Newcastle Hospitals

NEWCASTLE HOSPITALS

Travel Plan

ISSUE 1 by REVISION 1 by

WSP Development Ltd David Malone Weymouth House Green Transport Coordinator Hampshire Court Improving Working Lives Dept. Newcastle Business Park Royal Victoria Infirmary Newcastle upon Tyne Queen Victoria Road NE4 7YG Newcastle upon Tyne Tel: +44(0)191 273 3123 NE1 4LP Fax: +44(0)191 226 1791 Tel: +44(0)191 2820735 http://www.wspgroup.com Fax: +44(0)191 2820802 [email protected]

Issue/revision Issue 1 Revision 1 Revision 2 Revision 3

Remarks Draft

Date 10 October 2003 30 December 2006

Prepared by Alan James David Malone

Signature

Checked by Daryl Hughes Trust Travel Group

Signature

Authorised by Alan James

Signature

Project number 11160257

File reference

NEWCASTLE HOSPITALS

Travel Plan

CONTENTS PAGE

1 INTRODUCTION 1 2 ACCESS: GETTING TO AND FROM THE HOSPITALS 4 3 TRAVEL PATTERNS AND BEHAVIOUR 11 4 MEASURES & TARGETS 13 5 MONITORING 24 6 ACTION PLAN 26

APPENDICES A – 2003 TRAVEL SURVEY B – 2006 TRAVEL SURVEY C – FREEMAN HOSPITAL BUS TIMETABLES D – RVI BUS TIMETABLES E – CAR SHARING MAP & DETAILS F – TRAVEL PLAN ACHIEVEMENTS G – FLEXIBLE WORKING POLICY H – CAR PARKING POLICY I – TAXATION & INSURANCE J – BUG ACTION PLAN K - PICTURES

11160257 Newcastle NHS Trust Newcastle Hospitals Travel Plan

NEWCASTLE HOSPITALS

TRAVEL PLAN

1 INTRODUCTION

Background

1.1 Access is a key issue for the future operation and development of the hospitals within Newcastle. Green travel modes already play an important part, and their role will increase further as the Trust develops the long-term strategies for the NHS area. Prior to the development of the first Travel Plan by the Trust in 2000, access issues tended to be considered largely in isolation, with little interaction between the various stakeholders in the area.

1.2 However, the adoption of the original Travel Plan by the Trust brought about a sea-change in attitude to transport issues, whereby planning ahead and working in partnership became of paramount importance. It was recognised that the Travel Plan provided the necessary framework for the long-term development of access at the hospitals, being critical both from an operational and an environmental perspective.

1.3 Six years on from the original Plan, the Trust has introduced a number of the measures set out; examples include the appointment of a Travel Plan Co-ordinator, improved bus access, the introduction of Bicycle User Group, significant staff discounts for public transport season tickets, and an increase in the frequency of the hospital hopper service. The Trust also plays an active part on the Combined Action on Sustainable Transport (CAST) Forum, working closely with the Inland Revenue, Newcastle City Council, the public transport providers, local councillors and residents and the Police and has also set up other working groups.

1.4 In March 2003 the Trust undertook the first round of monitoring of the Plan, carrying out an extensive questionnaire survey of NHS staff. This demonstrates where successes have been achieved and areas where further work is necessary. With the emerging plans for the development of the Freeman Hospital and the Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI) coming forward, it was also a useful source of data for the first review of the Plan. To assist in this process, the Trust commissioned WSP (Consulting) in October 2003 to review the original document and produce a revised Travel Plan to satisfy Newcastle City Council and hence to support the imminent planning applications at

11160257 1 Newcastle NHS Trust Newcastle Hospitals Travel Plan the two sites. A further survey was carried out in January 2006 and a copy of the survey and results can be found in the appendix B.

1.5 Travel Plans

1.6 Travel Plans in general provide the framework for the delivery of co-ordinated transport strategies, minimising the adverse operational and environmental impacts of transport to/from developments. They typically contain a wide range of measures, including walking, cycling, information and promotion, bus, taxi, car sharing and car parking.

1.7 The request for a Travel Plan is in line with Planning Policy Guidance Note 13 (PPG 13), published in March 2001 which requires, at paragraph 89, the preparation of travel plans for certain broad classes of new developments.

1.8 The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Travel Plan provides this framework, enabling the long-term development of sustainable access for the hospitals. It will naturally evolve over time, being regularly monitored, and revised accordingly to meet changing circumstances. The Plan is designed to meet both existing and future needs, giving consideration to all users, be they staff, patients or visitors. Its message is simple:

“A small change can make a big difference”

1.9 The under-pinning objectives for the Plan are as follows:

“To encourage an increase in the use of sustainable travel modes for access to the hospitals.”

“To provide a wider choice of travel options, raising awareness and reducing social exclusion and widening access to the Trust and its facilities for all.”

“To minimise the transport impacts of the development, and help make the hospitals a good neighbour.”

“To provide an improved service for both service users and staff”.

1.10 This report presents the revised strategy for travel to the Newcastle hospitals. It is broken down into six main sections: section 2 provides a simple overview of existing access arrangements and services at the Freeman and RVI, section 3 briefly summarises some of the key statistics arising out of the latest Travel Plan monitoring surveys, section 4 defines the measures and

11160257 2 Newcastle NHS Trust Newcastle Hospitals Travel Plan targets, section 5 explains the importance of monitoring and finally, section 6 sets out the action plan designed to meet the objectives and achieve the defined targets.

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2 ACCESS: GETTING TO AND FROM THE HOSPITALS

Introduction

2.1 The existing services and facilities available at each of the hospital sites will have a large influence on travel behaviour, as of course will the site’s location with respect to those wishing to travel there. The two major hospitals within the Newcastle upon Tyne NHS Foundation Trust, the Freeman Hospital and the RVI, are different in many ways in transport terms. The RVI is located centrally, and has the benefit of excellent public transport links just a short distance away. This is reflected in the higher modal share for travel by public transport. The Freeman Hospital lies in the suburbs of Newcastle, between High Heaton and Longbenton, and whilst linked by a number of public transport services the use of such modes is significantly lower than at the RVI.

2.2 There are five hospitals within the Newcastle upon Tyne Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, these being:

• Freeman Hospital • Royal Victoria Infirmary • Newcastle General Hospital including Northern Centre for Cancer Treatment • Walkergate Hospital • Centre for Life

2.3 The Trust is currently undergoing major redevelopment at both Freeman and RVI Hospitals, relocating many services currently provided at NGH. Whilst the Plan covers all hospitals under the auspices of the NHS Trust, its focus will naturally centre on the principal sites; namely the Freeman Hospital and the RVI.

The Freeman Hospital and RVI

2.4 The Freeman Hospital is located approximately 5km north of Newcastle upon Tyne City Centre, just to the south of the City boundary with the borough of North Tyneside. The surrounding uses are predominately residential although the Inland Revenue office complex (employing around 10,000 staff), is located immediately to the north. The site is bounded by Freeman Road to the west, the residential street Melville Grove to the south, the former Coxlodge Waggonway, now a cycleway, to the east and the residential street of Daylesford Drive to the north.

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2.5 The existing Freeman Hospital provides a wide range of services, having 791 beds and employs some 3,389 staff. The Freeman accounts for around 35% of the total employment in the Newcastle NHS Trust hospitals, compared to 16% at the NGH and 47% at the RVI. The Freeman currently deals with approximately 160,000 patient and day-cases and 206,265 outpatients a year.

2.6 The RVI is located within Newcastle upon Tyne City Centre, to the immediate west of the University of Newcastle upon Tyne and to the northeast of Leazes Park. The site is bounded by Richardson Road to the south, Queen Victoria Road to the east, Claremont Road to the north and the Spital Tongues residential area to the west.

2.7 The existing RVI provides a wide range of services, having 788 beds and employs some 4,537 staff. The RVI currently deals with approximately 100,000 patient and day-cases and 330,000 outpatients a year.

Access to the Hospitals

2.8 Providing a range of travel options for access to a hospital is an important part of its long-term development. The needs of all therefore must be taken account of, including staff, patients and visitors. It should also be remembered that hospitals need to function 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Increasing the role of “green” modes of transport such as bus, cycling and walking will bring overall access benefits through improved travel choices, but it will also bring wider health benefits too; a key consideration for the Trust. Such an approach is consistent with the policy approach of Newcastle City Council and the overriding Government policy as set out in PPG 13: Transport, Newcastle PCT’s Director of Public Health Report (Page 30) and NICE Campaign ( www.publichealth.nice.org.uk/page.aspx?o=PHI002 )

Road

2.9 Access to the Freeman Hospital is from Freeman Road via a priority junction with a right turn lane. This is has been improved with the introduction of traffic signals. There is a further ‘exit only’ junction with Melville Grove. The exit with Melville Grove is used as an exit from the car parks.

2.10 The Hospital is located in a predominantly residential area; however, the road network in South Gosforth is such that access to the A1 (North) can be gained via the A191. For southerly destinations the A189 provides a convenient link to the B1318 leading on to the A167 (M) central motorway. The A1058 Coast Road provides access to destinations to the East while the A167 will provide access to the A1 (T) and other westerly locations. 11160257 5 Newcastle NHS Trust Newcastle Hospitals Travel Plan

2.11 The internal road network comprises an incomplete loop road, with staff and service vehicles only allowed to use the western section – this is policed by a manned control point. Visitor traffic is signed to the east and into the surface car park to the front of the Main Entrance. This segregation approach generally operates satisfactorily, although geometries on the section of road to the south of the Main Entrance are tight.

2.12 The RVI can be accessed via one of four entry points around the site, located off Victoria Road, Richardson Road and Claremont Road. All operate as simple give-way junctions except for the access off Claremont Road which enters a roundabout at the junction with the A167 overbridge.

2.13 The A167 (M) is located some 500m to the north of the RVI and is the main north – south route through Newcastle and Gateshead providing links to the B1318 for Gosforth, the A1056 Coast Road and A1. The A189 St James Boulevard – Barrack Road is located some 600m to the south of the hospital and provides good quality links to the Redheugh Bridge for the A1(S), the A69 (Carlisle) and the A695 (Prudhoe and Hexham). Hunters Road to the northwest provides a link to Barrack Lane and Westgate Road, where the Newcastle General Hospital is located.

2.14 Traffic calming measures have been introduced in the Leazes Park Road area of the City to the east of St. James Park football stadium. These have been developed in order to discourage rat-running through this area of the city. Newcastle City Council have signage preventing traffic from St Thomas Street to car traffic at its junction with Percy Street as part of the strategy to improve transport conditions along this major route (Percy Street).

Parking

2.15 A total of 1388 parking spaces are available at the Freeman Hospital of which 898 are available for staff, of which 6 are reserved for disabled parking, accessed through swipe card operated barriers. A total of 1705 parking permits have been sold to members of staff, at a cost of £30 per month for full time employees. Part-time employees pay pro-rata. There are 490 public spaces available as pay and display, of which 48 spaces are reserved for disabled parking. Peak demand for parking currently exceeds supply, but this is expected to reduce significantly when new parking enforcement measures are introduced in early 2007. Furthermore, a ‘Pay-on-Foot’ system will be implemented in the main public car park in 2007, which will reduce illegal parking whilst also ensuring appropriate car parking charges are collected.

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2.16 There is a perceived problem of overspill parking from the Freeman Hospital onto surrounding residential and other roads, where some free unrestricted parking is currently available to both staff and visitors. Newcastle City Council has acted to reduce this problem with the introduction of Residential Parking Permit Schemes.

2.17 At the RVI there are a total of 987 parking spaces available. There are 417 on-site surface parking spaces, with the remainder (570) being located in the multi-storey car park adjacent to the NHS Estates offices. The on site spaces include 41 disabled parking bays and 43 parking bays restricted to use for ambulances, taxis, 15 minute drop off bays, on-call surgeons, couriers and renal patients. A total of 1105 permits have been sold to members of staff at £30 per month for full-time employees. Part-time employees pay £30 pro-rata.

2.18 Visitor charges apply both in the multi-storey car park and the surface spaces. Tariffs are as follows:

Multi Storey 1 hour £1.20 2 hours £2.40 3 hours £3.60 4 hours £4.80 5 hours £6.00 6-10 hours £7.20 10-24 hours £13.00 On-Site £1.00 per hour Pay & Display

2.19 Approximately 120 vehicles are regularly parked on Richardson Road from the early morning. It is likely that a significant number of these are related to the RVI and represents a high off site parking demand. Staff can park in the multi-storey car park at a discounted rate of £0.60 per hour. Additionally, the Trust leases 210 spaces from Newcastle United Football Club for staff to park in the multi-storey car park at St.James Park. The same rates apply as on-site parking.

Bus Services

2.20 At the Freeman Hospital there has been a reduction in bus services from 11 bus services either running past or into this hospital site every hour to 9 bus services running past the hospital site. The reduction in services stems from the reduction of subsidised bus services due to free pensioner travel and lack of funds from Nexus. No service stops adjacent the main

11160257 7 Newcastle NHS Trust Newcastle Hospitals Travel Plan hospital entrance with the exception of the LinkUp bus service that will come onto site. Issues relating to buses causing an obstruction to emergency vehicles prevent buses from running in the hospital at the present time. All bus services operate along Freeman Road. Bus services that run along Freeman Road provide access to a number of locations in the City including links to South Gosforth and the Regent Centre Metro Stations. Buses also travel to Central Station providing access to main rail services for destinations further afield.

2.21 Bus timetables for the Freeman Hospital can be found in Appendix C.

2.22 Bus services also link with the RVI and Newcastle General Hospitals, providing a valuable connection between the hospitals.

2.23 Bus and waiting facilities are available at the entrance to the Freeman Hospital. Southbound services are provided with a lay-by for the buses to stop and shelters with travel information for passengers. Northbound services have shelter facilities and timetables provided but do not have a lay-by facility.

2.24 At the RVI there were 9 bus services stopping on either Richardson Road or Claremont Road with conveniently located stops for the hospital. This has been reduced to 3 bus services due to subsidy payments being withdrawn and a review of services by the bus operators. A greater range of bus services can be accessed from the Haymarket Interchange (400m from RVI) and the Eldon Square Interchange (700m from RVI). Services from these two main interchanges give direct access to most of the Tyne & Wear conurbation and destinations further afield. Some bus services also travel between the RVI and Newcastle General Hospital providing a valuable link between the hospitals.

2.25 Bus timetables for the RVI can be found in the appendix D.

2.26 Nexus introduced a new Demand Responsive Transport service, Link Up, in late 2006 to provide better access for people when regular services are not operating or when direct services are not available. It uses small, brand new and fully accessible buses. The service is well used by staff from the East of the city to access the Freeman Hospital and a regular update is provided to Nexus from the Green Transport Coordinator giving feedback on the service from users.

2.27 The Trust is working with partners to share thoughts and proposals relating to Travel Plan developments on provision of bus services. The widening of inter-site roads as part of the developments at both the RVI and Freeman Hospital’s could increase the potential for bus services to access sites.

11160257 8 Newcastle NHS Trust Newcastle Hospitals Travel Plan

2.28 The Green Transport Coordinator has collated postcode information that highlights areas of high staff and patient habitats. This information is used to influence bus operators when they are considering areas of potentially high passenger numbers, whether higher frequency buses are needed and when revised/new bus routes be being considered, in an effort to persuade them that it is viable to provide regular access to hospital sites. Improved road infrastructure on the sites is also an influencing factor.

Rail

2.29 South Gosforth Metro Station is located approximately 1.1km from the Freeman Hospital. Three bus services currently link the Metro station to the hospital as part of their routes. This results in a frequency of 3 buses per hour between South Gosforth Metro Station and the Freeman Hospital. .

2.30 Longbenton Metro Station lies closer to the Freeman hospital, though access to the station is indirect and therefore does little to encourage its use. An alternative (direct) route to Longbenton Lane via the Inland Revenue site (Longbenton View) is available to Hospital staff. The Trust and Newcastle City Council have worked closely on a new pedestrian link that will run to the West of the Inland Revenue site and provide a good quality direct route between the Hospital and Longbenton Metro Station. The Longbenton Metro station will be branded as the Freeman Hospital’s nearest station and promote the 400m link to the hospital. Access to destinations beyond Newcastle can be gained from Central Station via bus services running from the hospital to either Newcastle City Centre or the Metro at South Gosforth.

