MORE than 1,700 York residents have sought travel advice from a scheme designed to encourage a different approach to getting around the city.

Advisers have been providing tailored travel guidance in the Rawcliffe and Clifton areas and events across the city, aimed at inspiring people to try walking, cycling, public transport or car-sharing, since the launch of City of York Council’s i-Travel York initiative in May.

The authority said 4,300 homes had been contacted and about 900 information packs have been requested and delivered, with 1,400 people taking part in a personal travel challenge to try alternative forms of transport.

Meanwhile, more than 400 children have joined an “active travel challenge” to try cycling or walking for 30 minutes a day, and 500 people have chosen to receive travel news and updates by email.

The four-year initiative is being funded by £4.6 million of Government cash and Coun Dave Merrett, cabinet member for transport, planning and sustainability, said: “By supporting even more people to walk, cycle, use public transport or car-share, it will help reduce congestion, improve health and increase economic growth.”

For more information, go to itravelyork.info, to the scheme’s twitter and Facebook links, email enquiries@itravelyork.info or phone 01904 636359.