Maidstone could be quieter than usual if commuters agree to leave their cars at home for one day in the name of the environment.
People who would normally drive into the bustling county town have been asked to find alternative modes of transport for the finale of Maidstone Goes Green week, on Friday, September 19.
To assess the results of the day, Kent Highway Services will monitor the traffic flow on the main arterial routes while the borough council will measure the air quality and compare it with past data.
County councillor Keith Ferrin, who is the cabinet member for the environment, welcomed the idea.
He said: “It’s amazing that 25 per cent of all journeys are two miles or less, but we often use the car out of habit.
“We want everyone to look at the way they travel and recognise that they can make that daily traffic queue shorter, while at the same time saving themselves money.
“Climate change is something we’re all responsible for and we need to get the message across that making small lifestyle changes can make a big difference.”
Motorists who agree to leave their cars at home will automatically enter the Maidstone Commuter Challenge, and will therefore be able to pick up free mini-breakfasts by passing one of three finish lines in the town.
Those who find more imaginative ways to travel in will be entered into a competition to win a six-month gym membership or one of three bicycles from Cycles UK.
Cllr Trudy Dean, leader of the Liberal Democrats on Kent County Council, welcomed the principle of the scheme but said it would be unrealistic to expect commuters to leave their cars at home in the long term.
She said: “The only way this can be done significantly in Maidstone is by creating more park-and-ride schemes.
“The level of pollution in the town is causing great concern so if we are going to introduce no-car days they need to be on a more regular basis.
“A lot of money has been spent on reducing traffic congestion in the town, but that’s not going to reduce the pollution because the vehicles are still there.
“I would welcome people using alternative modes of transport providing facilities like safe cycle tracks and pedestrian routes are put in place, but it’s unrealistic to expect people to totally desert their cars.”
Each day of Maidstone Goes Green week, which starts on Monday, September 15, will focus on a different transport option.
The town’s three shopping centres – The Mall Chequers, Fremlin Walk and Royal Star Arcade – will also take part by hosting events such as free bicycle health checks and bus clinics.
POSTED: 07/09/2008 14:00:00
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