Bracknell

An annual challenge to see which Bracknell Forest businesses and organisations can encourage the most staff to get to work without their cars was won by Sharp Telecommunications of Europe Ltd.

Bracknell Forest Borough Council laid down the challenge to see who could get the most members of staff to ditch their cars and travel to work using other methods on European Car Free Day, which was held last month.

Sharp Telecommunications encouraged a third of their staff to change their journey to work, narrowly-beating fellow competitors Siemens Group and last year’s winners Bracknell Forest Borough Council.

The challenge is part of a Council initiative which encourages all businesses to develop travel plans aimed at staff using greener, cleaner travel choices, and reducing reliance on the car.

Paula Meekins, Sharp Telecommunications of Europe’s HR Manager, said: Our employees were quick to embrace the challenge and, despite the poor weather, we had staff walking, cycling and coming by train.

”We are very pleased to have won, and look forward to defending our title next year."

Cllr Mrs Mary Ballin, Executive Member for Bracknell Planning and the Environment, said: "I have been extremely impressed with the results of the car-free challenge.

This challenge is part of the Council’s ongoing commitment to promoting sustainable travel choices and we hope it encourage local businesses to introduce their own travel plans."

For more information about travel plans, please contact the Council’s travel plan co-ordinator Phillip Burke on 01344 351266.

Bracknell Forest Borough Council