Public Backs Using Sustainable Transport 'Once A Week'

Ninety three per cent of people who responded to the survey, carried out in Belfast last week, backed the minister's calls encouraging people to leave the car at home in favour of walking, cycling, car-sharing or public transport.

Eighty-five per cent of those in favour of this initiative said they would embrace this call where it was possible to do so.

The survey was conducted to mark the launch of Travelwise "Once a Week" campaign which encourages people to leave the car behind, where they could, in favour of public transport, cycling and walking.

The minister said: "I am encouraged by the strong message of support coming from people in Belfast.

"I appreciate for many people the car is a necessity and sustainable modes are not a realistic option. "As minister, like many others, I need the car for work. I do my best to car share with officials, use the train or walk instead of taking the car.

"The survey findings make clear the message that sustainable transport can bring financial, environmental and health benefits is starting to take hold with the public.

"Commuters know it makes sense to use the car less. The Travelwise survey found that 55% of commuters who drive to work have cut back on the number of miles they drive with 44% spending between an extra £10 to £20 per week on fuel and a further 31% spending an extra £20-£50 per week which equates to hundreds and thousands of pounds per year," said Mr Murphy.

Speaking at the launch of the 'Once a Week' campaign, Brian Moreland, Head of Travelwise NI said: "I appreciate that for many people leaving the car at home is not an option but by car-sharing with at least one other person, be they family member, friend or colleague you can automatically halve your fuel costs."

Thirty per cent of people in the survey favoured the use of public transport which would allow people to avoid congested traffic and enable them to read a book or paper on the bus or train.

The survey showed that nearly half (48%) of commuters coming into Belfast spent between 1 and 2 hours on their journey each day - this works out as between 5 and 10 hours a week in traffic.

When asked what put people off swapping the car for public transport, cycling, car sharing or walking 9% said cost of public transport, 15% said convenience, 12% said weather conditions was a deterrent with 47% saying that they were just 'set in their ways'.

Seventy four per cent said financial savings would be the biggest incentive to get them to change their ways.

"Using sustainable modes can save you money: by cutting back on the car and walking the kids to school where possible, or walking to the corner shop at least once a week people will start to notice the extra money in their pocket," said Mr Moreland.

The launch of the Once a Week campaign marks the start of Travelwise Week in association with European Mobility Week (which runs from 15-21 September).