Remember that we gave you the heads up about the Car Free Scheme launching on the Isle of Wight?
Well, this morning it happened at The Mission in Chale and the scheme is something for Island businesses, as well as visitors. Easy to join, with many potential benefits.
For this kind of event we’d normally jump in the car a toodle over the hill, but “No!” we thought – that really wouldn’t be on. Walking was out of the question, and cycling most unlikely, so we settled on the sensible approach – taking the Bus … and it all went very smoothly.
Once there, we chatted to Helen, who runs The Mission; the people from Southern Vectis; and Lois Prior who is behind the Car Free Scheme.
What’s it all about?
Lois explained the thinking behind the Car Free Scheme, which is aimed at holiday makers coming to the Island, “We’re trying to encourage people out of their cars. Car driving has become more of a habit than a necessity” – something that makes a lot of sense.
“You don’t have to come to the Isle of Wight without your car, but once you’re here, leave the car behind,” she expanded, “It’s a great way to ease the (relative) congestion that can happen in the holiday periods.”
Visitors are encouraged to leave their car at their hotels and take alternative transport – hire bikes, the train, or buses. In return they’ll receive bonuses from companies taking part, such as discounts or bonus goodies.
Island companies can sign up
The scheme, now launched, is open for accommodation providers, attractions and other businesses to sign up for. Lois tells us that “it only take five minutes to sign up,” and, helpfully these days, “is really cheap.”
Those businesses taking part will gain from it too.
They’ll receive a boost in marketing, a green incentive and information available to give to their visitors, such as where they can travel on the bus. Something that might pursuade some visitors to book with hotels taking part in the scheme.
You never know, with grass-roots campaign like this we might actually find that the Isle of Wight become an Eco-Island!
Get in touch through their Web site.
Lois covers lots details, have a listen …
[audio:http://otw-audio.s3.amazonaws.com/lois-prior-car-free-scheme-launch.mp3]
