With tax incentives, reduced insurance costs and fewer trips to the petrol station, drivers have plenty of incentives to go green. However, now there is yet more motivation to add to the list – faster journey times.
A hard shoulder on the M62 along the notorious eastbound route between junction 25 and Leeds has been opened for drivers with two or more people in their car and has been dubbed a ‘car sharing lane’. It is the first of its kind in the country and links the southbound M606 from Bradford to the eastbound M62.
It is estimated that the lane can shave around 40minutes off the typical commute time – but there has been little take-up so far.
According to research, around 85 per cent of vehicles on the road during the M62 rush hour are carrying just one occupant, which is having a negative impact on the environment and heaping more pressure on our already jam-packed roads.
In Calderdale a car-share initiative has been established with office workers who live in similar areas sharing a lift to work. However, there have only been 727 people join the scheme so far – and yet there are around 29,000 vehicles driving into Halifax every day.
A car-share car park has been set up in Cow Green with half-priced parking for car sharers. Despite a low take-up it is estimated that the scheme has saved 242,682 miles, £24,268, 74 tons of CO² and 24,735 trees.
Clearly there are massive advantages both environmentally and financially for being willing to share a car. It is expected that similar schemes will be adopted across the country if there is suitable demand.
So would you be willing to share a car to help the environment? Or is your car privacy too important? Let us know your thoughts.
