October 1, 2014 1.34 pm This story is over 113 months old

Lincolnshire commuters encouraged to car share and save

Bg savers: People who commute by car in Lincolnshire are being urged to make use of a car sharing website and save hundreds.
Gary Toward and Phil Watt now share their commute in to Lincoln. Photo: LCC

People who commute by car in Lincolnshire, without sharing the journey, are being urged to make use of a car sharing website and save around £1,000.

October 6-10 is national Liftshare Week and the Access LN6 team at Lincolnshire County Council is asking drivers to consider changing their routine by visiting their website.

On average, commuters driving five miles each way to work could save £1,000 annually.

Gary Toward and Phil Watt car share two to three times per week from Witham St Hughs to Lincoln.

On average, they each spend £25 per week on petrol and £25 on car parking. In sharing the journey every day they could save £1,200 per year.

Gary said: “I checked the LN6 Car Share website and realised that not only did Phil live three doors down the road, he also worked in my building.

“We started car sharing three months ago and have become good friends; it was nice to know the person before car sharing so I would recommend sharing with a colleague or neighbour if you’ve never shared before.

“We don’t have to car share every day and work it around our jobs and social life, but when we do car share, we’re constantly saving money.”

As part of Liftshare Week, the Access LN6 team will be visiting businesses and communities to promote car sharing.

Individuals will have the chance to win a Toyota Yaris Hybrid for the weekend, courtesy of Lexus Toyota in Lincoln, and there’s also a chance to win £250.

Anyone car sharing, and recording their journey on the LN6 Car Share website, will also receive a free gift.

The team will be in Witham St Hughs on Wednesday 8 October, 4pm–7pm, outside Lincolnshire Coop.

Councillor Richard Davies, Executive Councillor for Highways and Transportation at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “With 30,000 cars travelling in and out of LN6 each day, Liftshare Week is about giving car sharing a go.

“Whether it’s something you do every day, or once a week, car sharing can save you money, reduce congestion and help the environment.”