2.31 For the RVI, Metro services are accessible from the Haymarket, which lies 400m to the southeast of the RVI. The Metro provides direct rapid connections to Kingston Park (Park & Ride), Walker, Wallsend, Gateshead, North and South Shields and Sunderland. Mainline rail services to Carlisle, Sunderland, Middlesbrough, Darlington, Morpeth and Alnwick are available from Central Station, located approximately 1km to the south of the RVI. Central Station can also be accessed by Metro, via the Haymarket Metro Station.

Pedestrian Links

2.32 The Freeman Hospital is located near to existing residential areas. In terms of on-site facilities, pedestrians are provided with direct and clearly signed routes from the bus stops to the main entrance. Currently there is a pelican crossing on Freeman Road to ease the access to the northbound bus stop.

2.33 The RVI site is located adjacent to the City Centre and within walking distance of residential areas to the west of the city. Existing pedestrian routes within the RVI site itself are poor as the

11160257 9 Newcastle NHS Trust Newcastle Hospitals Travel Plan majority of routes require pedestrians having to negotiate parked vehicles and the Victorian building layout. Footpath links to the city centre, especially St. Thomas Street, are well used by pedestrians walking between Haymarket and the Hospital. These movements are catered for with the existing pelican crossing located immediately to the north of the St. Thomas Street junction. There are pedestrian crossing facilities provided on Percy Street facilitating access to either end of the Haymarket Interchange.

Cycling

2.34 Cycle access to the Freeman Hospital can be gained from the south or the City Centre along the road network or off-road through Jesmond Dene or across the Town Moor. The Waggonway cycle route also provides links to the East End of the City. Cycle lanes are not provided within the Freeman Hospital grounds or on the adjacent streets. Covered cycle parking provision for 90 cycles is now provided for in three locations within the hospital grounds. There are 16 secure cycle lockers with further investment in secure cycle parking planned for March 2007.

2.35 The main cycle routes to the RVI are along Richardson and Claremont Road and across either Leazes Park or the Town Moor. Designated cycle lanes are not provided within the hospital or on the adjacent streets although Queen Victoria Road, Richardson Road and Claremont Road are defined as advisory cycle routes by Newcastle City Council. There is covered cycle parking provision for 52 cycles and uncovered provision for a further 46 on the site. In 2003, cycles were observed secured at various non-designated locations on the site suggesting that the existing facilities are insufficient and poorly located in terms of demand and security. Significant progress has been made in this area and there is are now two secure bicycle cages houses 18 cycles and 60 secure bike boxes have now been installed in various areas of the RVI with further investment planned for march 2007. Shower facilities have also been made available for use by cyclists near some main entrances of the RVI.

Motorcycles

2.36 The Trust has allocated areas for motorcycles and has also provided secure locking devices in motorcycle parking areas.

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3 TRAVEL PATTERNS AND BEHAVIOUR

3.1 Fully understanding the problem at hand is the first step in arriving at an effective solution. The issues surrounding travel habits and behaviour are both varied and complex, and robust and well-planned data collection is critical if effective solutions are to be developed. The Trust recognises this and place great emphasis on the role of market research.

3.2 In order to inform the reader, this section of the Plan seeks to provide a brief summary of the key statistics in relation to staff travel at the hospitals. It is taken from the travel surveys undertaken in March 2003 and January 2006.

3.3 In 2003, questionnaire forms were distributed to all NHS employees at the Freeman, RVI and NGH, plus also to those NHS employees at the International Centre for Life and Walkergate Hospital. In 2006 the survey was carried out through online survey software and promoted through a newsletter and electronic noticeboard. The number of staff at each is set out below:

Location Staff Staff 2003 2006

Freeman Hospital 3,389 3,753

International Centre for Life 79 84

NGH 1,556 1,593

RVI 4,537 4,841

Walkergate Hospital 118 112

Total 9,679 10,383

3.4 The survey of 2006 returned a total of 929 surveys, giving a response rate of 9%. The survey in 2006 however, was very long and detailed which had a negative impact on return results whilst the survey was also mostly for online completion. The length and detail of the survey was very beneficial in providing the Green Transport Coordinator with a detailed and in depth opinion on travel issues within the Trust. The survey of 2003 returned a total of 2,113 questionnaires, giving a response rate of 22%, reflecting the high level of interest amongst Trust employees in transport issues. This compares favourably against the 14% return from the previous travel survey in 1999.

3.5 A copy of the surveys used can be found in the appendices A & B.

11160257 11 Newcastle NHS Trust Newcastle Hospitals Travel Plan

3.6 The survey of 2006 revealed that approximately 42% of employees travel to work by private car either on their own, by shared journey or as part of a Park & Ride. (This compares favourably with the survey of 2003 which revealed that approximately 55% of employees got to and from work by private car. Public transport use was found to carry around 40% of employees over the five sites, with 7% walking and 3.7% cycling.) This significant increase in public transport use by staff can be accredited to the Trust Travelscheme, and a slight increase in cycling is possibly due to improvements in cycling infrastructure.

