The RAC Foundation and the Energy Saving Trust have
called for businesses to make greater use of remote and mobile
working through IT to cut down on travel.
The two organisations say the average UK commuter travels 2,906
miles a year, spending the equivalent of 47 days a year on
commuting and business journeys. But RAC Foundation research has
found that 75% of professionals believe new technology can help
them cut their business mileage.
The RAC Foundation is urging businesses to replace traditional
conferences and meetings with online groups, collaborative "Wikis"
and video conferencing.
It argues that the widespread availability of home broadband,
mobile and wireless technology, plus the fact that an estimated 50%
of the UK workforce can now be classed as "information workers"’
who do not need to be in a specific location to do their jobs, have
opened the door to more opportunities for remote working.
RAC Foundation campaigns manager Sheila Rainger said, “If we can
follow the example of other countries that have utilised technology
to much greater effect than the UK, we can reduce car dependency,
significantly impact on traffic congestion and improve lives. The
e-highway has a vital role to play in curbing congestion chaos on
the real highway.”