'We are trying to get people off the roads' PS Public sector's local heroes.CONVINCING people to ditch their cars and use public transport is crucial if Scotland is to reduce its carbon footprint A carbon footprint is the total amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases emitted over the full life cycle of a product or service. . And with award-winning facilities like those at Ferry Toll in Fife, boss Dave Cronin is sure the battle can be won. DAVE, 52, of Glenrothes, is behind an innovative Fife Council park-and-ride scheme which takes more than 700 cars off the road every day. Ferry Toll is a joint initiative between the council and Stagecoach stagecoach, heavy, closed vehicle on wheels, usually drawn by horses, formerly used to transport passengers and goods overland. Throughout the Middle Ages and until about the end of the 18th cent. which provides parking for up to 1040 vehicles. Facilities include a heated waiting room with a cash machine and television. But waiting is kept to a minimum, with buses leaving regularly at least every 10 minutes. Dave, a transportation officer for eight years, said: "We are trying to get as many people off the roads as possible. Attractive facilities will convince people to ditch cars." When it was opened in 2000, the scheme proved so popular with commuters to Edinburgh and holidaymakers heading for the airport that bosses had to double its size. Last year a multi-storey car park was built on the site to cope with demand. The facility won a green award in 2006 and was given a Green Hero gong gong, percussion instrument consisting of a disk, usually with upturned edges, 3 ft (91 cm) or more in diameter in the modern orchestra, often made of bronze, and struck with a felt- or leather-covered mallet or drumstick. by conservationist David Bellamy David J. Bellamy OBE (born 18 January 1933) is an English botanist, author, broadcaster, environmental campaigner, and a global warming sceptic. Background Bellamy was born in London. He was brought up as a strict Baptist. earlier this month. Dave said: "Undoubtedly it is going to have a positive effect on the environment. It was a great honour getting the award and we will now feature in a book sent to environmental professionals all over the world. "In terms of practicality, we are seeing big queues on the Forth Road Bridge as essential maintenance work is carried out. The fewer cars using the bridge, the better." Dave started his career as a bus driver but joined the council as a bus station supervisor eight years ago. He is now in charge of four bus stations and the Ferry Toll park-and-ride. He said: "Drivers do a good job but get lots of abuse. We have had drivers attacked and bricks thrown through windows. People need to realise what a good job they are doing and let them get on with it." |
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