Healthy Transport Plan

UPDATE 2010

As part of its continuing site development and acknowledging its role within the local community, Kingston Hospital NHS Trust (KHT) is updating its Healthy Transport Plan (HTP).

The HTP will include the following sections, including a review of the current position and introduction of additional measures.

1. Introduction 2. Objectives and benefits of the travel plan 3. Staff surveys 4. Management and funding arrangements 5. Travel Plan Measures Ø Pedestrians / Walking Ø Way finding Ø Cycling Ø Bus Ø Rail Ø Cars / Vehicles Ø Smarter Working Practices Ø Publicity/ Marketing 6. Targets and Monitoring 7. Conclusion

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1. Introduction .

The continuing rise in the number of cars on the roads contributes greatly towards the problems of traffic congestion and environmental pollution. It is estimated that the NHS generates around 5% of all traffic on UK Roads, so the Department of Health obliges all NHS Trusts to develop Travel Plans in order to manage the amount of car trips they generate. Kingston Hospital is the largest employer in the Borough and attracts huge amounts of patient and visitor trips, so it is likely that it contributes significantly to traffic congestion on local roads. KHT therefore has a responsibility to reduce the impact of its transport needs, for the benefit of the environment and the local community.

In addition, encouraging active travel choices such as cycling and walking can help to combat health problems caused by lack of exercise, which is particularly important to the Hospital in it’s role as a health care provider.

KHT has long term plans to expand the Hospital site and services. However, severe parking pressures are already experienced on site, so it is vital that the Hospital enables increased numbers of employees, patients and visitors to travel to the site, by means other than the private car. KHT therefore recognises that the Travel Plan is a key component of its long-term development.

The car parking strategy at the Hospital is currently under review and proposals will be developed to deliver a better balance between patient and visitor parking and staff car parking levels.

Kingston Hospital agreed and implemented a Healthy Transport Strategy in 1999 and was the first employer within the Royal Borough of Kingston–upon- Thames to do so. However, the Hospital site and services have changed significantly since 1999, and the Hospital is now updating the Travel Plan to better deal with the current transport challenges and to allow future expansion of the site without having a negative impact on the road network, the local community and the environment. The findings of recent surveys are included in this report and demonstrate the success of the HTP in reducing car travel to the site by staff.

This update will outline a strategy for measures that will be introduced to reduce reliance on car travel and will set appropriate targets to enable the future effectiveness of the plan to be measured.

The role of travel plan co-ordinator is currently undertaken by Diane Lee in the Hospital Facilities Department.

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2. Objectives and benefits of the travel plan.

The primary objectives of this Travel Plan are to: • Improve the accessibility of this site by increasing the travel choices available to staff, patients and visitors. • Reduce on site parking pressures and contribute to cutting congestion and pollution by reducing the number of cars trips to the site.

The Travel Plan will have the following beneficial outcomes for the Hospital, its employees and patients and the wider community:

For the Hospital: -

• To reduce parking pressures on site and local traffic congestion. • To enable future expansion of the site and services, without having a detrimental effect on local traffic and parking. • To comply with obligations set by the Department of Health and Local Planning Authority to develop a travel plan. • To lead by example in encouraging active travel choices, which can help to improve health and well being. • To reduce staff absenteeism and improve staff health and motivation due to more active travel. • To improve staff travel options, to widen the recruitment pool and improve staff retention rates. • To improve the efficiency of deliveries to the site.

For Hospital employees: - • The opportunity to improve health and fitness through active travel choices.

• The opportunity to save money by switching to a cheaper travel mode.

• An improvement to employees work/ life balance by reducing travel times or providing flexible working arrangements.

• A reduction in parking pressures on site for those who really do need a car. For patients and the local community: - • Better access to Hospital services.

• Reduced local traffic congestion.

• Improved local air quality.

• Reduced CO² emissions that contribute to environmental pollution and global warming.

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3. Staff Surveys

Since its introduction in 1999, the effectiveness of the travel plan in reducing staff car use has been measured by staff travel surveys that were conducted in 1999, 2002, 2004 and 2006. The 1999 survey is a record of staff travel before the Healthy Transport Strategy was introduced. The February 2002 survey shows the effect of the Strategy two years after its introduction, while the February 2004 survey encompasses the effect of the introduction of the nearby CPZ and Home Zones.

