Brighton & Hove is the latest location to launch Park Active as a new way into town by travelling actively and sustainably.
Working with the British Parking Association (BPA), Brighton and Hove City Council has launched three ‘Park Active’ car parks that enable motorists to complete their journeys actively by walking and cycling. When a fully active or sustainable journey isn’t possible, the City Council are encouraging people to use the King Alfred, London Road and Norton Road car parks and continue their onward journey by bicycle, on foot or by public transport.
Enabling active travel through Park Active
Chris Wade, People and Places Director, has been working with the BPA to develop and promote nationally Park Active as a new way into town. Chris commented, “The new Park Active scheme in Brighton and Hove is a great example of how to give more choice to visitors and make our experiences of places both more active and attractive’. The schemes guides you to over 1,000 parking spaces in dedicated sites and is part of offering more choice through an active and rewarding trip into town.”
Join Chris in this short video as he cycles in to Brighton and explains Park Active is part of a wider approach to enabling active and sustainable travel into town centres.
Motivating active choices
The project is also working in collaboration with the Move for Change challenge, powered by the BetterPoints app. People can download the app to log their onward journey from Park Active car parks and start earning rewards to spend at local businesses or donate to local charities.
Wayfinding signage has been installed in and around all three car parks to guide people towards popular routes and destinations and all are situated close to BTN BikeShare hubs.
Health, wellbeing and reduced congestion
By using Park Active as a new way into town, users can reduce their own carbon footprint and free up space for those who need it, such as Blue Badge holders. Reducing harmful emissions will also support Brighton and Hove’s goal of becoming a carbon neutral city by 2030, not to mention the health and wellbeing benefits of adding an active travel element adds to people’s journeys.
Councillor Steve Davis, Co-Chair of the Environment, Transport and Sustainability committee said: “This is great project and another incentive for people across the city to travel actively and sustainably.
“We know that, for some people, they may need to use a car for part of their journey into the city. But once here, why not use a Park Active car park and walk, cycle or use public transport the rest of the way?
“Not only is it great for your health and wellbeing, but it will help to reduce congestion around Brighton & Hove and free up space for traders, Blue Badge holders and deliveries.
National approach meeting local needs
Andrew Pester, BPA CEO said: “I am delighted that Brighton & Hove is now a Park Active city. Park Active is designed to support active travel options that are tailored to the local needs and recognises the key role of effective parking management to help us all go about our daily lives.
“It can improve the health of participants and others living in or visiting the area. It can also mean less time spent queueing in traffic and the opportunity to reach your destination by other means including walking or cycling, as part of a heathier lifestyle choice.”
More about Park Active
Park Active is a British Parking Association initiative which aims to help improve health and wellbeing, reduce congestion and carbon emissions, cut down on the cost of travel and provide support for high streets and city centres. Find out more information about Park Active here or watch this short introductory video about Park Active for Brighton and Hove.