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Three organisations have picked up Commuter Initiative Awards at the Fourth Annual Conference of the Association for Commuter Transport. These Awards were set up three years ago to recognise originality and innovation in the field of travel planning. Many organisation are now coming up with their won innovative solutions using a range of tools and solutions to tackle congestion and pollution and shows the increasing pace and interest in the take -up of Travel Plans throughout the UK.

In response to an increasing number of high quality entries, the award this year was divided into three categories. To be considered for an Award, organisations (which have to be members of ACT) were asked to put forward a recently implemented and original initiative that has helped to reduce car dependency at the workplace. Entries needed to demonstrate, effective project management, an innovative and original package of measures, how successful partnerships have been developed, and evidence of a change in staff travel patterns especially a reduction of Single Occupancy Journeys.

The Private Sector Award went to a company which has produced a comprehensive plan which shows a continuous decline in drive above commuting over the past 4 years, together with many inventive marketing technique particularly their "silhouette" campaign. Drive above mode in 1986 was 82% in 2000 it reduced to 64%.

The award goes to Manchester Airport PLC.

The Marketing Award was presented to an organisation which recognises that travel plans are an important employee benefit. The judges liked the idea of a "travel club" who's membership not only delivered car sharing and discounted public transport tickets but also wider benefits in the form of local discounts, privilege and special deals for its travel choice club the winner is Buckinghamshire County Council.

The Public Sector Award went to a project with 4 years partners (BBC, Highway Agency, Nottinghamshire County Council, Nottingham City Council) who have set up and operated the UK's first Mobility Centre. The Centre provides travel information through a number of media - web, hotline, radio broadcasts and is also developing support measures for employers and employees who wish to use their car less. The award goes to the Nottingham Travelwise Centre.

For information about the Awards and photographs of the prize winners can be obtained from:

The Association for Commuter Transport
Andy Costain
Tel: 0207 348 1975
Email:mail@act-uk.com

Manchester Airport
Contact: Kate Dibble
Tel: 0161 489 8740
Email: kate.dibble@manairport.co.uk

Buckinghamshire County Council
Contact: Stefan Dimic
Tel: 01296 395 000
Email: sdimic@buckscc.gov.uk

Nottinghamshire Travelwise Centre
Contact: Claire Fleming
Tel: 0115 941 8030
Email: claire@nccutc.demon.co.uk