Address: Tops Day Nursery, 375 Blandford Road, Efford, Plymouth, PL3 6JD
Please also refer to separate policies on Cycle to Work Scheme, Electric Bike Policy, Environmental Policy, Flexible Working, Vehicles, and Driving Policy, And to Staff Handbook and CSR Policy.
Introduction
Measures to promote sustainable travel and strategies are in place to promote the use of public transport, car sharing, walking, and cycling. The health benefits of walking and cycling to staff are promoted.
Walking
Walking is the most sustainable method of travel, has a number of proven health
benefits and is an important source of personal freedom. Walking is important for the vast majority of people, including those using public transport or without access to a car. It has the potential to play an important role in journeys to work, particularly for those living within two miles of their workplace. Walking is a form of active travel, which can offer a range of physical and psychological benefits to the individual.
Cycling
Cycling is cheap, offers reliable journey times and is environmentally friendly. Within the workplace, encouragement of cycling can lead to a healthier, more productive workforce.
A link has been identified between car growth and obesity, with both trends
Increasing at a similar rate between 1985 and 2000. Travel Plans offer substantial health benefits to individuals who are motivated to complete more journeys on foot or by bicycle. In turn, employers can benefit through increased productivity and reduced absence through illness.
The company operate the “Cycle to Work Scheme” enabling employees to purchase bicycles and associated safety equipment through salary sacrifice. This means that employees are able to receive Income Tax and National Insurance savings on the retail price of their chosen bike and safety equipment package. The scheme is administered through a salary sacrifice agreement and is run in accordance with the Government’s Green Travel Plan. Staff can select any model of bike up to a value of £300 pa through independent bike shops taking part in this scheme, thereby providing business to the local community.
The Company also has a fleet of 4 electric bicycles which are currently lent to staff who do not have access to a bicycle at home. THE COMPANY are considering increasing this provision by a further 2 electric bicycles.
The Company encourage, support and facilitate cycling by:
- providing lockers
- providing bicycle parking
- bicycle loan/tax free scheme for employees
- discounts on bicycles and accessory purchases
- marketing of cycling (e.g. health aspects).
And offer the following subject to demand
- bicycle training
- bicycle buddy scheme
- cyclist events
Bus stops closest to Blandford Road, Efford
Plym View Primary School 8, 9
Blandford Road East 8, 9
Douglas Road 8, 9.
Managing car use
It is important that car use and parking are managed.
Where the only option is to transport by vehicle, mapping of staff journeys is used to aid implementing car sharing. ‘Car Sharing’ refers to a situation where two or more people travel by car together, for all or part of the car trip.
These initiatives work and greatly reduce car use, benefiting the health and well-being of staff and generally increasing the quality of life with the added benefit of reducing the carbon footprint.
Expenses are not paid for students attending training for solo car use if they are able to share.
There is plenty of on-street parking within the surrounding area.
