Leicester consultancy wins national award for Fosse Park sustainable travel scheme

GO Travel Solutions, a Leicester based transport consultancy, has won a national sustainability award. The Getting To Work staff travel scheme at Fosse Park has been recognised as the Business Engagement Project of the Year at the 2023 National Modeshift Awards.

Fosse Park, located 3 miles south of Leicester, is one of Britain’s biggest out-of-town shopping and leisure destinations. The award recognises Fosse Park's commitment to developing and promoting sustainable commuting among the 2,000 staff that work there. The latest commuter survey reveals a 25% reduction in single-car occupancy journeys and a doubling of bus usage since 2018.

GO Travel Solutions, the Travel Plan Coordinators, launched the ‘Getting To Work’ scheme in 2021 as part of the Fosse Park West expansion. Developed in collaboration with retailers and transport operators, the initiative offers a range of transport incentives, including discounted bus tickets, bus service improvements and ebikes, to encourage staff to take up alternatives to car commuting. The scheme also includes investment in improved staff facilities for cycling and walking, with new showers, bike storage cages and lockers all added.   

The success is underpinned by the Fosse Park Sustainable Travel Strategy, a key component of the Park's 2021 planning obligations. In partnership with Leicestershire County Council and Blaby District Council, the strategy aims to reduce local road traffic and enhance air quality.

Nick Butler, Business Director for Modeshift, the awarding body, said “The results delivered at Fosse Park by GO Travel Solutions are outstanding. The Getting To Work programme builds on the best lessons in workplace travel planning and delivers them at scale.”

Robin Pointon, Getting To Work Project Director at GO Travel Solutions, commented, "This award highlights the willingness of Fosse Park staff to take up sustainable travel options and is testimony to effective collaboration with partners such as Arriva and Hurrecane Ebikes."

The Crown Estate are Fosse Park's landowners. Nicole Campbell, Senior Asset Manager at The Crown Estate, said "This award reflects Fosse Park's commitment to sustainable travel, setting a benchmark for the industry. The engagement of GO Travel Solutions has been key in achieving this success".

Savills UK manage the retail park.  Jonathan Jessop, Director at Savills said, "Fosse Park's progress in staff transitioning to sustainable travel forms is commendable and aligns with our broader goals of environmental responsibility.”