Transport projects

Show your support for the Wray Valley Trail!

Devon County Council have applied to Dartmoor National Park for planning permission to restore the disused railway line between Moretonhampstead and Lustleigh as a public walking, cycling and riding path. You can support the scheme by letter (here's a sample) or email to Dartmoor National Park Authority. The official closing date for letters and emails is 15th August, but it's hoped that DNP will continue to accept letters until nearer the date of the planning meeting, in either September or October. Factsheet with further information.

Reducing car use

We're currently investigating ways to reduce our dependence on the car, such as a car club and setting up a car share scheme for regular journeys. If you have regular work hours and travel to Exeter, Plymouth or Torquay, would you be willing to share a lift with someone else? If you're interested in carsharing, please email us, telling us the journey and the days you want to carshare.

Another good alternative for short trips is the Moorcar Club, which is already operating successfully in Ashburton. The car club lets members hire cars by the hour, day or week. If there is enough interest locally, Moorcars are willing to expand their operation into Bovey Tracey. Dartmoor National Park Authority will be replacing one of their fleet cars with a Moorcar soon, and we may have use of it in the evenings and at weekends. Check out the Moorcar website to see how it works, and let us know if it might work for you.

What can you do?

1. Like most of us, if you have to drive, eco-driving makes a big difference to CO2 emissions and saves money on fuel. According to a new DVD from Devon County Council, if car drivers adopted eco-driving techniques, they'd get fuel savings of up to 25%. If you live in Devon, you can get the free DVD and information about eco-safe driving courses from the Devon Driver's Centre on 01392 444773, or by emailing drivers@devon.gov.uk. View it online at www.devongov.uk/ecodrivingfilm.

2. Make your views known! If you want to help bring in sensible policies to increase taxes on the most polluting vehicles, check out the Alliance against Urban 4x4s. To stop Porsche from taking action against the new £25 London congestion charge for 4x4s, then sign the petition here.

3. If you own a car, check out how to cut down your emissions on government's Act on CO2 website. If you're thinking of buying a new car, here's a list of the least polluting vehicles.