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Sheffield Is Only UK City To Be Recognised For It’s Air Quality Credentials
March 2008
Sheffield was the only city in the UK to be shortlisted for the annual European Mobility Week Award, after hosting a week of activities to help people recognise the benefits of using more sustainable methods of transport.
A wide range of organisations and individuals from the public, private and voluntary sectors contributed to the success of the week with guided cycle rides and walks, staff pledges, the launch of a new car share scheme and an innovative ‘Carbon Quids’ campaign.
Care4Air, South Yorkshire’s air quality campaign, organised two events during European Mobility Week, including a ‘Clearer Future Conference’ for professionals around the country who work within the air quality field, and a public awareness event to target people in the city.
During the city-centre event, Care4Air urged people in the city to ditch their cars in recognition of ‘In Town Without My Car Day’ and use alternative methods of transport such as walking, cycling and public transport, which all offer a more environmentally friendly way to travel, by reducing the number of vehicles on the road.
The national ‘Clearer Future’ Conference, highlighted work around the air quality, transport and climate change agenda, and showed that Sheffield is ahead of the game. Air Quality Officers, Land Use Planners, Transport Planners and those with an interest in air quality/climate change issues were invited to come together to learn about other initiatives and best practice across the UK.
After assessing all applications from across Europe, representatives from the shortlisted cities were invited to attend a prestigious awards ceremony in Brussels. The day was also used as an interactive workshop that presented best practices within the transport field.
Bernd Hoermann, Sheffield City Council Spokesperson for European Mobility Week, said: “We are delighted to have been shortlisted for the European Mobility Week Award, especially as we were the only city in the UK to be put forward. We are constantly working to encourage everyone in the city to use more sustainable methods of transport and also keep Sheffield at the very forefront for air quality and climate change best practice. Even though we didn’t go on to win the award it was good to be recognised for our efforts; we will definitely be back next year and hopefully we will be able to bring the award home with us!”