Mode 1999 2002 2004 2004 2006 2010 % % (Winter) (Summer) (Autumn) % % % % Main mode Car driver on own 62 50 54 45 50 38 Car driver with 6 8 4 4 0 3 passenger Car passenger 0 2 2 2 0 4 Bus 11 17 13 13 18 19 Train 5 6 10 9 9 14 Walk 7 10 9 13 11 13 Cycle 7 5 5 11 10 4 Motorbike 1 1 2 2 1 1 Hospital transport 1 1 1 1 0 2 (minibus)

The survey results indicate that when the HTS was first introduced there was initially a significant drop in car use by over 10%. Since 2002, however, the effectiveness of the travel plan has been relatively limited, with levels of car use continuing to fluctuate around the 50% mark. A detailed snapshot survey was commissioned in 2010, with a significant response rate and this demonstrated that car travel has been substantially reduced from this 2006 figure to around 37%. The survey indicates that cycle travel has dropped in popularity despite this reduction in car travel. The biggest increase has been in the popularity of the train as an alternative mode, which may reflect the fact that staff now travel from further afield. This would also explain the reduction in cycling as a preferred mode of travel.

This updated travel plan will aim to improve the effectiveness of the travel plan to achieve further year-on-year reductions in car use.

Car driver on own 1999 Survey Car driver with passenger

2002 Survey Car passenger Bus 2004 Survey Train (Winter) Walk 2004 Survey (Summer) Cycle Motorbike 2006 Survey Hospital transport (minibus)

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

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A further ‘snapshot’ survey of staff travel patterns was undertaken in March 2010.

In total, 874 independent responses were obtained during the survey, with a further 30 additional responses from staff who indicated differing travel behaviour in the return journey from work.

The Trust has an estimated total workforce of 2,900 which includes a significant proportion of shift workers. Accordingly, the total number of staff on site at any one time is significantly less than this figure. Nonetheless, the survey response rate has been based on the total workforce, with a rate of 30.14%.

The results demonstrate that single occupancy car driving remains the most popular single mode of travel at 37.8%. However public transport, when considered as whole, is a close second, being used by 35% of staff, reflecting the access to these modes of travel. The combined total of 16.5% of staff walking or cycling is representative of the site’s location within a significant suburban residential area.

4. Management and funding of the Travel Plan

The Estates & Facilities committee have Board level responsibility for the Healthy Travel Plan. The day to day management of the plan is allocated to the Estates and Facilities Department. It is an integral part of all Estates Officer job plans to ensure that the aims of the HTP are considered as part of managing and developing the Hospital site.

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Until recently KHT had a Travel Plan Coordinator, who was responsible for the travel plan in addition to other duties. However, whilst undertaking a difficult review of staffing levels at KHT, it was recognised that the role of Travel Plan Coordinator was not very effective. This post was therefore removed and made an integral part of the job description of a number of responsible officers within the Estates & Facilities directorate. This has proved very successful, highlighted by an award to KHT by RBK in recognition of the success of Bike Week, in 2006.

KHT reviews the HTP and its impact on the estate and associated facilities at Estates & Facilities Committee, the Hospital Management Committee and also at the Trust Partnership Forum with the Trust Trade Union representation.

Relevant Officers from KHT also take an active role in Travel Plan forums including the Kingston Travel Plan Network and the South West London NHS Travel Plan forum. This enables the KHT to keep up to date with travel planning best practice and to participate in wider travel and transport initiatives.

The travel plan and associated measures are funded by income generated from staff parking permits. This funding facilitates staff benefit projects such as improved security and secure bike parking facilities.

5. Travel Plan Measures

The following section will review progress so far and outline measures that will be introduced for each of the main modes of travel. All the measures are also set out in the Action Plan in Appendix 1, which also gives timescales for when the measures will be introduced.

5.1 Pedestrians / Walking

For staff, visitors or patients who live within two miles of the site, walking is a realistic alternative to use of their car. There are many benefits to walking including potential financial savings and the opportunity to get more exercise. The documents ‘Our Healthier Nation ‘and ‘Transport and Health’ recommend thirty minutes of brisk exercise per day, and this target can usually be met by walking to work.

