Member Article

Business commuters told to get on their bikes

NORTH EAST business commuters are being urged to seek more sustainable travel arrangements which will have both environmental and economic benefits.

This week saw a record high in petrol and diesel costs exacerbated by the VAT increase from 17.5 per cent to 20 per cent.

As a result, Be Air Aware (BAA), a campaign designed to raise awareness of the increasing issue of poor air quality in Tyne and Wear, believe there has never been a better time for people to change their travel habits.

Ed Foster, environment and safety manager, at Newcastle City Council, said: “The Government is focusing on reducing the deficit – a key plank of which is increasing VAT to 20 per cent.

“This coupled with rising petrol and diesel prices as a result of rising oil prices means that many families in Tyne and Wear are feeling the pinch.”

The AA has stated that the average price of petrol at forecourt pumps is now £125.19p per litre, up from £124.16p in December 2010.

Diesel is up from £128.35p in December to £129.30p in January.

The AA estimates the increase in VAT will add another 2.5p on top of that.

Mr Foster added: “This could be an opportunity for many to perhaps think about digging their bike out of the shed and using it to travel to work on or they could even think about walking if they live close enough or using public transport of course.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .