PRESS RELEASE

Embargoed to Friday 27 November

Representatives from the local community, local businesses and transport organisations together marked the launch today (Friday 27 November) of BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir (Neasden Temple)'s Sustainable Travel Plan.

Working in partnership with the London Borough of Brent, Transport for London, the Metropolitan Police and sub-regional transport partnership, WestTrans, BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir have committed actively to encourage cycling, walking, car sharing and public transport use amongst their regular devotees and international visitors, to reduce single-occupancy car trips to the temple.

Temple Travel Plan Co-ordinator, Nitin Palan, explained: "As BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir is a focal point for the community, the majority of our regular devotees already travel in a sustainable way; 60 per cent share a car with family and friends and 31 per cent travel by bus, coach or tube. The Travel Plan not only acknowledges this good behaviour, but also identifies how we can pro-actively support our visitors and devotees to ensure they continue to travel sustainably."

Some of the new initiatives identified in the travel plan include: high quality travel information and maps, real-time public transport screens linked to Transport for London services, bicycle storage and assistance to facilitate more car sharing.

The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Travel Plan is not just about encouraging responsible travel but also about working closely with partners to consider how bus services and infrastructure could be improved to meet the needs of temple visitors as well as the local community.

Alex Williams, Transport for London, said: "We welcome the opportunity to work with the temple leaders and local partners to ensure the right services and facilities are in place to help worshippers travel to the temple safely and comfortably."

Cllr. Daniel Brown, Brent Council lead member for highways and transportation, launched the new Travel Plan at the magnificent Neasden temple site, following a presentation by pupils from the Swaminarayan School and a welcome by temple trustee, Vinu Patel.

Cllr. Brown said: "The temple's travel plan illustrates the continued commitment to sustainable travel in our borough and the value we place on working with both business and community leaders to ensure we jointly tackle traffic congestion in the area."

For more information about the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Travel Plan please contact Mr Nitin Palan at npalan@aol.com or contact transportation@brent.gov.uk.