3.7 A survey will be carried out in 2007 and an increase is expected on the 9% response rate. This will be achieved by providing a prize draw for returned surveys and will be well publicised. The survey will also revert to the short version used in 2003 and will be promoted at an event also promoting the Trust Travelscheme, Bike2Work Scheme, Improving Working Lives initiatives and staff benefits.

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4 MEASURES & TARGETS

Introduction

4.1 This section sets out the measures and targets designed to facilitate access for the hospitals. In setting the targets and formulating the measures it is critical that they are both realistic and effective. The targets should be SMART:

• Specific

• Measurable

• Achievable

• Realistic

• Time-bound

4.2 The targets may be either “action-type” or “aim-type”. The former are non-quantifiable and take the form of actions that need to be achieved. “Aim-type” targets are quantifiable, but care should be taken to ensure that they are achievable whilst still being challenging.

4.3 The targets and measures contained herein have been broken down into the following categories:

• Management of the Plan

• Bus

• Rail (including Metro)

• Walking

• Cycling

• Parking

• Information and Promotion

• Other Measures

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Management of the Plan

4.4 The successful delivery of measures contained within the Travel Plan will be dependant upon how it is managed and the support provided both within the Trust and with key external partners. It is vital that support is given at all levels, including senior management. The identification of impacts and costs must therefore be clearly defined from the outset.

4.5 It is normal to appoint a Travel Plan Officer/Co-coordinator to manage the Plan from within the organisation. This person has responsibility for the operation and maintenance of the Plan, working with local partners, such as Local Authorities, the Public Transport Executive, transport operators and local businesses.

4.6 In general terms, the Co-ordinator has responsibility for:

• Promoting the Travel Plan with staff as part of the sustainable ethos of the development;

• Providing staff with information on public transport services as well as pedestrian and cycle routes;

• Negotiating discounted public transport tickets with Network Ticketing Ltd, Metro, Arriva and other public transport operators;

• Management of car parking, including car sharing and pool car facilities.

• Liaising with neighbouring companies to promote joint initiatives.

Measures

MoP1 The Trust will appoint a Travel Plan Co-ordinator to implement and manage the Plan.

MoP2 The Trust will work with the other members of the CAST Forum to develop sustainable transport options.

Bus

4.7 Nationally, the bus accounts for around one in ten commuter trips (one in five in Tyne and Wear). The Trust recognises the importance of the bus in improving access; it offers a realistic alternative to the private car for many (particularly hospital staff), and the development of services and facilities will help encourage greater use.

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4.8 The developments contained within the Transforming the Newcastle Hospitals schemes will bring about improvements to on-site infrastructure, including pedestrian links from the bus stops, and consideration is also being given as to how best to incorporate local bus services within the hospital sites themselves. Combined with soft measures such as information provision and promotion and ticketing initiatives arising out of the Travel Plan, this will help increase the role of the bus at the hospitals.

Target

The Trust will work with its partners and stakeholders to increase public transport usage, raising bus usage by staff by 30% over the Plan period.

Measures

B1 The Trust will liaise with public transport operators to secure discounts for staff and where appropriate effect changes to timetables and routes.

B2 The Trust will work closely with Nexus and the bus operators to bring about improvements to the existing bus network, including the geographical network coverage and the times of operation (evenings, weekends etc). This will utilise data obtained via through the Travel Plan monitoring surveys.

B3 As part of the development of the Freeman and RVI, the Trust and its partners will seek to integrate bus services within the sites, thereby giving greater penetration for bus passengers into the sites.

B4 The Trust will investigate, in consultation with the bus operators and Nexus, the option of bus branding on specific key routes serving the sites.

B5 The Trust will make bus timetables available throughout the hospitals in reception and waiting areas, and ensure that they are monitored and regularly replenished.

B6 The Trust will work with Nexus and the bus operators to encourage the use of easy access buses.

B7 The Trust will work with Nexus to utilise the U-Call demand responsive transport service to address public transport requirements that fall outside the standard transport networks.

B8 The Trust will work with others to investigate ways in which to integrate Patient Transport Services into the wider access strategy and systems.

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Rail/Metro

4.9 The Freeman and RVI Hospitals are both served by Metro, and indirectly by the main rail services. Usage of Metro for staff at the Trust hospitals stands at around 11%, with other rail at a little under 1%. At the Freeman Hospital the total rail usage figure is under 5%, reflecting the location of the site with respect to the nearest Metro stations.

4.10 Metro offers the potential to play a greater part in access to the sites, and the Trust is keen to develop this further by working closely with Nexus and the Metro operator.

Target

The Trust will work with its partners and stakeholders to increase the use of the Metro/rail, raising usage by staff by a 20% over the Plan period.

Measures

R1 The Trust will work with others to improve links with existing Metro stations, whether by foot, cycle or bus.

R2 The Trust will make Metro and rail timetables available throughout the hospitals in reception and waiting areas, and ensure that they are monitored and regularly replenished.

Walking

4.11 Walking offers a realistic option for the journey to work for many staff, being best suited to journeys of less than two kilometres. However, experience nationally shows that only 10% of people walk to work. Currently around 8% of NHS staff walk to work, although an additional 9% indicate that they would consider walking to work as an alternative to driving to work.

4.12 On all sites, pedestrians are provided with direct and clearly signed routes from the bus stops to the main entrance within the hospital sites. The development of the sites will incorporate pedestrian routes around the sites, linking the key areas. These will include links to/from bus stops and cycle parking areas, to the main hospital entrances and to the external footpath network.

Target

The Trust will work with its partners and stakeholders to increase the role of walking for staff access to the Freeman and RVI Hospitals, so that at least one-in-ten choose this option in future.

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Measures

W1 The Trust will ensure safe pedestrian routes are created within the development plans for the Freeman and RVI Hospitals, giving due consideration to the needs of the mobility impaired.

W2 The Trust will work with others, including Newcastle City Council, to improve external; pedestrian links, including the introduction of a new link between the Freeman hospital and Benton Road.

See also Information and Promotion.

Cycling

4.13 Cycling represents around 4% of journeys to work nationally, although it has the potential to contribute significantly to more commuter trips. Cycling is considered a viable mode of travel for journeys less than five kilometres. The staff travel survey provides data on employee commuter journeys and thereby helps to identify the potential for greater use of cycling for accessing the development.

4.14 At the Newcastle Hospitals cycling accounted for only 2.6% of staff journeys in 2003. This had increased to 3.7% by 2006 but considerable scope still exists to improve on this. The on-site infrastructure improvements will play an important part in the overall development of cycle access, and the new measures proposed within the schemes at the Freeman and RVI will encourage more people to choose this healthy option. Such improvements will also be supported by dedicated shower and changing facilities and other measures such as a cycle allowance and interest-free cycle loans.

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Target

The Trust will work with its partners and stakeholders to increase the role of cycling for staff access to the Freeman and RVI Hospitals, seeking to double its use over the plan period.

Measures

C1 The Trust will introduce secure cycle stores across the hospital sites, and ensure that these are clearly identified through on-site signing and in information/promotional material.

C2 The Trust will provide dedicated shower and changing facilities for staff choosing to cycle to work.

C3 The Trust will make pool bikes available for staff for travel between the sites.

C4 The Trust will liaise with City Council over the development of safe cycle routes.

C5 The Trust will provide interest free loans on for cycle and cycle equipment purchases. They will also seek to establish links with a local retailer to secure discounts on such equipment.

C6 The Trust will introduce Bicycle User Groups (BUGs) for hospital staff, and encourage regular meetings to discuss issues and problems. These will be attended by the Travel Plan Co-ordinator.

C7 The Trust will introduce a cycle user allowance for staff using the cycle for works business.

C8 The Trust will work together with local residents and other companies who are also interested in cycling.

Parking

4.15 Parking is a major element in the access equation for the hospitals. Parking takes up valuable space, discourages people from adopting alternative travel options, yet also provides an income to the Trust. Both the Freeman and RVI Hospitals currently face parking problems, and are seeking to address these as part of the development programme and through the implementation of the Travel Plan.

4.16 It is the aim of the Trust to reduce car usage, in particular single occupancy usage, to improve the overall sustainability of the sites and to encourage more environmentally friendly and sustainable alternatives through providing greater choice.

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Target

The Trust will aim to achieve a target of a 10% pro-rata reduction in car parking demand by 2008 at the hospitals through the development of alternative travel options.

Measures

CP1 The Trust will offer staff willing to forgo their staff car park permit an annual Metro / bus travel pass for the same price as the parking pass. The difference in cost will be met by the Trust.

CP2 The Trust will provide dedicated car parking for staff participating in the car-share scheme, and will also consider offering discounts to increase the take-up of the scheme. Spaces will be segregated and conveniently located.

CP3 The Trust will make every effort to ensure provision of adequate and suitably sited car parking to meet the needs of the mobility impaired.

CP4 The Trust will continue to review its procedures for the issuing of staff parking permits, and will place a greater emphasis on providing alternatives for all new starters.

CP5 The Trust will work with Newcastle City Council to militate against hospital parking in residential areas near to the hospital sites.

CP6 The Trust will carefully manage and monitor the operation of its car parks, and ensure the correct balance is struck between public and staff parking.

CP7 The Trust will utilise parking charges and tariff structures to control parking on its sites, and will seek to standardise staff parking charges over the NHS area.

Information and Promotion

4.17 Research undertaken elsewhere demonstrates the general lack of knowledge the public has of available public transport services in their area. In addition, many people’s perception of bus and rail services is typically a poor one, despite often having little or no recent experience.

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4.18 Promotional measures can take place in a wide range of forms, depending on the prevailing circumstances. The Co-ordinator will continue to liaise with Nexus and the bus operators over the promotion of bulk purchase ticket discounts for staff travelling in the Tyne and Wear area. Similar deals are offered in other areas, whereby the employer can either pass on the direct cost saving to the employee, or alternatively offset this against staff loan arrangements for annual season tickets. New starters will also be presented with special Public Transport Packs in order to inform of the options available to staff.

4.19 In addition, special events, such as car-free days or cycle to work days, will be promoted through the Travel Plan Co-ordinator in order to encourage car drivers to try alternative modes of travel to work.

Target

The Trust will work with its partners and stakeholders to raise the awareness of staff, visitors and patients to the alternative travel options when coming to the hospitals.

Measures

IP1 The Trust will work closely with Nexus, Newcastle Council and the public transport operators to produce and circulate an Access Leaflet, summarising all the options for travelling to the hospitals. This will include the details of park-and-ride schemes operating in the region.

IP2 The Trust will produce and circulate pedestrian and cycle network information/maps.

IP3 The Trust will work with others to introduce specific promotional awards during cycling / walking events.

IP4 The Trust will provide regular promotion of the discounted cycle equipment scheme.

IP5 The Trust will publicise to staff the introduction of bicycle user groups.

