Royal View
North Petherton
RESIDENTS TRAVEL INFORMATION GUIDE
Your Guide to Transport Options from Royal View
WELCOME
Welcome to Royal View
Welcome to the Royal View Travel Information site. This site is designed to assist in making your move as easy as possible.
It provides information on how to get around using public transport and other environmentally friendly methods to commute to work and school, or explore the area.
The Travel Guide Site
Royal View is situated within walking distance of local schools,
shops, pubs, cafés, restaurants and public transport links.
The Travel Plan
The Travel Information Website is one of many measures included in the Travel Plan produced for Royal View and agreed with Somerset County Council.
The Travel Plan is a document which contains a package of measures to encourage you to try sustainable alternatives to travelling by car.
The Travel Plan can offer real benefits not only to you, but also to the community that surrounds you. It can help to relieve local parking and congestion problems and improve public transport connections across the area.
WALKING
Walking is one of the cheapest, easiest and simplest forms of transport, which is boosted by there being a range of shops and services accessible within a short walk from Royal View.
Walking offers the greatest potential to replace short car and public transport trips, particularly those under a two-kilometre distance. It provides a healthy alternative to the private car and also typically forms a component of many journeys made by public transport or by car.
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Direct walking links are provided which connect to the local area. It is easy to walk to a range of local facilities with pavements, footpaths and walking links provided along local roads to ensure you can easily and safely walk around the town on foot.
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You can walk to a number of local facilities within a 30 minute period from Royal View. Bus stops are located within a 7 minute walk of Royal View, at Shovel Lodge on Taunton Road. North Petherton Town Centre is located 1km from Royal View, where a wide range of local amenities are located including convenience stores, a post office and a range of education and medical facilities.
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To help out, we have summarised the distance and walk times to a number of local amenities below.
For more information on walking in Somerset, there is a wealth of information on promoted routes, health and fitness benefits and safety tips on the Travel Somerset travelsomerset.co.uk/walk
Are you not sure how to get from your home to work on foot? You could use Google Maps to plan your journey. The site gives you the route required with the time it may take:
google.co.uk/maps
Benefits of Walking
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Walking is a great form of exercise and can reduce the risk of heart disease;
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Walking is a completely environmentally friendly activity; and
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Walking is an important form of sustainable transport which costs nothing and offers a wide range of benefits to you and the community.
LOCAL FACILITIES
Royal View is sustainably located within comfortable walking and cycling distances to local schools, shops, amenities and bus stops.
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Schools
Phoenix Academy
800m / 10 min Walk / 3 min Cycle
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The Avenue Nursery School
960m / 12 min Walk / 4 min Cycle
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North Petherton Community Primary School
1km / 13 min Walk / 4 min Cycle
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Dolphins Childcare Pre-School
1km / 13min Walk / 4 min Cycle
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Bridgwater & Taunton College
6.5km / 24 min Cycle
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Haygrove Secondary School
6.7km / 25 min Cycle
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Bridgwater College Academy
6.7km / 25 min Cycle
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Local Amenities
North Petherton Rugby Football Club
400m / 5 min Walk / 2 min Cycle
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Shovel Lodge Bus Stops (A38)
570m / 7 min Walk / 2 min Cycle
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Memorial Park
650m / 8 min Walk / 2 min Cycle
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North Petherton Surgery
800m / 10 min Walk / 3 min Cycle
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North Petherton Post Office and McColl’s
850m / 11 min Walk / 3 min Cycle
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North Petherton Fish Bar
960m / 12 min Walk / 4 min Cycle
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Lloyds Pharmacy
960m / 12 min Walk / 4 min Cycle
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North Petherton Dental Practice
960m / 12 min Walk / 4 min Cycle
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Tesco Express North Petherton
1km / 13 min Walk / 4 min Cycle
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The Library
1.1km / 13 min Walk / 4 min Cycle
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The Lamb Inn
1km / 13 min Walk / 4 min Cycle
North Petherton Community Centre
1km / 13 min Walk / 4 min Cycle
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St Mary’s Church
1.1km / 14 min Walk / 4 min Cycle
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The Walnut Tree Hotel and Restaurant 1.1km / 14 min Walk / 4 min Cycle
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Bridgwater Town Centre
5.7km / 21 min Cycle
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Bridgwater Rail Station
5.8km / 22 min Cycle
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Monkton Elm Garden Centre
7.6km / 29 min Cycle
A GREAT FORM OF EXERCISE
And can reduce the risk of heart disease
COMPLETELY ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY
Costs nothing and benefits both you and the community
CYCLING
North Petherton and the surrounding area is a beautiful place to ride your bike with a wide variety of scenery, historic buildings and designated traffic-free routes.
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You can cycle to all the facilities in North Petherton and most of Bridgwater within a 30-minute ride, and access National Cycle Route 3.
National Cycle Route 3 is accessible within a 2.8km cycle to the east of Royal View or 4km north to access the route in Bridgwater. National Cycle Route 3 is a long distance route in the South West of England routing from Cornwall to Bristol and locally provides connections south towards Taunton.
A shared use path for cyclists and pedestrians is located at the Old
Road / A38 junction, providing a traffic-free route north to Bridgwater and National Cycle Route 3. Signage is accommodated on Old Road, directing cyclists along a quiet route to North Petherton Town Centre.
A number of local schools, shops, sports facilities and employment areas are accessible within 15 minutes from Royal View. To help out, we have summarised the distance and cycle times to a number of local amenities above.
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Explore your local community by bike!
We are encouraging families to get more out of life – by getting on
your bike and exploring the local community – either for an outing at
the weekend, a trip to the local shops, part of the school run, or a daily commute.
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For more information on cycling in Somerset, there is a wealth of detail on promoted routes, health benefits and safety tips at the Travel Somerset website, visit:
Benefits of Cycling
Cycling is sociable – it provides a fantastic way to share some time with friends and family;
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Cycling is ‘green’ – you can feel good about doing your bit for the environment;
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Cycling is quick – for short journeys under 5 miles cycling is usually the fastest way to get around – and you won’t get stuck in traffic;
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Cycling is cheap – no bus, train or season tickets required;
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Cycling is convenient – it gets you ‘door-to-door’, with a guaranteed arrival time; and
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Cycling is fun – and helps you explore your local environment.
Your Local Bike Shops
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Bicycle Chain, Salmon Parade, Bridgwater, TA6 5PY
Open: 9am-5:30pm, Monday to Saturday.
Tel: 01278 423640
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Halfords Bridgwater, Unit B East Quay, Bridgwater, TA6 4AE
Open 8am-8pm, Monday to Friday, 8am-6pm on Saturdays and 10am-5pm on Sundays.
Tel: 01278 411590
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PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Why Public Transport?
Public Transport can be quicker, cheaper and more convenient than using your car and provides a significant environmental benefit. Using public transport can remove the stress of finding a car parking space, sitting in traffic and the costs of owning a car. Furthermore, you can travel to your destination while you relax with a newspaper or catch-up on social media.​
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BUS
Where are my nearest bus stops?
The nearest bus stops to Royal View are located at Shovel Lodge on Taunton Road. Depending on where you are located within Royal View, the stops are located within a 7 minute walk (570m).
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Where can I go on the bus?
The stops at the Shovel Lodge are served by the 21, 21A, 623 and 625 services.​
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To view the latest timetables and journey planning information, visit:
21
The 21 bus offers an hourly service in each direction between Taunton and Burnham-on-Sea via North Petherton and Bridgwater, Monday to Sunday.
21A
The 21s bus offers an hourly service in each direction between Taunton and Burnham-on-Sea via North Petherton and Bridgwater, Monday to Saturday.
625
The 625 offers a offers a service towards Bridgwater College with one service in either direction provided Monday to Friday.
623
The 623 offers a offers a service towards Bridgwater College with one service in either direction provided Monday to Friday.
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TRAIN
Bridgwater Rail Station is located approximately 6.5km north-east of Royal View and is accessible within a 24 minute cycle or via the Number 21/21A bus service.
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Bridgwater Rail Station lies on the Great Western Main Line. The station benefits from trains every hour to Cardiff Central and Taunton, with additional services in peak hours. Less frequent services are also provided to Penzance and Exeter St David’s.
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Bridgwater Rail Station offers 20 cycle parking spaces, as well as ticket machines and step free access coverage. The station also provides 38 car parking spaces including 2 accessible car parking spaces.
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To check real time rail journey information from Bridgwater, visit:
ojp.nationalrail.co.uk/service/ldbboard/dep/BWT
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For station facilities visit:
nationalrail.co.uk/stations/bwt/details.html
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For ticketing queries, visit:
CAR SHARING
Travelling with other people by car is an easy way to cut your CO2 emissions and save money. By splitting costs with your fellow passengers you will save on fuel and parking fees.
Use your time as a passenger to read or catch up on work, and of course you won’t have to find a parking space.
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For more information on local car share schemes visit:
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Some Safety Tips if Meeting a New Car Share Buddy
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Avoid exchanging your full name or address before you've met someone.
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You're never under obligation to take a lift. If you don't feel comfortable, don't go through with the lift - even if it's been agreed.
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As with any activity that involves meeting new people, it's advisable to meet in a public place the first time. It's always a good idea to let friends and family know your plans too.
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Benefits of Car Sharing
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Reduces travel costs;
A commuter who car shares with one person typically saves around £1,000 a year.
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Reduces wear and tear on your own vehicle​;
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Helps reduce congestion;
If half of UK motorists car shared one day a week, pollution would be reduced by 10% and traffic jams by 20%
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Reduces stress levels related to driving; and
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Expands social networks.
ELECTRIC VEHICLES
Electric Vehicles (EVs) are becoming more and more popular. Unlike conventional vehicles which burn petrol or diesel, EVs are powered by batteries just like your smartphone.
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The main advantage of EVs is that they produce zero-emissions when you are using them. This means that they provide local environmental benefits including cleaner air and reduced noise in urban areas.
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Today's EVs have the latest cutting-edge technology and can drive over 200 miles on a single charge, with some able to cover over 400 miles on a single charge - that's the equivalent of Royal View to Edinburgh!
Did you know?
Every 9 minutes a new EV is registered on UK roads.
Why go electric?
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Cheaper to Run
Compared to petrol or diesel, electricity is cheap. Per mile an EV could cost less than a third of what a traditional car costs.
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Cheaper to Maintain
Compared to a traditional car, EVs have a lot fewer moving parts, with just three main components - the on-board charger, inverter and motor. This therefore requires far less maintenance and servicing is simpler, all of which saves you money. You'll never need to change the oil again!
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Easy Home Charging
With an EV you will never need to go to petrol station again. Simply plug your car in when you get home to charge overnight and it's ready for you in the morning.
Better for the Environment
EVs have no tailpipe emissions, and don't even have an exhaust. Even when accounting for generating the electricity used to charge your car, EVs still produce significantly less greenhouse gas emissions than petrol or diesel cars.
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Quiet and Quick
EVs offer a smooth and quiet ride, with a high level of torque instantly available.
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For more information on electric vehicles and to find your nearest EV charging point, visit:
HOME DELIVERIES
A wide range of major supermarkets offer home delivery services to
Royal View, so why not save time, money and petrol and have your groceries delivered?
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Asda
The nearest Asda superstore is in Bridgwater and is open 7am -11pm. A home delivery service and a click and collect service is also available here.
East Quay, Bridgwater, TA6 5AZ
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Morrisons
The nearest Morrisons store is in Bridgwater, and is open 7am - 10pm. A home delivery service and a click and collect service is available here.
The Broadway, Bridgwater, TA6 3LN
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Ocado
An online only supermarket offfering a wide range of fresh groceries, essentials, toys and more delivered to your door.
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Sainsbury's
The nearest Sainsburys superstore is in Bridgwater and is open
7am – 10pm. A home delivery service is available.
The Clink, Bridgwater, TA6 4AB
sainsburys.co.uk/shop/gb/groceries
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Tesco
There is a Tesco Superstore in Taunton, open 6am - 12am. Home delivery and click and collect service is also available here.
Castle Street, Taunton, TA1 4AB
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Waitrose
The closest store is in Wellington and is open 8am - 8pm. A home delivery service and click and collect service is also available here.
34-46 High Street, Wellington, TA21 8RD
Did you know?
Car travel for food shopping account for about 40% of all UK shopping trips by car, or about 5% of all car use in the UK!
