17. Transport
Transport produces 30% of the UK’s
CO2 emissions. The bad news is, it’s growing, as we travel further and in more
polluting ways. From the worst to the best goes like this: worst is air travel,
next cars, then trains and buses, then bikes, then walking. Try and shift down
the list when you can. Think before you travel.
Shrewsbury’s only significant traffic congestion is on the A5
by-pass. Despite this the County Council’s planners still want to build the
hugely damaging and controversial North West Relief Road, which would devastate
high quality landscapes and lead to an increase in traffic overall.
Shrewsbury also has excellent rail links in 6 different
directions, and a slowly improving cycle network, with national links.
Unfortunately, proposals to extend pedestrian areas in the town centre have
been opposed, particularly by some traders, although the evidence is that people
much prefer to shop away from traffic – this can be seen in Pride Hill, which
was in decline until it was pedestrianised.
Cars
that run on diesel can use biodiesel, made from waste vegetable oil. A network
of filling stations is developing, most garages offer a 5% blend, but 100% is
available from
Marches Energy Agency T: 01743 246007
and
in Bishop’s Castle.
W: www.biodieselfillingstations.co.uk
W: www.mea.org.uk/b5shropshire
Public
Transport
Flights
within UK
can usually be duplicated by train. W:
www.seat61.com - a rail devotee’s site with information
about non-air routes around the world! A return air flight to Athens produces half a tonne of CO2 – this is
as damaging as boiling a kettle non-stop for 26 days or leaving your TV on
standby for 35 years!
National Rail Enquiries
T: 08457 48 49 50
W: www.thetrainline.com
Train times, fares, online ticket purchase.
Book early, prices so much cheaper.
Watch
out for more useful proposed train routes in the near future – Crewe to Paris/ Brussels and
Shrewsbury/Marylebone, London
direct.
To save fuel - make your maximum speed 60 mph, take off
roof rack, turn off air conditioning, check tyre pressure.
W: www.travelinemidlands.co.uk
Useful
for info/timetables for all land/ferry transport methods.
Bus Timetables available at
local bus stops, other routes at Bus Station, and
W: www.shropshire.gov.uk/travel and
Centro
T: 0121 200 2700.
The Concerts Coach
Walnut
Tree Cottage, Pontesbury Hill, Pontesbury, SY5 0Y5
T: 01743 790400
W: www.ponthill.freeserve.co.uk
Organise coaches to concerts and plays around the region.
Dial-A-Ride
T: 01743 450350
Transport for disadvantaged users.
Shrewsbury Park and Ride
T: 01743 253036
W: www.shoppingshropshire.com/shrewsbury/parkandride
Mon-Sat. Return bus fare £1. From Harlescott Livestock
Market, Meole Brace Retail Park and Oxon
Touring Park
to The Town Centre, in 10 mins.
Shropshire Hills Shuttle Bus
T: 01588 673 888
W: www.shropshirehillsshuttles.co.uk
Leave your car at home, choose 3 routes. Lots of info.,
bus links, timetables, etc.
Cycling
Bicycle Beano
Erwood,
Builth Wells
T: 01982 560471
W: www.bicycle-beano.co.uk
Cycling holidays in Wales with home-made vegetarian
food.
Bike week –
usually in Mid-June annually.
Cycle routes and maps
W: www.shropshire.gov.uk
Cyclists Touring Club
T: 01743 354156
W: www.cycleshropshire.org.uk
Organised social bike rides
Cycle Training
Shropshire Conty Council
Road Safety Team
T: 01743 253260
W: www.shropshire.gov.uk
Go Ride Project
T: 01743 359109
W: www.go-ride.org.uk
Encouraging young people to cycle.
Mid Shropshire Wheelers
T: 01952 254408
More serious cycling.
Shropshire Cycle Forum
T: 01743 253035
W: www.shropshire.gov.uk
Quarterly meetings hosted by SCC open to anyone with an
interest in cycling.
Organisations/advice
Environmental Transport Association
T: 01932 828882
W: www.eta.org.uk
National breakdown service & campaigning organisation
www.noflights.com 0844 357
0288 give assistance to holidays and travel that don't involve
airports, and which have a minimal carbon footprint.. useful on why
carbon offsetting is not the answer.
No Way! Group
T: 01743 340559
Group opposing the Shrewsbury North West Relief Road.
Shrewsbury Friends of the Earth
Transport Group
T: 01743 367968
Campaigns on local transport issues.
Sustrans
35 King Street,
Bristol, BS1 4BZ
T: 0845 1130065
W: www.sustrans.org.uk
Organisation pioneering cycling and walking transport
solutions.
School Travel Plan Advisor – see Education section p15.
Walking
Shrewsbury & Mid-Shropshire Ramblers
T: Contact Chris Cluley 01588 640243
W: www.shropshireramblers.org.uk
Shropshire Young Ramblers (20-30s)
T: Contact Paul Tanner 01939 251 687
W: www.syr.org.uk
Rail Rambles
T: 01568 612571
Get leaflets from Shrewsbury
railway station.
Organised rural walks accessed by train –Saturdays weekly
and Wednesdays monthly.