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IP6 The Trust will work with others to establish cycle / walking theme days. This will include specific information on the health benefits of walking and cycling

IP7 The Trust will provide the web addresses to key regional transportation sites, including the Tyne and Wear journey planner, on the NHS intranet site and on all notice boards.

IP8 The Trust will produce easy to read bus maps to make people aware of the network coverage.

IP9 The Trust will promote local businesses selling bicycles and protective clothing and providing cycle servicing

IP10 The Trust will provide and disseminate information on road safety produced by local authorities relating to walking, cycling and vehicle speeds

IP11 The Trust will participate in special initiatives such as National Car Free Day.

IP12 The Trust will liaise with Nexus over special Travel Plan open days / surgeries at the hospitals. This will allow staff (and others) the opportunity to fully explore the various options, including the ability to consider a bespoke journey plan for the individual.

IP13 The Trust will publicise through communication notes, staff briefing, electronic notice boards and Intranet the benefits available to staff.

IP14 The Trust will ensure travel issues form a key part of staff induction courses.

IP15 The Trust will continue to have detailed within patients’ appointment letters information on the travel line number for bus/metro timetables and route planning.

IP16 The Trust will ensure all ticketing offers are widely and strongly promoted.

IP17 The Trust will introduce dedicated travel points in the Freeman and RVI, allowing those staff without access to a PC free and easy access to information on public transport and other options. These will also be available for the public to use.

Other Measures

4.20 In addition to the measures set out above, under there are other measures which will also help meet the objectives of the Plan. These include car-share, the role of taxis and teleworking.

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Car-Sharing / Pool Cars

4.21 Many commuter trips could be made by shared vehicles. Nationally, the vast majority (80%) of commuter journeys by car are made by people driving alone. Whilst the level of single occupancy car use at the hospitals is much lower than the national average, car sharing itself (albeit informal) represents only 16.5% of overall trips for staff.

4.22 However, car sharing does offer a realistic alternative for many, if suitable arrangements can be made. Experience of formal car share schemes is mixed, but if carefully implemented they can provide an important part of a balanced access strategy.

4.23 The Trust is working towards the implementation of a formal car-share scheme, in conjunction with Newcastle City Council and the neighbouring Inland Revenue office. The Trust now have a bespoke car-share software (Journey2Share), and the scheme was launched in November 2003. Details of the software package are provided in Appendix E.

4.24 As highlighted earlier in the Plan, dedicated parking areas will be provided for members of the car-share club, and discounts on parking charges will also be considered in the longer term.

4.25 The use of a car for work purposes through the day may preclude the use of other modes, such as Metro, cycling or bus by many employees. The provision of pool cars can help overcome this problem, offering a flexible alternative to the private car, and the Trust will investigate this option further.

Target

The Trust will seek to increase the level of staff journey sharers by at least 50% over the Plan period.

Measures

O1 The Trust will introduce a formal car-share scheme for NHS staff in 2003, and will work with its key partners to extend this scheme to other organisations in the areas adjacent to the hospitals.

O2 The Trust will set up car-share coffee clubs, based on home postcodes to encourage growth in the scheme.

O3 The Trust will investigate the potential benefits and costs associated with pool cars, and will include the use of low emission vehicles.

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Taxis

4.26 In many cases public transport is too inflexible as a realistic alternative to the private car. The taxi can provide another option, and if shared by a number of users can offer a practical and affordable regular means of transport to work. The Travel Plan Co-ordinator will seek to develop a formal Taxi Sharing scheme in parallel to the Car Sharing Scheme.

4.27 To assist in the development of this measure the Travel Plan Co-ordinator will liaise with nominated taxi firms in order to investigate the possibility of introducing a discounted taxi scheme for staff. A taxi scheme will also be set up to support the Car Share Scheme for those occasions when a lift home is not possible.

Measures

O4 The Travel Plan Co-ordinator will seek to develop a formal Taxi Sharing scheme in parallel to the Car Sharing Scheme.

O5 The Trust liaise with local taxi firms to consider the introduction of a discounted taxi scheme for staff.

Teleworking / Flexible Working

4.28 Whilst the NHS operates a number of different shift patterns, a significant number of staff work a standard nine to five working day. Opportunities exist for some staff to work remotely on some days or perhaps to work alternative shift patterns to suit. Of course the nature of many jobs precludes this, but the Trust will examine the feasibility of teleworking and flexible working for some staff.

Measures

O6 The Trust will investigate the feasibility of teleworking for some staff, and may implement a trial for a limited sample.

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5 MONITORING

5.1 Monitoring plays an important part in the development of a Travel Plan, helping to identify areas of success, along with those requiring further work. The impact of the plan will be monitored via biennial staff surveys, providing a useful benchmark for subsequent surveys. Whilst a significant part of the content of the questionnaires will remain unchanged, focus groups will be used to ensure the surveys are suited to their needs.

5.2 In addition, the Travel Plan Co-ordinator will undertake further surveys to establish a better understanding of the travel habits of patients and their visitors; and by incorporating these in the monitoring programme this will help identify the impacts of the evolving Travel Plan on this group of people. The trust will also complete snap-shot surveys of car park usage as a further measure of the Plan’s impact.

5.3 Details of significant achievements in relation to developments borne from the Travel Plan can be found in the appendix F.

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6 ACTION PLAN

6.1 This document sets out the background to the development of the Travel Plan, providing an overview of services and facilities and a brief summary of the principal travel statistics arising out of the latest staff surveys. It also establishes a wide range of measures, along with a set of realistic yet challenging targets.

