Surrey County Council is developing Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plans (LCWIPs) across the county to help determine where best to prioritise improvements, helping more people to walk and cycle more often.

Work on the Surrey Heath LCWIP has now started. Share your thoughts on how walking and cycling could be improved within Surrey Heath by adding your suggestions to the interactive map. The deadline for suggestions to be considered within the LCWIP work is Friday 20 January 2023.

Go electric, leave the car at home, or carpool!

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is released by burning fossil fuels like oil, which the petrol and diesel that we use in our cars comes from. This harmful greenhouse gas contributes to climate change, including extreme weather events, sea-level rise, floods and drought.

Here are some tips for reducing your vehicle emissions:

• Where possible, use public transport - buses and trains are a more environmentally friendly option.
• Car share with colleagues, family and friends.
• Choose two wheels instead of four - cycling to your destination is good for your health and the environment. It’s also a great opportunity to spot wildlife and explore your local area.
• Take a hike - enjoy the walk instead of being sat in the car.
• Avoid using cars for short journeys - combine trips or use other transport.
• Care for your car - tyre pressure and brake upkeep can both impact the level of emissions.
• Drive efficiently - avoid idling, use higher gears and maintain a steady speed whenever possible. Avoiding heavy braking can also reduce the amount of microplastics that your tyres shed.
• Open the windows instead of using the air conditioning - air conditioning systems increase fuel consumption and emissions.
• Choose a greener car - hybrid and electric vehicles are greener alternatives, and electric vehicles produce no exhaust emissions when being driven.
• As covid restrictions ease - consider the decision to fly less. Think about having a staycation as flights emit significant carbon emissions. 

More information from the Energy Saving Trust.

Electric Vehicle Charging Point Survey

Thank you for all your responses to our electric vehicle charging point survey. Over 550 of Surrey Heath residents filled in our survey which is an outstanding! Your feedback will help inform the delivery of electric vehicle charging points across the Borough.

Surrey Heath Bike Project

The Surrey Heath Bike Project is a joint initiative between members of the Watchetts and St Michaels community, Surrey Heath Borough Council and Surrey County Council.
It's seen pre-loved bikes donated to young people and families who find cost a barrier to being physically active. The aim is to encourage active, sustainable transport and avoid bikes going to landfill. 
Bike servicing has also been offered to pupils from Kings International College and South Camberley Primary School as part of the project.

Following the success of this initial project, the group hope to extend the scheme to accept used and unwanted bikes from the community so they can be rehomed to those that need them.  

Contact Craig Alford via 01276 707100 or craig.alford@surreyheath.gov.uk for more information.