News

Councils, businesses and organisations in Poole, Bournemouth and Christchurch will be meeting for the launch the Wessex Travel Network (WESTNET) on Friday 25 October.

Designed to help local organisations work together, the new group is part of a larger commitment which aims to help reduce congestion in the area by encouraging walking, car-sharing and use of public transport for those travelling to work or college.

Following the success of similar groups in Cambridge and Winchester, WESTNET involves organisations which are working to develop Travel Plans that support employees and provide choice travel choices.

Cllr Bob Williams, Environment & Regeneration, said: "Locally employers are becoming more aware of how their staff travel to work and the need to encourage alternatives to the car. By bringing major employers together we hope that companies will realise the value of working together and use this group as a chance to learn from the experiences of others. By enabling members to trade ideas and work on joint initiatives I hope this group will make a real impact that helps to improve conditions which affect everyone in the area."

Organisations involved include the RNLI, Sunseeker, Bournemouth University, The Arts Institute, United Advertising Publications, Fitness First, JP Morgan, Poole Hospital, The Royal Marines, Bournemouth Hospital, Liverpool Victoria, Tesco, Terence O‘Rourke PLC and Barclays.

Representatives from the Borough of Poole include Councillors, the Chief Executive, Policy Directors the Head of Transportation Services as well as Officers from Bournemouth and Christchurch Councils. It is hoped that bus operators and companies throughout Dorset will also attend future meetings.