* sharesmarter.co.uk

1. Group Sharing: A flexible approach to car sharing *www.sharesmarter.co.uk By Susan Baker, Sustainable Development Lead, Civil Service North East Susan.baker1@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk

2. By car sharing you reduce the number of empty seats, decrease congestion to our roads and car parks, and reduce the negative impact on our local area from pollution and CO2 emissions. Studies consistently show: Car sharing can reduce congestion on the roads and in our car parks; The presence of a passenger can significantly reduce the risk of road traffic accidents; Car sharers feel safer and enjoy  more sociable journeys to and from work; And those taking part can save up to £1,000 per year each! A strong car share group provides support when you need it and will also help fill up passenger seats in each car… … saving you even more money. • With every full car we can potentially take up to 3 off the road!

3. Many of those visiting our Car Share Roadshow events really like the idea of forming their own supporting networks with a group of other civil servants, travelling the same journey in to the office. “I do car share, we currently have to pay to park outside work and it helps to split the costs… Not only does this give a more flexible approach to car sharing, it also ensures you have someone to contact if the worst should happen. “Having someone else to give me a lift proved really useful when my car broke down” “My journey is no longer a lonely experience and goes a lot quicker as a result… explained Tracy, who visited our stall at Benton Park View. “We’ve been car sharing on and off for a while now, so it was great to know the lift was there when I needed it the most.” “I joined a car share group, helping me find someone to drive even at short notice… Another civil servant who recently passed her driving test explained how she would feel more confident with others in the vehicle with her. “Also, knowing I can fall back on someone else to do the driving in winter, when the weather is bad is a great help.”

4. “By having a network of cars and contacts it allows alternatives in times of leave or flexi.” • George Penman, • HMRC Newcastle Group Sharing By already car sharing George is aware of the many benefits, and by joining a network of others he finds greater flexibility and added support, especially in times when any last minute arrangements need to be made.

5. Finding others to join is easy with * Share Smarter. Simply register and populate your group direct from your home page. Create and expand your group When you find another member to share with, put their email address into the box and click ‘new group’. You can join existing groups too, and with a cluster of government offices close by your chance of finding others travelling the same route increases. Expand your group with new members by giving them your group number.

6. Group Sharing: A flexible approach to car sharing Visit the CSNE Car Share Support Network My Share Smarter Home Safety Tips User Guide FAQs User Agreement Contact Us • Important Information • Get Motivated • Benefits • FAQs • Get Involved help section • Resources • Share Smarter • CSiS £1,000 prize draw • News Features Register here: www.sharesmarter.co.uk *Please read this Important Information before joining in By Susan Baker, Sustainable Development Lead, Civil Service North East, susan.baker1@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk