Every time we step out of our homes, to go to a park, visit a friend, to go to work or to buy our groceries, we use a mode of transport. The choice of the mode impacts both our environment and our health.

Modes of transport

While cars are convenient, most cars burn fossil fuel causing carbon dioxide emissions. The use of cars has grown rapidly in the past decades contributing to climate change.

We can reduce this impact by changing the choices we make. Choosing to walk, cycling, or use public transport as appropriate will reduce pollution and also improve one’s health and mental well-being. Electric cars, car pooling and car clubs are options for when use of cars is essential.

What is the council doing?

  • We have changed our fleet to include an electric van for the employees to use when travelling for work.
  • Started the process to transition our waste collection vehicles to lower emission ones.
  • Building infrastructure and creating policies to facilitate and encourage walking, cycling and use of public transport.
  • Installed Twin 7kW fast Electric Vehicle charging points in three of our car parks: Civic Offices car park in Borehamwood, High Road in Bushey Heath and Salisbury Close car park in Potters Bar.
  • Identifying areas in need of on-street electric vehicle charging points and exploring funding opportunities to support.
  • Introduced a public cycle hire scheme in Borehamwood to lower transport emissions, improve air quality and improve health and well being of residents and visitors.

What can residents do?

  • If your journey is under one mile, consider walking.
  • Consider cycling if your journey is under three miles.
  • Use public transport when you can.
  • Car pool when and where you can.
  • Consider joining a car club before deciding to buy a car.
  • If you decide to buy a car, consider buying an electric one. You may be able to get support from the government to install a charging point at your home via the Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme.
  • Register your interest in having an electric vehicle charging point installed on a street near you.
  • When making travel plans, consider using low carbon alternatives such as trains, buses or ferries instead of flying.
  • If you are based in Borehamwood and making a local journey, consider hiring our public cycles.

What can businesses do?

  • Reduce the need to travel where possible by allowing for remote and flexible working.
  • Develop a travel policy for your organisation that actively reduces the need for the employees to travel, specially travel by air.
  • Consider cycles, e-cargo bikes and electric vehicles for your fleet. Increase awareness about Cycle Mileage Allowance Payments amongst employees for use of cycle for work. They are entitled to 20p per mile, tax free.
  • Set up a Cycle to Work scheme for employees. Encourage employees to walk/cycle to work, provide showering and cycle storage facilities, offering financial incentives.
  • Establish a car pooling club within your organisation or in partnership with other businesses.
  • Provide electric vehicle charging points for customers and employees. You may be able to get support from the government via the Workplace Charging Scheme.
  • Provide cycle parking facilities for customers.
  • If your office is based in Borehamwood, consider partnering with our Public Cycle Hire Scheme to encourage employees to cycle to work.