'Right Way' month launched

The month of March was today designated official ‘Right Way’ month in the Queenstown Lakes District by Mayor Clive Geddes.

This is about calling on individuals, families and businesses to think very seriously about changing travel behaviour for a minimum of one day in the month of March,” Mr Geddes said.

With the looming forecast of increased fuel prices, combined with the need to reduce the number of vehicles travelling into the district’s main centres, together with the incentive to reduce CO2 emissions, ‘Right Way’ became more than a campaign.

“It’s about saving money, it’s about being healthy and it takes away frustrations like finding or paying for a carpark, not just for one day or one month but year round,” Mr Geddes said.

A quantum shift in the way people travelled in and between communities of the district was around the corner.

“As a council we are offering some support and encouragement to start making that change, the benefits speak for themselves,’ Mr Geddes said.

Travelling the ‘Right Way’ included car pooling or choosing to take the bike or walk or bus or take the car (if you travel long distance), park and then ride the bus or bike.
“Find a solution that suits you and your family and try it,” Mr Geddes said.

For his part Mayor Geddes had committed to reducing his carbon footprint by swapping the car for his Ducati (motorbike) for the month of March and using his push bike twice a week. Council staff had also stepped up to ‘walk the talk’ with the introduction this month of a staff travel plan.

A ‘Right Way’ pledge form was now online www.qldc.govt.nz or at a council office or library. Drop the form off and receive your ‘right choice’ drink bottle and information bag.

“We’re going to celebrate this, everyone that signs up will have their name or business in print on a full page roll of honour in the Mirror (Wakatipu) or Sun (Upper Clutha),” Mr Geddes said

It cost nothing to sign up and delivering on pledges was up to each individual

“I encourage everyone to give this a try,” Mr Geddes said.