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Small changes to how we travel

Small travel changes can make a big difference

All forms of transport that use fossil fuels produce carbon emissions. By changing our habits, and adapting the way and amount we travel, we can help the environment.

By encouraging our residents to consider alternative travel options including public transport, cycling, walking and car share, we can all do our bit.

Access to affordable, reliable and frequent public transport, particularly bus transport, is vitally important in people’s daily lives - commuting to work, getting children to school, attending health and care appointments and accessing leisure opportunities. Local bus services are important in tackling social isolation and access to community services, especially for younger and older people.

Cycle Hire

Click2cycle is now available in the Dover area, thanks to a £100,000 grant from the Kent County Council Highway Innovation Fund.

Bikes can be rented 24 hours a day, seven days a week, from cycle hubs at Dover Castle coach park, Marina Curve and Market Square.

The pay-as-you-go system costs £5 for first hour costs and each additional period of up to 30 minutes costs £1.50.  The bikes can be unlocked from one cycle hub and returned to any of the others, including hubs in Folkestone.

 

Free month’s bus pass

Dover District Leisure Centre is offering a month’s free travel on local bus services with Stagecoach in 2022 (*terms and conditions apply). The Dover & Deal 4 week megarider ticket is valid for 28 consecutive days' unlimited travel on all Stagecoach buses within the Dover & Deal travel zone.

The scheme is open to all users of the leisure centre with free bus passes available on request at the Dover District Leisure Centre's reception.

 A full list of bus timetables and services is available with bus stops located just outside the leisure centre and a short walk from the local Tesco’s.

*Terms and conditions: You must be a resident living in the district. Only one application per person. The Megarider ticket is time-based and eligible for 28 days from the first time it is used. Megarider tickets are transferrable but only one person can use the ticket at any one time.

 

Need to use the car?

The most energy efficient journey is the smoothest one, with no hold ups, and no accidental detours. Follow the AA’s advice for driving economically and you will be helping the environment along the way.

 

Why not consider:

  • Co-ordinating your activities and fitting them all in at the same time
  • Reducing the distance you need to travel by getting what you want locally? This will help boost the local economy too.
  • Thinking about alternative ways to travel - walking, cycling (if local), car sharing or catching a bus or train? Concessionary fares include free bus travel for those aged over 60, and reduced fares for under 16’s
  • Using the internet to find out information
  • Working from home when possible
  • Buying a ‘greener’ car
  • Using Park and Ride when available

 

Need to Fly?

In today’s society it’s not always possible to avoid flying, however you could improve your carbon footprint by:

  • Choosing a destination that’s nearer – it saves on emissions to stay closer to home
  • Avoiding stopovers as taking off and landing are the most polluting parts of a flight
  • Considering carbon offsetting – paying a supplement which is then invested in a low-carbon initiative (always read the small print carefully before using such a scheme)

 

Useful links

Sustrans   - the charity making it easier for people to walk and cycle

Kent connected – encouraging commuters to car share

RAC guide to electric cars

National Rail Enquiries

Stagecoach provides the bus service in Dover District.

National Express provides coaches to destinations throughout the UK

Earthchangers highlights the most sustainable tourism around the world