Green commuter plans to be discussed by leaders
Regional leaders will be discussing how businesses can embed travel plans to help staff use greener modes of transport, in anticipation of the introduction of the Clear Air Zone in Birmingham, during a Chamber-hosted webinar.
The virtual event, taking place on 24 February from 10am, will include an overview of workplace travel planning using Modeshift STARS, presented by Cllr Waseem Zaffar, cabinet member for transport and the environment at Birmingham City Council.
ModeShift STARS is a scheme which rewards and recognises businesses, schools and other organisations which have shown excellence in cycling, walking and other forms of sustainable travel.
The council is urging employers to utilise the scheme, in order to encourage and support staff to consider greener modes of transport when travelling in to the city for work.
The event will also include talks from University of Birmingham and National Express, who have already achieved accreditation through the Modeshift STARS scheme.
Raj Kandola, head of policy at the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, says that with less than six months to go until the zone goes live, it is crucial for businesses to have the tools they need to help reduce harmful levels of air pollution.
He said: “As part of our ongoing engagement with Birmingham City Council in helping businesses prepare for the start of the Clean Air Zone, we are delighted to be hosting our upcoming event which will focus on how firms can embed travel plans within their business plans to help staff use different modes of transport.
“It 's fantastic to see Chamber patrons National Express and the University of Birmingham are joining us for the discussion - both are huge anchor institutions in our region that collectively employee thousands of staff and I 'm sure they will share valuable insight on how businesses of all shapes and sizes can help their staff transition to cycling and walking where possible.
“With the start of the Zone less than six months away, it 's vital that businesses have the tools they need to play their part in reducing harmful levels of air pollution and I 'm sure the events we are hosting will offer businesses the tips they need to make informed and practical decisions. ”
Cllr Zaffar said: “Before businesses can change their travel behaviour, they first have to understand how they currently operate. Modeshift STARS provides the tools to create a travel planning document for businesses which can then inform future decisions based on facts rather than assumptions. With less than six months to go until the Clean Air Zone launches on 1 June, this is the perfect time to look at alternative means of travel so that once it goes live businesses and their staff are fully prepared and already in the habit of adopting cleaner and greener modes of transport. ”
The Birmingham Clean Air Zone is due to be launched on 1 June, whereby the most polluting vehicles entering the zone, within and including the A4540 ring road, will be charged to enter.
The Clean Air Zone has been mandated by Government in a bid to improve air quality and reduce pollution levels in the city.
To register your place for the event, click here
Pictured: The Birmingham Clean Air Zone boundary