World Car-free Day 22nd September 2011

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Transport workshop at Green Ovingham Open Meeting March 20th 2011, led by Neil Bradbury. County Councillor for Prudhoe West.

Discussion topics/possible future projects

To work on immediately because time-specific:

• Car-free day – coordinate with national car-free day in September, involving schools, pledges by as many people as possible. Link with bus and train companies to ensure people know all options instead of cars.
• Campaign for shared space to change current priority for cars over pedestrians. Could be launched when new play equipment officially opened by Parish Council: youngsters will be crossing roads with bikes to use equipment. Connected with this – ask the County Council for speed limits on the estates, rather like “play streets” in Newcastle and Gateshead where speeds are restricted to 10 mph.

To work on as and when time available:

1. Investigate national Liftshare website and see if it could be adapted for local use. (Possible followed by setting up of car-share group – as in Prudhoe)
2. Put pressure on SCA and other Low Prudhoe businesses to look into possibility of using  rail freight service instead of lorries.
3. Work with Ovingham Middle School to campaign for facilities for pupils to cycle to school.
4. Bus service – press for interactive signs on bus stops. (Prudhoe is starting to introduce these)
5. Circulate information on strategies to reduce fuel use in cars by driving more
   economically – this should be welcomed now with fuel prices rising.