Four Hull businesses and organisations have received national certification for workplace travel plans encouraging about 2,530 employees to walk, cycle and use public transport for their daily commute.
The Deep and the Holiday Inn Hull Marina have received Good Travel Plan (Bronze) awards from Modeshift STARS with the Double Tree by Hilton Hull and the University of Hull receiving Approved Travel Plan (Green) certificates.
These four businesses join national retailer, Next, who have a bronze accredited travel plan, and Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, one of the city’s largest employers, whose travel plan has progressed from bronze to silver accreditation in the space of just 12 months.
The national STARS accreditation scheme recognises workplaces that go above and beyond in developing, implementing and monitoring an effective travel plan to bring about a change in travel behaviour and reduce the number of single occupancy car journeys to, from and between their sites.
Sites are awarded Green, Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum accreditation.
Hull City Council offers businesses and organisations within the city the chance to join Modeshift STARS for free as part of its strategic objective of promoting active travel choices.
The benefits and advantages of a workplace travel plan, include:
- reductions of single car occupancy journeys, which helps alleviate pressure and congestion across site car parks
- identifying availability and accessibility of viable transport options, based on staff locations
- potential to improve and develop site connectivity links through sustainable and active travel
- improving staff wellbeing, with physical and mental health benefits.
Councillor Mark Ieronimo, cabinet portfolio holder for transportation, roads and highways, said: “It is brilliant to see businesses and organisations within the city taking advantage of the opportunity to participate in the Modeshift STARS programme for the benefit of their staff and for the local environment.
“In order to achieve Modeshift STARS accreditation, these businesses and organisations have delivered a range of initiatives as part of their travel plans, including promoting sustainable and active travel choices, cycling and public transport events, on-site cycle friendly facilities and the installation of EV charging.”
Katy Duke, chief executive officer at The Deep, said: “We are delighted to have received the bronze level of Modeshift STARS accreditation.
“As The Deep is a conservation charity, it is hugely important for us to look at ways to reduce our carbon footprint.
“Thanks to Hull City Council’s support in providing access to the Modeshift STARS programme, our crew have been able to further consider alternative travel methods to work.
“Aided by the recent re-introduction of the Priory Park & Ride route, which now calls at The Deep, visitors and crew members have an additional option for travel.”
