500th Thank You Sign

Date: 20 October 2007

Kerry McCarthy MP for Bristol East will unveiled the 500th sign thanking people for not driving in Bristol. The sign, one of several installed at St Brendan's Catholic College in Bristol will encourage students staff and visitors to think again before using their own car.

The 'thank you for not driving' campaign recognises that even if just half these people were to opt to drive, congestion and air quality would substantially worsen. Indeed, it has been calculated that these 70,000 non-drivers are saving up to 10,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions each year and are doing their bit to reduce the impact of global warming. There are a large number of students and staff at St Brendan’s who already cycle, walk and car share to the college, and this sign acknowledges the part they are playing in reducing congestion and global warming. St Brendan’s students joined Kerry at the sign unveiling with the aim of raising more awareness about the scheme, hopefully encouraging yet more students and staff to join the scheme.

Bristol City Council is also using the campaign to promote the health benefits of ditching the car in favour of alternative modes of transport. Replacing just two or three car trips each week with walking, cycling or public transport can offer a real health boost and help safeguard our environment.

Pete Taylor of The Switch Off Campaign said, "We are all aware of the health problems associated with poor air quality. It is good to see the council supporting this campaign, which is a step in the right direction."
Useful URL : http://www.stbrn.ac.uk