Getting Around Shrewsbury

Driving

Fossil fuels in our cars releases harmful gases when burnt.  In Shrewsbury we have a particular problem with NOx, emissions of which are far higher from deisel vehicles.

So if you want to minimise Shrewsbury's problem's fuel your vehicle with cleaner alternatives like petrol, LPG, or CNG. 

Fuel type in order of NOx emissions (Electric = least emissions, Biodiesel = most emissions)

• Electric
• LPG
• CNG
• Petrol
• Diesel
• Biodiesel

Nonetheless, although petrol is cleaner in terms of soot and NOx, as the table below shows, it yields almost double the amount of harmful carbon monoxide.

The fuel dilema is exacerbated still further because petrol is less economical so it produces more CO2 which contributes to climate change.

So the only real answer is to avoid driving!

However, if you do need to run a car, then try and choose a model with the most fuel-efficient engine in it's class. The Department for Transport provides information about CO2 emissions by model on its website which can be accessed by clicking on the link below 

http://www.dft.gov.uk/ActOnCO2/?q=best_on_co2_rankings

What to find out how much CO2 you use? Use the CO2 Calculator.

Did you know?

You inhale more harmful fumes sat in a car in a traffic jam than you would if you walked or cycled along the same street.

Half of all car journeys made are less than 2 miles - could you travel another way, or not travel at all.

On existing trends, traffic (vehicle kilometers) will double by 2025.

The Bigger Picture

Although we've understood the link between transport and pollution for years, the use of cars relentlessly increases. The good news is that the use of train, bus and cycles, on the whole, is increasing too - basically the overall picture is that we are all travelling around a lot more.

Many people think of travelling as pleasure, but the great bulk of it isn't. How many hours have you spent sat in a traffic jam this week? There is no benefit from having to travel further to get to the same services - do you need to live so far from your workplace or other facilities? Could you get there by bus or train instead?

Walking and Cycling

Around half the journeys we make are less than 2 miles - ideal for walking or cycling.  Cycle lanes and paths are steadily being introduced in the Borough.  National Cycle Network routes in Shropshire now include R81 from Shrewsbury to Wellington via Upton Mangna, R45 Upton Magna to Whitchurch and R31 Whitchurch to Oswestry via Ellesmere. The R45 from Bridgnorth to Bewdley. 

You can take bikes on the train to Whitchurch or Chirk and on bus 501 to Ellesmere. 

Maps for these routes can be dowloaded, or are available FREE from Tourist Information Centres or Tel:01743-253008, or Email: transport@shropshire-cc.gov.uk

There are also lots of footpaths that take you in and around Shrewsbury - its a great way to explore the countryside and see the area from a different perspective!

Buses and Trains

Shrewsbury has a good network of bus and train services, with standards steadily improving. Prices can be cheaper than car journeys,  when you consider the real cost of car use, (including wear and tear) is estimated at 29p per mile.

Timetables and further information are available from the bus station, libraries, Tourist Information Centre's or contact:

Traveline (0870 608 2608) A very useful website for impartial information on planning your journey, by bus, coach or train, or any combination of the three!

National Rail Enquiries (08457 484950) This website also gives information about engineering works affecting the rail network.

You can also visit the following websites:

The Train Line: A useful and accurate website that will tell you the train times, operator, route of your journey, and the price of various tickets. If you do this a few weeks in advance, you can also book your ticket on the web through their online booking service (including Apex fares, etc)

UK National Public Transport Information: a site with bus, rail, ferry and air travel information.

Park and Ride : If you do need to bring your car to town, you could use Shrewsbury's excellent Park and Ride services, which operate from sites at the edge of town. Shrewsbury has a comprehensive park and ride system that runs Monday to Saturday with express buses into Shrewsbury. All buses have a special low step, flat floor at the front and a ramp to offer access for wheelchair users

There are 3 park and ride sites (all with closed circuit television security) at Harlescott Livestock Market, Meole Brace Retail Park and Oxon.

Buses run at least every ten minutes from 7.30 am (8 am Saturdays) with the last bus leaving the town centre at 6.30 pm.

Make a difference!

Throughout the year there are a series of dates where people all over the country work together to make a difference. Why not get involved in:

Green Transport Week in June, organised by the Environmental Transport Association to promote greener transport alternatives. ( Tel:01932-828882

Bike to Work Day, National Bike Week and the Festival of Cycling during June.

Walk to School Week during May or October.

Ideas to try:

If you must have a car, why not try car sharing? Team up with a relative or friend that is going the same way as you - it saves you money too. Or log on to http://www.liftshare.com/ where you can match your journeys online.

Or, did you know that you could convert your own car to run as a Clean Fuel Vehicle (CFV) and that you might be able to get a grant to help with the cost? Visit http://www.transportenergy.org.uk/ for more details.

Carry out a local travel survey at school or work and translate the findings into a Green Travel Plan. A travel plan is a package of measures tailored to the needs of individual companies aimed at promoting greener, cleaner travel choices and reducing reliance on the car.

If you own a B&B, hotel or similar establishment, why not try starting a 'Cyclists or Walkers Welcome Scheme' as a new tourism initiative to encourage people into the area.

Work Travel

The Business Travel Advisor in Shropshire can offer free help to develop travel plans in Shropshire. She can visit your business to offer site specific advice, devise staff or visitor questionnaires, and help produce a draft travel plan for your organisation. Contact 01743 253135 or email: rhiannon.hordley@shropshire-cc.gov.uk

School Travel

Shropshire County Council's Safer Routes to School initiative aims to promote safer, more environmentally sustainable and healthier ways of getting to/from school, with particular emphasis on walking and cycling.  Schools throughout the County are encouraged to develop a 'School Travel Plan' to promote and encourage alternatives to the car and projects involve the investigation of school travel patterns and identifying engineering and educational measures to improve safety and reduce car use. School Travel Plan issues may lead to 'Safer Routes to School' highway schemes which aim to improve conditions (both in safety and the environment) on the main walking/cycling routes to school. Safer Routes to School: Julie Fergusson ( 01743 253136  School Travel Plans: Ray Hughes ( 01743 253137 

Set up a School Walking Bus. This comprises of a few volunteer parents - one to 'drive' and one to 'conduct', a trolley to carry school bags and a long line of children! Powered by good, old-fashioned legwork, it follows a set route to school, collecting pupils at 'bus stops' along the way. It is fun for both parents and children and healthier too! For further information visit: http://www.walkingbus.com/

Shrewsbury and Atcham Borough Council has recently started work on developing a Travel Plan.  Why not visit the Travel Plan Pages to find out more.

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