The HTP will promote the health benefits of walking through appropriate publicity and KHT will, wherever possible participate in any national or local events such as the London Walk to Work Week. Pedometers will continue to be made available to staff at any HTP events throughout the year.

To encourage walking, it is important that routes around the Hospital site and leading to the site are as pedestrian friendly as possible. KHT will ensure that the onsite walkways and routes are properly maintained and well lit. KHT will

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also work with the Local Authority to highlight issues affecting offsite pedestrian facilities including lighting, footways and crossings to ensure they are properly maintained and improved where necessary.

The Hospital site is large and complex so it is also important that links across the site and to and from public transport are well signposted to enable visitors to easily find their way. KHT has introduced a Wayfinding strategy, approved by both the Board and RBK, and has made improvements to the pedestrian signage on site. All future developments will take account of this strategy and signage will continue to be improved where necessary.

It is recognised that the site has been and continues to be, subject to building work that affects the routes for pedestrians across the site. As the works to build the William Rous Cancer Unit have been completed, KHT will ensure that the pedestrian routes are reinstated or redirected appropriately. The pedestrian routes across the site will continue to be reviewed and improved if necessary, particularly in response to any future developments on the site.

The personal safety of those staff and visitors choosing to walk, particularly women, is of paramount concern. KHT has worked with the local police Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) to identify areas on and around the site, where staff feel vulnerable. In response to staff comments, KHT have made improvements on site and work with RBK to seek improvements off site.

KHT will continue to liaise with the SNT and RBK in order to improve safety and increase staff confidence. Bi annual site inspections will continue to be conducted with the SNT and the Crime Prevention Officer (CPO) to review site safety. The police are committed to continue undertaking annual local surveys to identify hot spots or areas of concern for staff or local residents’ safety. The HTP has funded additional security lighting on and throughout the site. Annual site reviews with the local CPO will review the status of lighting around the site and upgrade as appropriate.

In addition, personal security alarms will be made available to staff as necessary. Conflict Resolution training sessions will also be run on a regular basis for KHT staff.

Travel Plan Actions- Walking

à To maintain and improve on site signage, as necessary. à To maintain and improve on site security lighting, as necessary. à To maintain and improve pedestrian routes across the site, as necessary. à To reinstate and redirect pedestrian routes across site, as necessary. à To work with RBK to identify and implement any potential improvements to off site pedestrian facilities, including lighting and road crossing points. à To further promote the benefits of walking, including as part of staff induction pack.

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à To participate in national and local walking events and initiatives. à To distribute pedometers and security alarms to staff as appropriate.

5.1a Way Finding – Central ‘Street’

Following a recent review of the Hospital Estates Strategy in 2009-2010, a masterplan has been developed that will provide direction to future developments on the Hospital Estate.

In its simplest form, the ambition of the masterplan is to create a central ‘street’ through the core of the hospital on a North-South axis which will link existing key facilities.

It is proposed that future developments will take the opportunity to introduce this route incrementally, with each development planned on the basis that it can deliver, or relate to, this future route. The ‘Street’ will be implemented incrementally as development sites are brought forward.

The central street will allow easy way finding and connectivity for pedestrians through the site. The introduction of signposting along this route will facilitate navigation around the hospital as it will only be necessary for visitors and patients to find their way back to this route to enable orientation on the hospital campus.

It is yet to be determined if this route will be wholly pedestrianised or a shared surface, however, it will be designed to prioritise walking and cycling modes.

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Travel Plan Actions - Way finding

à To develop the masterplan proposals for a central street à To ensure that all redevelopment proposals seek to deliver or compliment this concept à To deliver this concept incrementally as sites are brought forward for redevelopment à To improve signage and surfacing as the street concept is delivered

5.2 Cycling

This is an area that the HTP has and will continue to concentrate on. The staff survey indicates that up to 2006 around 10% of staff cycled, which is comparatively high and indicates the relative success of the HTP in this area. However, the latest snapshot survey indicates that this number has fallen to 3.8%. This may be a function of shifts in staff catchment area or potentially the weather at the time the survey was undertaken. However, it is still considered that there is scope to further increase the amount of staff cycling to work.

