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GCHQ gets its 'act' together on green transport |
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GCHQ's success in weaning staff away from single car usage to greener transport alternatives has been highly commended by the Association for Commuter Transport (ACT). At a recent awards ceremony in London, hosted by ACT, GCHQ was highly commended for the initiatives it has taken to bring about a significant reduction in the number of staff driving solo to work. A special transport team has put together an impressive package of alternatives including a car sharing scheme, new park and ride facilities, and a business shuttle bus between the new intelligence centre and a retained site at Oakley. They have also formed effective partnerships with local authorities and transport providers, which ensures GCHQ have a say in the provision of road improvements, new cycle lanes and new bus services. Almost all staff based at the new accommodation have agreed to change their travel behaviour, half signing up to car sharing and most of the remainder joining a special green scheme that allows parking roughly one day per week. Speaking at the awards, Alastair Duff, the Chairman of ACT, said: "GCHQ have put together a superb travel plan… they have also set long-term goals and provide an excellent lead for other government organisations." He continued: "I am particularly impressed by their 'Rainbow' car sharing scheme and the way staff have thrown their support behind it." A GCHQ spokesman commented: "A successful green transport plan is more than a 'nice to have' - it is absolutely essential for the health of our business. Compared to our old Oakley and Benhall sites, we will only have about 2900 parking spaces at our new accommodation - a reduction of about 15%. More significantly, while new car parking spaces are being constructed at the Doughnut, we will have to make do with only 1800 spaces until May 2005 - a 50% reduction on our old allocation." He added: "All the alternatives we laid on would have been in vain if the staff hadn't supported us, and we have also ensured, whenever possible, that the transport improvements we implement will benefit the local population too. And it doesn't stop here - we aim to sustain these initiatives, and we hope that we can reduce further the number of car parking spaces we will require." 2 April 2004 |
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