HAMPSHIRE County Council has announced the introduction of the easitHAMPSHIRE network to its growing My Journey workplace travel scheme.

The scheme, which is aimed at employers, is free to join and has been set up as part of the ‘My Journey’ project to work with businesses and their employees to encourage sustainable transport for everyday and business journeys.

Reducing car travel and cycling or walking more can save people money, increase their level of physical activity and help to reduce congestion on the roads.

Once signed up, people can access initiatives such as eco-driving courses, cycle maintenance classes and free bike loans as well as discounts of up to 20% on bus and train travel for both business and leisure travel. Initially the scheme will focus on signing up businesses in Andover, Basingstoke, Farnborough and Winchester.

easitHAMPSHIRE is part of an Award winning network which now represents key employers in the south delivering sustainable transport solutions to over 600,000 staff.

The group has won a number of industry awards and been recognised by the Department of Transport and the Highways Agency, being hailed as an example of best practice Cllr Seán Woodward, Executive Member for Economy, Transport and Environment, said: “Hampshire County Council is pleased to welcome easit and be able to extend the range of sustainable travel benefits to local employers and their employees as part of the wider My Journey project.”

Dr Mel Mehmet MBE, easitNETWORK chief executive said: “We are delighted to launch easitHAMPSHIRE and to be working with Hampshire County Council. Our objective is to identify and provide solutions to transport issues based on what local employers and employees are prepared to adopt and so bring about changes that will benefit the community and the environment”.

Both employers and employees wishing to find out more about the scheme should email info@myjourneyhampshire.com This project is part of the ‘My Journey’ campaign, funded by the Department of Transport as part of the Local Sustainable Transport Fund (LSTF) to encourage people to consider their travel options for everyday journeys and to try alternative ways of travelling instead of in their car.

Leaving the car at home can save people money, increase their level of physical activity and help to reduce congestion and carbon emissions.