The University of Leicester has seen a significant reduction in single occupant car journeys in five years, after introducing a travel plan.

The review of the travel plans of its 28,000 staff and students, conducted by Go Travel Solutions, showed that the numbers of staff and students driving alone has reduced 24% (from 49% in 2010 to 37% in 2015) for staff and 44% for students (from 9% in 2010 to 5% in 2015).

In addition, staff walking to campus has increased from 16% to 21% and students walking is up from 56% to 62% over the same time period.

The review of the University of Leicester Travel Plan included a University-wide staff and student survey, carbon calculations, GIS mapping of postcode data for bus, walk and cycle routes and advice on data capture.

Sandra Lee, sustainability officer at the University of Leicester said: “We are extremely proud that the previous Travel Plan was held by Leicester City Council as an exemplar Plan and that we have enabled a significant number of staff and students to choose more sustainable travel modes by providing enhanced facilities, discounts and increased travel options. The University is highly committed to sustainability and this review enables us to develop a new phase of our Travel Plan to help to reduce our environmental impact and to enhance the provision of alternatives.”

Robin Pointon, managing director of Go Travel Solutions added: “Since the first travel plan in 2010, the University has committed to reducing its overall environmental impact through transport related emissions. The 2015 Travel Survey has highlighted the potential for greater use of sustainable travel by staff and students with over 100 staff, who are existing single car drivers, expressing a willingness to travel more sustainably to work, for example.

“As members of Smartgo Leicester we look forward to supporting the University and encouraging greater use of sustainable forms of travel for staff and students alike,” Pointon continued.