6.2 The original Plan is seven years old, and a number of measures have now been implemented (see appendix F). There is of course ongoing and new work to do in order for the Travel Plan objectives to be met, but the Trust is fully committed to making the Plan a success. The Action Plan provided overleaf pulls together the measures contained in the Travel Plan and sets them in the context for the future. It must be remembered that flexibility will be key to successful implementation, as will accurate monitoring. The Plan will therefore change over time, as valuable resources are targeted to get the best results. In view of this, the Trust will undertake a thorough review of the Plan every three to four years.

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ACTION PLAN Short Term Goals

TARGET PROGRESS Appointment of a Green Transport Coordinator. Appointed on 22nd November 2004. Hopper service for transporting staff, documents Continue to monitor usage and monitor and samples. reduction in car and taxi journeys. Availability of salary advances for the purchase Discount obtained from various companies. of folding bicycles Published to staff in June 2003. Bike2Work salary sacrifice scheme launched in November 2006 with Cyclescheme. Carry out patient and visitor travel survey. Deferred until 2007 Publicise discounted travel tickets to staff. Regular weekly bulletin articles, information on intranet, posters on noticeboard’s in departments, presentations at local department meetings and drop-in events. Info included in staff discount book in 2007 which will be available to all staff. Ongoing Raise awareness amongst staff of Green Regular weekly bulletin articles, information on Transport issues intranet, posters on noticeboard’s in departments, presentations at local department meetings and drop-in events. . Info included in staff discount book in 2007 which will be available to all staff. Ongoing Negotiate with travel companies to obtain 850 employees subscribed in 2003. annual travel tickets for staff (set up loans, Discounted annual passes now available to deductions from salary) cover all public transport in Tyne and Wear, Northumberland and County Durham. Also available for mainline rail users. 1726 employees subscribed in December 2006. Viewing option to provide as a salary sacrifice scheme therefore enhancing savings further. Provide public transport information to patients Referral and appointment letters detail the Traveline telephone no. whereby patients can receive information on public transport. Public transport leaflets are available at main reception desks. Two Transpods will be installed at Main Reception areas of Freeman and RVI in early 2007.

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TARGET PROGRESS

Set up Bicycle User Group (BUG) with the aim BUG set up in September 2003. of improving and providing additional cycling Improved signage and cycle routes to Trust facilities. sites improved with further improvements discussed. BUG membership is 79 staff. BUG attend City Council Cycle Forum meetings. BUG work closely with University BUG. BUG Action Plan agreed in 2006 (Appendix J) Investigate the feasibility of introducing pool There are four pooled folding bicycles available bikes for local journeys. for use to staff and in early 2007 a further five electric bicycles will be made available for ad- hoc use and five electric bicycles used to improve service operations. Discounted folding cycles for staff. Folding cycles can now be purchased through the Bike2Work Scheme. Encourage car sharing throughout the Trust via Car sharing software was implemented in 2003 the provision of a car sharing database. The car and there are currently 497 staff registered. The sharing scheme will also provide a system to feasibility of improved software is being guarantee car sharers a ride home plus investigated. Only one car owner is charged preferential parking and reduced charges. parking fees as a car sharer, whilst preferential parking is being implemented and a ‘Guaranteed Ride Home’ is being discussed. Consider flexible working hours for staff where The Trust has implemented a Flexible Working appropriate, therefore relieving peak hour Policy, which is attached in appendix G. congestion and avoiding in many instances the need for car travel. Rationalise staff car parking charges across Charges rationalised. Freeman and RVI has Trust sites. seen increases from £14.00 per month to £30.00 per month. NGH at £25.00 per month with no charges apply at Walkergate due to low demand for car parking. Parking charges now more in touch with current public transport rates. Increase in 2007/08 expected. The car parking policy in Appendix H. Set up a ‘Bike Buddy’ scheme to encourage To be introduced as part of the journey sharing new cyclists unsure of safe routes to work to website in 2007. take up cycling to work with the support of existing cyclists.

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Provide public transport information and Public transport maps and timetables are timetables for staff, patients and visitors. available in Reception areas and discussion with Nexus is ongoing to provide live ‘iPods’ in heavy footfall areas of the RVI and Freeman Hospital. Site specific guides to be prepared for April 2007. Negotiate discount for staff using taxis. Discount for staff using taxis supplied by taxi company running the Trust’s taxi contract. Further work to be undertaken. Make best use of Her Majesties Revenue & Bike2Work Scheme launched in November Customs Green Transport tax relief schemes. 2006, and work being undertaken to identify if Appendix I. annual travel pass deductions can be subject of ‘salary sacrifice’ initiatives therefore further reducing the cost of public transport for staff.

Medium Term Goals

TARGET PROGRESS Reduce and modify car mileage allowance rates Flat mileage varies on engine size and is for staff. Consider also a flat mileage allowance standardised throughout the NHS. Further work irrespective of engine size. to be undertaken. Negotiate with Nexus for the provision of a bus Work has been undertaken. Restrictions are in service from South Gosforth to Freeman place due to funding problems since the Hospital and from Haymarket to the RVI and implementation of free travel for pensioners, NGH however ongoing plans continue. Proposed inner road network at Freeman and RVI will allow bus to travel through the sites. Investigate with Nexus the feasibility of Postcode mapping undertaken and work is introducing staff bus services from main ongoing on improving access to the Freeman locations of staff residence to the three major Hospital by public transport and ensuring higher sites. frequency routes serve the hospital. