Driveshare scheme aimed at locals and tourists

10:03am Tuesday 1st April 2008

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THE FIRST car share scheme to be launched in a national park drives into action in the Lake District 1 April 2008.

It's hoped the new www.keswickcarshare.com website will enable tourists to share their journey to Keswick and enjoy linear walks from one valley to another while on holiday in the town.

And other outdoor enthusiasts could plan to travel together to go climbing, canoeing, paragliding or mountain biking - meaning more fun on the fells and in the lakes with less traffic on Cumbria's tiny mountain roads.

But its not just visitors who'll benefit, or indeed just Keswick, as anyone in Cumbria can use the new website to share journeys to work, to school or for pleasure.

The organisation behind the scheme is Keswick Business Improvement District, its chair, Paul Martin, is hoping anyone who makes a regular car journey on their own will sign up to car share: "With rising petrol costs and the continuing loss of public transport services, it is hoped that this modern form of hitch-hiking will bring a green solution to some of Keswick's travel problems. The more members we have, the more journeys we can share."

The new scheme is being widely welcomed, Ian Stephens, Chief Executive of Cumbria Tourism, said: "We are delighted to support this innovative idea. We all need to play our part in helping the environment and this gives visitors and residents and visitors an ideal opportunity to get involved."

Dave Robinson, the Lake District National Park Authority's access and recreation developer, also welcomed the initiative. He said: "We are also encouraging people to leave the car behind when coming to the National Park - look out for the Give the Driver a Break leaflets promoting Lake District bus journeys later this month. The more schemes like this, the more people will take them up!"

By registering on the website to share journeys, members can save money, reduce the number of cars on the road and help protect the environment.

It's free to join and the idea is simple - members travelling in the same direction at the same time can share a lift.

By sharing a daily journey to work an individual can typically save £1,000 and reduce their carbon footprint by as much as ten per cent.