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Rosie Winterton launches new car sharing research

DEPARTMENT FOR TRANSPORT News Release (009) issued by The Government News Network on 24 January 2008

The popularity of car sharing was highlighted by new research unveiled today by Transport Minister Rosie Winterton.

A survey - the first ever undertaken by the Department into levels of car sharing - showed that:

* 61% of those surveyed had taken part in some form of car sharing in the past month

* 28% said the lift took place at least once a week

* 25% of those receiving a lift said the last journey was for work/business related

* 1% of respondents said they were a member of a formal lift sharing scheme run by their employer or other organisation.

Transport Minister Rosie Winterton said:

"Car sharing helps reduce congestion, tackle pollution and carbon emissions and importantly, cut the costs of travelling. While this research shows that informal car sharing is popular, it highlights that formal schemes run by employers are still in a small minority.

"I encourage employers to consider whether introducing a car sharing scheme for their organisation could help them reduce their carbon footprint and provide quicker, more convenient journeys for staff."

The Department for Transport started the National Business Travel Network (NBTN) in 2007 as part of the ACT ON CO2 campaign. NBTN promotes the take up of workplace travel plans among businesses, which can include car sharing. The Network has around 250 members, including the CBI, the British Chambers of Commerce.

Notes to Editors

1. The research 'Public Experiences of Car Sharing' can be found on the DfT website: http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/statistics/datatablespublications/trsnstatsatt/pubexofcarsharing

2. The Department for Transport has published guidance for employers considering implementing a workplace travel plan, including car sharing schemes. 'The Essential Guide to Travel Planning' can be found within the 'Environment & efficiency' section at Business Link: http://www.businesslink.gov.uk

3. The Department for Transport's ACT ON CO2 campaign was first launched in March 2007 and is aimed at giving the consumers and business useful information on how to reduce their individual carbon emissions. The brand was developed by the Department for Transport and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

4. Employers interested in further information on the National Business Travel Network should see http://www.nbtn.org.uk/

Public Enquiries: 020 7944 8300
Department for Transport Website: http://www.dft.gov.uk