KHT has already made significant improvements in the provision of cycle parking with 10 cycle parking areas around the site, including 4 dedicated secure facilities for staff. KHT will therefore keep the cycle parking strategy under review and augment cycle parking provision where required and where possible.

It is anticipated that additional visitor cycle parking may need to be provided, and that Sheffield stands located close to patient entrances will be particularly useful.

Once the cycle parking provision has been improved, the spare capacity of the cycle parking will continue to be monitored annually and if necessary, additional facilities will be provided to meet demand.

As well as just providing the cycle parking, it is important that staff and visitors are aware that the facilities exist and are able to find them easily, particularly on a big site like the Hospital. Indeed, one of the reasons that the secure stores for staff have not been fully utilised may be because staff have not been aware that the facilities exist or how they can get access to the secure areas. To address this, the stores will be more widely promoted to staff and improved signage has recently been added to the cycle stores advising staff to contact the Facilities Department to gain access. In addition signage directing staff and visitors to cycle parking has recently been improved and will continue to be improved as necessary.

To help overcome bike theft problems on the site, KHT is working with the SNT, who will place advisory notes on bicycles, which are not locked

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correctly, advising how to lock them correctly and recommending that they are placed in the official cycle parking areas.

In surveys, staff have indicated that they would like to see more shower and changing facilities on site. Despite being able to provide some facilities, it has been difficult to retrofit shower facilities into the existing Hospital buildings. However, KHT will further investigate installing additional shower facilities to existing buildings where possible, and will ensure that showers are included as part of any refurbishments or new build developments.

Employees have also indicated that the provision of local cycle lanes and facilities are of importance. KHT has requested consultation by RBK on any local cycle schemes and will regularly make comments on these schemes. KHT will continue to comment on cycle infrastructure schemes when consulted and will actively approach RBK to seek additional improvements in these areas, where necessary.

In addition to the above facilities for cyclists, KHT has put in place a range of other measures to support and promote cycling. These include the provision of an interest free bicycle loan, holding regular bike week events.

Travel Plan Actions - Cycling

à To review cycle parking strategy and assess demand for cycle parking across the whole site and identify appropriate locations for the cycle parking. à To provide new secure cycle parking facilities for staff, or relocate existing facilities, if it is identified as necessary by the cycle parking review. à To provide additional visitor cycle parking facilities close to building entrances, if identified as necessary by the cycle parking strategy. à To monitor the spare capacity of the cycle parking facilities by conducting annual surveys of the numbers of bikes in the stores. If it is identified that the stores are nearing capacity, additional facilities will be put in place. à To maintain and improve signage to cycle stores and ensure cycle park locations are marked on site maps. à To improve security with the introduction of ‘electronic access control’ to the secure staff cycle parking areas. à To fit showers in all new buildings. à To investigate possible locations to retrofit showers into existing buildings and put facilities in place where possible. à To work with RBK to seek improvements to local cycle lanes and cycle crossing facilities. à To continue on going schemes with the SNT to reduce theft and increase safe, secure cycle parking. à To run regular ‘Try cycling’ initiatives, allowing staff access to a bike for a limited period, free of charge. à To actively promote free one to one cycle training sessions for all staff (provided by RBK).

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à To promote the tax free, ‘salary sacrifice’ bike loan scheme. à To provide cycle information to existing staff and visitors including making Kingston cycle maps available. à To provide cycle information, as part of a Healthy Transport information pack, for all new staff. à To continue to hold an annual bike week event including initiatives such as free cyclist breakfasts or other incentives. à To work with RBK to organise and promote other cycling events such as cycle maintenance courses and cycle information evenings. à To increase ‘Dr Bike’ sessions on site. à To provide a cyclist toolbox to enable staff to make emergency repairs.

5.3 Bus

The site has relatively good bus connections by virtue of its vicinity to Kingston town centre, with many services passing or terminating at the Hospital. The Hospital is served by 7 bus services stopping either onsite, on Galsworthy Road or on Coombe Road. Details of the buses serving the Hospital are given in the table below.

Local Bus Services serving Kingston Hospital:

Route No. Route K2 Hook, via Berrylands Station, Surbiton Station, Kingston Town Centre, Norbiton Station, terminating at the Hospital K3 Esher, via Hinchley Wood Station, Surbiton Station, Kingston Town Centre, Norbiton Station, Kingston Hospital, terminating at Kingston Vale. K4 Hook, via Surbiton Station, Kingston Town Centre, Norbiton Station, terminating at the Hospital. K5 Ham, via Kingston Town Centre, Kingston Hospital (Coombe Road), Motspur Park, terminating at Morden. 57 Kingston Town Centre, Kingston Hospital, Wimbledon Station, Tooting Broadway terminating at Streatham Hill. 85 Kingston Town Centre, Kingston Hospital (Kingston Hill), - Kingston Vale, Roehampton terminating at Putney. 213 Kingston Town Centre, via Kingston Hospital, New Malden Station, Worcester Park terminating at Sutton.

The buses vary in rate of recurrence and frequency from every 8 – 10 minutes to hourly, some buses starting at 06.00, some ceasing at 20.00 and not all running 7 days per week.

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KHT recognises the importance of local bus services in enabling staff, patients and visitors to access the site. Due to significant investment in buses by TfL in recent years, there have been improvements to many local bus services, including increased frequencies and improved vehicles, security and payment structures. Despite this overall improvement, however, some local bus services have regrettably ceased to serve the site, despite strong objection by KHT. The site is not well served by the Richmond, Chessington or Epsom areas.

KHT has recently started to be consulted by London Buses on any proposed changes to local bus services and regularly makes comments on these consultations. However, it is recognised that KHT should work more proactively to lobby London Buses in conjunction with the Borough Council, to seek further improvements to existing services or even extensions to routes or new routes to link the Hospital with a wider catchment area. KHT will also engage more actively with the Local Authority to seek assistance in liaising with London Buses and lobbying for improved services.

The Hospital already provides bus stop and turning facilities on site for services that terminate at the Hospital including the K2 and K4. The Hospital will work with London buses to make improvements to these on site bus stops, as these facilities require some improvement. Retention of bus turning facilities within the hospital site will be a key consideration in the development of proposals for new buildings on the site and the improvement and upgrading of these facilities where possible.

KHT has worked with TfL to produce a leaflet that shows the bus services to the Hospital, and this is made widely available to staff, patients and visitors.

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KHT will ensure that this leaflet is continually kept up to date to reflect changes in bus services. In addition, KHT will ensure that patients and visitors are sent this leaflet with appointment information, and all new employees are sent this leaflet prior to starting work with KHT.

KHT will also ensure that up to date bus information is provided on their web site. The web site now contains up to date travel information including links to maps and bus information. To improve the provision of bus information KHT will also work with London Buses to seek the provision of “Countdown” bus information in the main reception area and to ensure that countdown information and bus timetables are provided at all bus stops around the site.

KHT will continue to allow staff access to interest free loans for the purchase of season tickets for bus travel.

Travel Plan Actions – Bus

à To liaise with London Buses to seek the provision of ‘Countdown’ information the main reception area. à To liaise with London Buses to ensure that adequate bus stop facilities, “Countdown” and standard timetable information is provided at all bus stops around the Hospital site. à To continue ongoing liaison with the bus companies to explore the provision of improved bus stand and turning facilities on the site. à To work with London Buses to obtain an ‘Oyster’ top up point on site. à To work with London Buses to seek further improvements to existing bus services and additional services, specifically from the Richmond area, but generally from all surrounding areas. à To further promote the existing interest free season ticket loan. à To provide bus information to staff, patients and visitors and promote increased awareness of the services available.

5.4 Rail

Norbiton railway station is across the road from the Hospital, and at peak times has direct services approximately every 15 minutes to London and local stations including Kingston and Wimbledon. KHT recognises that the proximity of the train station to the Hospital could be of real benefit to encourage sustainable travel to the site.

However, there are concerns about security on and around the station, particularly at night. In addition, it is recognised that access is an issue for some passengers alighting from the trains, who are not specifically disabled but have difficulties with the size of the step up / down from the platform to the train. KHT is keen to work with RBK, South West Trains and the Police, to make improvements in these areas, so that the full potential of the train services can be realised.

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KHT will continue allow staff access to interest free loans for the purchase of season tickets for train travel.

KHT will investigate the possibility of introducing internet based ‘live’ departure information in main reception areas in conjunction with South West Trains.

The planned Healthy Transport pack issued to all new staff will promote the close proximity of the station, timetables and its interconnecting stations.

Travel Plan Actions- Train

à To further promote the existing interest free season ticket loan. à To continue to work closely with RBK, South West Trains and Police to seek security improvements to Norbiton Station. à To work closely with RBK and South West Trains to seek accessibility improvements to Norbiton Station. à To provide train information to staff and promote increased awareness of the service. à To improve pedestrian routes and signage to/ from the train station. à To investigate the possibility of providing web based live train information in main reception areas

5.5.1 Cars / Vehicles

The main aim of this travel plan is to reduce car use by staff, patients and visitors as much as possible. However, KHT will continue to provide parking for those for whom the car is the only realistic option.

Parking facilities onsite comprise:

• 797 Staff and visitor parking spaces • 28 Disabled spaces • Drop off spaces • 15 Ambulance spaces • 2 Taxi spaces

It is recognised that restricting parking, by for example introducing charges, can act as a real disincentive to car use and is one of the most effective travel plan measures. Parking charges for staff were introduced a number of years ago at an initial rate of £30 per annum. Despite an initial reduction in car use between 1999 and 2002, it is considered that this charge was not high enough to act as a sufficient disincentive to car use in the long term, and this may be one of the key reasons why the travel plan has not since been effective in reducing car use further.

A new parking scheme therefore was introduced in which the charge is based on a percentage deduction from salary. This was initially .7%, the following

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year 1.2% and this year 1.5%. Permit charges have therefore generally increased quite significantly with the average annual charge now around £500. This, 1.5%, is the final increase in the current plan, after which a new plan will be formulated and submitted as appropriate. However, it already appears that the parking charges are having a significant effect on travel choice, with less permits being renewed each year.

No of staff permits issued % of all staff & contractors on site with parking permits 2002 2440 2003 2380 2004 2290 96% 2005 2050 85% 2006 1631 68% 2007 1391 60% 2008 1332 42% 2009 1302 42% 2010 1250

To ensure that employees who wish to stop driving to work are not financially disadvantaged, annual permits can be returned at any time and a pro rata refund provided to staff immediately.

In addition, a scheme has also been introduced that enables staff to buy an ‘on the day’ permit, which allows staff to use the car occasionally or on an ad hoc basis, which encourage the use of sustainable modes of transport the majority of the time.

Staff who wish to obtain a parking permit must complete the parking application form (Appendix 2), and the permit must be annually renewed. The parking permit form has been expanded to enable KHT to obtain additional useful information on drivers including how far they live from the site, why they choose to drive to work, and what measures could encourage them to use other modes of travel. This information will be used to identify areas in which the travel plan could be improved to further reduce car use.

In addition to the parking charge scheme, KHT will give consideration to introducing further restrictions on staff parking. This could include exempting all new staff and staff living within a certain distance of the site from purchasing a permit, with exceptions being made where the employee could demonstrate a reasonable need to drive (e.g. no other transport options available or carer requirements). KHT will ensure that any further restrictions in parking numbers refer to the staff parking areas and not the public parking areas.

KHT does allocate some free parking permits to employees who need their cars to undertake their clinical duties. These clinical permits are only granted when authorised by an appropriate manager.

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Individuals providing a voluntary service to the Hospital are also allocated free parking permits.

The car park is currently managed by an approved parking contractor with rigid performance parameters detailing KHT expectations of the service and annually reviewed KPI’s. In addition, the Contractor operates the nationally recognised 'Parking Charge Notice' to manage those who park on the site without complying with the on site regulations.

KHT aspires to manage the car park facilities to such a standard as to acquire ‘Secure Car Park Award’ status across the whole site; this standard has already been awarded to the new decked car park off Kingston Hill.

