Commuter traffic drops by 15% during school holidays, could that be sustained throughout the year?

Wednesday 10 January 2024

Small changes to travel habits could have a big impact on the morning commute.

Local charity The Better Journey Project has been monitoring traffic volumes over the last two years which shows a 15% drop during school holidays.

“Our detailed traffic monitoring confirms that our commuting habits are very consistent whatever the season, but a 15% reduction in overall traffic volume would be relatively easy to achieve through a small uplift in active travel, bus use and lift sharing,” said Barrie Duerden, a member of the Project.

“This would make the traffic so much better for those who need to drive such as islanders with disabilities, taxis, buses, the emergency services and commercial vehicles.”  

Data also shows that over 3,400 commuters every week day travel on their own in a car. 

“If only 20% of this number chose to share a lift and increases in bus use, cycling and walking that we saw last year continued, we’d reach the ‘Schools out’ level of traffic density with no change to volume of commercial and public service vehicles,” said Alex Costen from The Health Improvement Commission.

“Clearly, all of these people choosing more sustainable travel would save money and most would improve their mental and physical health while also doing their bit for the environment.” 

Dani Bennett from Living Streets said: “We are a tight knit local community who tend to know others who live and work in similar locations.  It only takes a bit of effort and community spirit to talk to, call, WhatsApp, text or email those that you know to share vehicles, particularly for the commute, but also for school pick-up and drop-off. 

“I encourage people to take a look at the free app LiftShare  that can be used to car share with those that you may not know currently but have the same journeys to make. 

“You can split the cost of your journey and reduce your carbon footprint. The app is not for profit so no competition for taxis who would still have their place in the travel mix.” 

Matt Collas, the Travel Plan Coordinator for Admiral Park Plaza said: “With new office buildings coming on stream soon at Admiral Park, the landlords and tenants here are keen to minimise congestion, so encouraging management and staff to consider walking, cycling, using the bus and lift sharing is important. If firms incentivise staff to use these ways to get to and from work and make it easy for them, then everybody wins.”