5:09pm Tuesday 13th June 2006
By Jonathan Walton
Sufferers of claustrophobia were advised to steer clear of a pressing bid to encourage car sharing yesterday.
Supporters of a burgeoning web-based scheme hooking up motorists with potential passengers wedged themselves into a Mini to give it a boost.
Drivers gathered in New Mill car park in Saltaire to squeeze into the Mini and help enhance the fortunes of Bradford Carshare.
The scheme, which has already been successfully running at Bradford Council for the past few months, is to be extended to the whole district.
Major organisations such as the Bradford & Bingley bank, Shipley College, the University of Bradford and the district's primary care trusts have backed the project and will be encouraging their staff to participate.
More than 400 Bradford Council employees have already signed up to www.bradfordcarshare.com, which links like-minded workers who are keen to slash motoring bills and help reduce traffic jams.
The scheme is now expanding far beyond Bradford Council employees with hundreds more drivers invited to enjoy a potential average saving of more than £1,000 per year by taking part.
The Council claims that motorists using the free database to share rides to work could save £1,146 per year in petrol and car parking costs.
Drivers can even log-on to a cost calculator, enter their motoring costs and have the total saving from sharing fired back within seconds.
Councillor Anne Hawkesworth, executive member for the environment, said Bradford Carshare was a simple yet effective way to cut down on pollution and congestion in the district.
"The project is part of the Council's commitment to improve air quality and tackling climate change," she said.
"But Carshare is also a great way to make friends and should make travelling to work a much nicer experience."
Pam Essler, acting chairman for Airedale Primary Care Trust, said there were many links between transport and health.
"As a health organisation we have a responsibility to promote efficient, healthy and environmental means of travel.
"We recognise that steps need to be take now to ease traffic congestion across the district, thereby reducing stress and illness related to populations. This car sharing scheme is an excellent idea and a move in the right direction."
Bradford Carshare participants can register at www.bradfordcarshare.com.
National Liftshare Day is tomorrow. More information about liftshare schemes across the country can be found at www.liftshare.org.
e-mail: jonathan.walton@bradford.newsquest.co.uk
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