The whole car parking strategy at Hospital is currently under review and proposals are being developed to address on-site parking issues for patients, visitors and staff. Given the complexity of the existing situation, this review is expected to be complete in 2011. An updated parking strategy will be produced in 2011 which takes account of the current review.

Travel Plan Actions- Car Use

à To continue to increase parking charges as appropriate. à To continue to operate the “on the day” permit schemes. à To consult on exempting all new staff from obtaining a parking permit (with reasonable exemptions). à To consult on exempting existing staff living within a certain radius of the Hospital from obtaining a parking permit (with reasonable exemptions). à To consult on reducing the proportion of on site parking available to staff in favour of patient parking à Produce updated car parking strategy in 2011.

5.5.2 Disabled Parking

At the introduction of the HTP, KHT had 17 disabled spaces on the site, this has now been increased to 28 and drivers displaying a valid ‘blue permit’ are also able to park free of charge in all pay and display areas. This is advertised at all pay and display stations and on patient information. Parking remains an agenda item on the KHT Diversity committee and is regularly reviewed with this group.

Staff with specific medically recognised mobility needs are allocated their own designated parking area in consultation with the KHT Occupational Health department.

5.5.3 Car Sharing

KHT has introduced and extensively promoted a dedicated car sharing website that matches up potential car sharers. However, it is acknowledged that this has not been a very effective measure. To improve the take up of the

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scheme at the next issue of parking permits, KHT will propose the introduction of a requirement for all drivers to pay a premium on their permit if they do not register to use the scheme.

An emergency ride home scheme has also been introduced, where if a registered car sharer is let down by their car share partner they can get the costs of the alternative journey home reimbursed.

In addition, the car share scheme will be further promoted to all staff and included in the Healthy Transport pack for new staff.

Pool cars and taxis continue to be used by staff who now do not bring their own vehicle to the site.

Travel Plan Actions- Car Sharing

à To introduce a financial penalty if permit holders do not register as a car sharer. à To introduce an emergency ride home scheme for car sharers. à To further promote the car share database and of the benefits of car sharing.

5.5.4 Motorcycles/Mopeds

Motorcycles and mopeds are generally more environmentally friendly than cars and they are also more efficient in terms of the utilisation of car parking spaces. Currently, there is limited area set aside specifically for safe storage and this has recently been covered to make it more attractive to users. Alternative areas are being identified for staff and visitor cycle parking and additional parking will be provided.

KHT will continue to offer interest free loans for the purchase of scooters/motorbikes and will promote this facility more widely to staff.

Travel Plan Actions- Motorcycles/Mopeds

à To provide further covered motorcycle parking areas. à To further promote the interest free loan to purchase a motorcycle or moped.

5.5.5 Engineers/Consultants/Vendors

There is an obvious problem with the intermittent arrival of these groups on site, but each visit should be treated in relation to the needs of the service. Maintenance engineers and company representatives perform a vital role to the smooth running of KHT and their presence is of a mutual need. They invariably require their vehicles on hand whilst working and are able to purchase the appropriate time-span pass badge to cover their individual specific onsite needs. These groups are not provided with free parking as in

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the past but must now purchase a daily or weekly permit and all contract documents state this requirement.

5.6 Smarter Working Practices

The nature of the work and the requirements to work set shifts for many employees, limits the extent to which flexible working policies can be introduced. However, KHT does operate a flexible working system for employees where their duties allow it.

KHT will continue to work up initiatives to allow staff to work from home or a satellite office, where appropriate.

KHT has invested in video conferencing facilities and plans to market the availability of this service in order to reduce the need to travel between the NHS sites.

Travel Plan Actions- Smarter Working Practices

à To continue to promote opportunities for staff to work from home, where appropriate. à To continue to promote opportunities for staff to work flexible hours, where appropriate à To further invest in video conferencing facilities.

5.7 Marketing and Publicity

It is important to keep staff informed of travel initiatives and of the overall progress of the travel plan. The Press and Communications department continue to promote HTP issues through the staff magazine and daily e-mail bulletins. It is proposed that discussion and consultation continues through the Hospital Management Committee, Estates & Facilities and the Joint Councils.

