FROM Park & Ride to Park & Pedal, the York Designer Outlet is doing its bit to try to reduce congestion and pollution in the city.

The outlet at Fulford, which is hoping to win the Best Sustainable Transport initiative award, says that since it opened in 1998, it has been committed to protecting the environment and facilitating alternative methods of transport.

"We host one of the most popular Park and Ride locations and the only one in the south of the city, many commuters use the facility all year round," said centre manager Mike Thomas.

"The centre also is the home to over 300 bike stands, many of which are covered and with 24 hour security 365 days a week it’s a safe place to leave your car and cycle to work, shop or education. Many Designer Outlet staff cycle to work from all parts of the city."

A ‘Park and Pedal’ scheme was launched during 2013 involving local cycling guides and cycle repair shops and a 10 per cent discount card was offered to anyone joining the scheme.

The centre now hosts and operates six bicycle lockers on behalf of the council, where committed cyclists can leave their treasured possessions overnight.

It also hosted an electric car exhibition, in conjunction with City of York City in 2013, which showcased many innovations and also gave the public the opportunity to drive an electric car and learn more about the concept.

Three electric charging points supplied by the council have also been installed in the car park and the management team encourage car sharing wherever possible amongst the centre's 1,500 staff.

Mike said he and his team remained committed to doing what they could to reduce congestion in the area and encourage cycling as a healthy activity.