RUN COMMUTE
If you’ve never heard of run commuting, then it’s exactly what it sounds like. People choose to run to and from work, rather than driving, getting the bus or using other modes.
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It’s a trend that is growing in popularity too! In 2018, Strava recorded a 70% increase in run commutes compared to 2017, which itself was up 50% on 2016!
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Running really is the perfect way to be more active – it’s free and you can start right outside your door! You can do it as little or as often as you like and, with run commuting you can fit it into your daily routine.
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Parkrun organise free, weekly, 5km timed runs around the world. They are open to everyone, free, and are safe and easy to take part in.
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These events take place in pleasant parkland surroundings and they encourage people of every ability to take part; from those taking their first steps in running to Olympians.
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Longrun Meadow parkrun starts every Saturday at 9am at Longrun Meadow, Taunton, TA1 5AU, approximately 14.4km to the south of Royal View. For more information see:
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Tips for run commuting
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Prepare the night before;
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Plan your route​;
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Build up gradually to the full commute-hw about getting public transport half way and running the rest?;
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Buy a good backpack to carry everything;
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Invest in a good coat, reflective clothing and a light for the winter- be safe, be seen!;
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Pack light to save weight;
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If it is safe to do so listen to some music or a podcast to help the miles fly by;
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Figure out your shower situation at work beforehand; and
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Find a goal to train for, or a running buddy to help you stay motivated.​
HOME WORKING
Reducing the need to travel to work or during working hours can save time and money whilst benefitting the environment.
If you work from home just once a fortnight you are reducing your
commute by 10%, which saves you both time and money.
Studies have shown that people who work from home generate lower carbon emissions, reduce air pollution, use less petrol / diesel, use less paper, use less plastic and have a better work life balance, so why not give it a go? You may even find you are more productive as you’re not being interrupted.
Remote and flexible working allows you to balance your work and
home life commitments and leave you feeling great!
The Flexible Working Regulations 2014 give any employee with at least 26 weeks’ service the right to request flexible working arrangements from their employer. This may include reducing your hours to work part-time, changing your start and finish time, having flexibility with your start and finish time (sometimes known as ‘flexitime’), doing your hours over fewer days (‘compressed hours’), working from home or elsewhere (‘remote working’) or sharing your job with someone else.
For more information on requesting flexible working, visit:
USEFUL INFO
The Travel Plan Coordinator is available to provide you with assistance in relation to the way you travel and offer further information about sustainable transport methods available to you. You can contact the Travel Plan Coordinator using the following:
The Travel Plan Coordinator
Tetra Tech
90 Victoria Street
Bristol
BS1 6DP
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Email: TravelPlanCoordinator@tetratech.com
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For information on walking visit:
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For information on cycling visit:
travelsomerset.co.uk/cycle
sustrans.org.uk/map-ncn
Your local bicycle shops are located at:
Bicycle Chain, Salmon Parade, Bridgwater, TA6 5PY
Tel: 01278 423640
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Halfords Bridgwater, Unit B East Quay, Bridgwater, TA6 4AE
Tel: 01278 411590
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For bus timetables visit:
For rail and ticketing enquiries visit:
nationalrail.co.uk
For rail station live times:
ojp.nationalrail.co.uk/service/ldbboard/dep/BWT
For station facilities:
nationalrail.co.uk/stations/BWT/details.html
For information about car sharing visit:
liftshare.com
blablacar.com
For more information on electric vehicles and to find your nearest EV charging point, visit:
Green Travel Voucher​
As part of the Travel Plan, Barratt Homes are offering every household a free Green Travel Voucher. This voucher allows you to claim 50% of your expenditure on items associated with sustainable transport such as bicycles or cycling equipment, working from home equipment or furniture, public transport season tickets (bus and rail) and car club membership.
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One bed - £100 reimbursement
Two bed - £150 reimbursement
Three bed - £200 reimbursement
Four or more bed - £250 reimbursement
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If you have not received a Green Travel Voucher, please contact the Travel Plan Coordinator using the details above.
CONTACT
For Personal Travel Planning, or any Travel Plan queries, please contact Tetra Tech.
For any inquiries, questions or commendations, please fill out the following form: