14 November 2022 Safer, Greener, Healthier

New money-saving active transport campaign launches for Essex residents

Digital campaign provides tips and information on how walking, cycling, e-scooting and using public transport can help cut costs this winter.

Essex County Council has launched a new Safer, Greener, Healthier campaign which promotes the money-saving benefits of sustainable travel.

The campaign, which will run for six weeks and appear on all the main social media platforms, shares tips and information about how cycling, walking, e-scooting and using public transport can help cut costs this winter.

This follows a recent Bike is Best survey which explored the impact the rising cost of living is having on people’s travel habits. Of the 2,000 people who took part, two thirds (69%) of the population have changed or are considering changing their transport behaviour, with 86% citing saving money as the reason for the change. 87% strongly agreed or agreed that using a bicycle could help with the cost of living issues.

Included in the new campaign are money-saving tips for travelling around on two wheels such as the Cycle to Work scheme and where residents can access free adult and family cycle training, Information on Park and Ride bus special offers, discount bus fares and the e-scooting UK Access Scheme which offers 50 per cent discount for Blue Light card holders, students and Job Centre Plus card holders amongst others are also featured.

Cllr Lee Scott, Cabinet Member for Highways Maintenance and Sustainable Transport at Essex County Council said: “The cost of living crisis is affecting many and we want to help as much as we can during these challenging times. One of the ways we’re doing this is by providing tips and information on how sustainable travel can make a difference from a cost perspective.

“Most of us know that by cycling, walking, e-scooting or using public transport, especially for shorter journeys, we can make a real difference to the environment and our health. But travelling sustainably can also help save you money.”

More information on the campaign can be found on the following pages:

Reducing your car use by a quarter could save up to £202 in fuel costs and 510kg of CO2 a year according. So if you’re looking to save money on your travels around Essex, check out our money-saving tips for travelling on two wheels.
Reducing your car use by a quarter could save up to £202 in fuel costs and 510kg of CO2 a year according. So if you’re looking to save money on your travels around Essex, check out our money-saving tips for travelling on public transport.
We’re working with commercial partner Tier Mobility who are currently delivering the Essex e-scooter trial. Check whether you are eligible for the Access Scheme which offers 50% off all trips for six months.
One of the ambitions of the Safer Greener Healthier campaign is to increase walking across the county, particularly for shorter journeys and as part of longer ones.