12 bicycles and a further 6 secure bike lockers. The new facilities offer staff and customers a place in which they can leave their cycles in a safe environment, protected from the elements, with an aim of encouraging this mode of transport to the venue.
Sport Aberdeen Managing Director, Alistair Robertson said: “The increased cycling provisions at the Beach Leisure Centre gives our customers the opportunity to extend their physical activity through sustainable transport.
“We’re grateful to Nestrans for this support and I would encourage organisations across the area to make use of this excellent fund.”
The installation of the new facilities also helped Sport Aberdeen with their progress towards being recognised as a Cycle Friendly Employer by national body Cycling Scotland.
Implementing sustainable travel measures can bring a number of benefits to a business, whether it’s reducing the cost of mileage claims or running a fleet, through to improving the health, productivity and morale of your workforce through active travel.
Nestrans Director Derick Murray said: ““The north east has a large travel to work area and of course it’s not always feasible to leave the car at home but where practical, we need to encourage a shift away from car dependence and single-occupant car use.
“At present we know that over 80% of commuting cars in the north east have only one occupant, and half of all car trips are under six miles.
“Initiatives like car-sharing, using public transport, cycling or walking need to be encouraged and supported if we want to reduce the effects of transport on climate, noise and air quality.
“Businesses can play a large part in helping to encourage and support sustainable travel measures, bringing benefits to the organisation and the wider area, and Nestrans will continue to support businesses in these changes through measures such as the STGS.”
The closing date for applications to this year’s Sustainable Travel Grant Scheme is close of business on Monday 31st July 2017.
For full guidance and to apply to the Sustainable Travel Grant Scheme, please visit http://www.nestrans.org.uk/sustainable-travel-gran…