KHT will develop a Healthy Transport pack to be given to all new staff, which will contain information on all the travel options to the site.

KHT works closely with TfL to continue to promote the TfL ‘Getting to Kingston Hospital’ leaflet, a guide to public transport to KHT, which remains very popular with users.

All patient letters contain information about public transport services to the site and reminding the recipient that parking on the site is very difficult.

KHT intranet and the Trust Internet have been updated to include up to date travel information to the site.

KHT will continue to organise events and initiatives to promote sustainable travel choices to staff, including the successful Bike Week events. In addition, KHT will actively advertise to staff travel awareness events organised by RBK,

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such as cycling seminars and will promote other London wide or National travel awareness campaigns such as Bike Week, Walk to Work Week and Share the Car Day.

Travel Plan Actions- Marketing and Publicity

à To provide a healthy transport pack to be sent to all new staff before they commence employment. à To keep existing staff updated on relevant transport initiatives and issues through the staff intranet, email and the staff “Keyhole” newsletter. à To continue to provide the “Getting to Kingston Hospital” leaflet and update this as necessary to reflect changes to public transport. à To continue to include information about travel options and parking difficulties in all patient appointment letters. à To improve the provision of travel information on the Hospital’s internet and intranet sites. à To organise further internal events and campaigns to promote sustainable travel, such as bike week events. à To continue promoting to staff sustainable travel events and initiatives organised by RBK and other London wide and National travel awareness campaigns.

6 Targets & Monitoring

Targets

The key indicators used to measure the effectiveness of the travel plan will be the modal split for car use by staff and the numbers of parking permits issued. Targets have been set for these indicators until 2013 and are shown in the table below.

Mode of Travel 2002 2006 2008 Target Target Target 2010 2012 2014 Car driver (staff) 50% 50% 48% 38% 36% 34% Number of 2440 1631 1332 1200 1100 1000 Parking Permits issued

In addition to the above measurable targets, other useful indicators of the success of the travel plan are the modal splits of staff using alternative travel modes and the annual take up of initiatives such as the bike and season ticket loans. KHT will monitor and record the data on these indicators, although no specific targets will be set.

The 2010 snapshot survey indicates that car travel has already been reduced below the target set to 2014. This survey provides an indication that the HTP measures are working. Ongoing monitoring will be required to confirm if this

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pattern is the norm or if the 2010 survey results are anomalous in the context of the above trend, given the survey methodology adopted.

Monitoring

To ensure that a travel plan is effective, it is important to regularly review the travel plan to ensure that it is achieving its objectives and targets. This section sets out the processes and timescales for monitoring the travel plan.

Modal split data on staff car use will be obtained every 2 years through surveys on staff about their main method of travelling to work. It is recognised that the reliability of previous modal data for surveys prior to the 2010 snapshot survey, should be treated with caution due to the very low response rates (a response rate of at least 35% is recommended to obtain reliable modal split data). Previous low response rates may be attributable to staff attitudes towards travel and parking, which is viewed by many as problematic and expensive. The targeted snapshot survey produced robust results and this has influenced a recalibration of targets included in this updated HTP.

This will be supplemented by also carrying out full travel surveys to find out more detailed information about staff attitudes to travel. In addition, parking permits application forms will also be used to derive useful information on car driver travel patterns and attitudes.

In addition to the collection of modal split data, parking beat surveys will be conducted every 2 years to monitor the impact of any overspill parking from the Hospital on the surrounding roads.

Full monitoring of the travel plan, will be carried out every 2 years, starting in September 2012, and the results of the monitoring shared with RBK.

In addition, a review and update of the travel plan will be produced annually, and will include data on the travel plan indicators including the number of parking permits issued and an update of the action plan which outlines progress made on implementing all of the proposed travel plan measures.

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7 Conclusion

The KHT Healthy Transport Strategy was first introduced 1999/2000 and is now being updated to reflect changes to the Hospital both physically and in its workload profile.

In response to government targets and local demands, the HTP will remain under review and continuous scrutiny to ensure that it remains fit for purpose in its overall aim to reduce the environmental impact of travel and to offer a range of travel alternatives for staff, visitors and patients who don’t have access to a car or who choose not to use one.

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