'Travelwise' commuter advice website launched

Commuters and shoppers can avoid traffic headaches during the festive shopping season by logging on to the Travelwise NI website.

With increasing levels of traffic congestion expected, the Department for Regional Development’s (DRD) Roads Service Travelwise NI team have launched a new website to help relieve commuters and shoppers of the stress of being stuck in traffic.

Launching the website www.travelwiseni.com, DRD Permanent Secretary, Stephen Quinn, said: “The Travelwise NI website provides commuters with information about sustainable transport options that are attractive alternatives to being a lone driver in the car this Christmas.

"This website can help those who may be interested in finding out more about car-sharing, park and ride and park and share schemes that are in place to help people get to work, school and the shops during this busy period.”

Brian Moreland, Head of Travelwise NI said: “For many, this festive period can be stressful enough without the added pressure of being stuck in traffic every day. Alternatives such as car-sharing, walking, cycling and public transport will help ease gridlock and remove the hassle of finding parking spaces. These alternatives to the car not only benefit the environment and your health, but they can also save you time and money.”

The Travelwise NI campaign was recently awarded ‘Best Local Authority in the Field of Sustainable Transport’ by the UK wide National Travelwise Association at its annual conference in London.

Mr Moreland added: “We are delighted to have beaten off competition from across the UK in the promotion of sustainable transport options and the launch of this website aims to build on the success we have had to date.”

(SP/MB)