COMMUTERS TO BE REWARDED FOR SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL

Carbon Quids is a new incentive scheme encouraging people to choose more sustainable methods of travel on Ecclesall Road.
The scheme is just one of the many steps Sheffield is taking to reduce carbon emissions and help tackle climate change, something particularly relevant during the upcoming climate week (21-27 March).

Carbon Quids begins its pilot in April, when people will be able to sign up on a website and collect points, or ‘Carbon Quids’, which add up to rewards from local businesses. People register on the site and log their smarter travel journeys, to build up points. They will then be sent a reward card that gives them discounts and freebies with local businesses.

Cllr Andrew Sangar, Sheffield City Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change, said: “Encouraging more sustainable methods of transport includes walking, cycling, bus and car sharing. The aim is to reduce the volume of cars on the Ecclesall Road corridor, helping to reduce the city’s carbon footprint, and making a difference to the effects of climate change.”

Carbon Quids benefits the people of Sheffield by giving them rewards for choosing more environmentally friendly ways of travelling. It benefits local businesses by drawing customers into their shop, bar or restaurant to redeem their rewards.

Some of the businesses already signed up to provide rewards and offers include Endcliffe Park Café, Little Gems, Beauty Care Salon, Flora, Cut Of Class, and Rhyme and Reason.

So local people and businesses will be helping themselves as well as helping the environment by making smarter choices. To find out more about the scheme, visit www.carbonquids.info.

Other activities taking place during climate week include the free Low Carbon Sheffield Showcase at the Town Hall on Friday 25 March. Carbon Quids will be hosting a stand at the showcase, where people can find out more. For more information about this and other climate week activities in the city, visit www.sheffieldismyplanet.co.uk.

The success of this pilot will determine whether the scheme will continue long term, and be rolled out to other arterial routes into the city centre, such as Penistone Road.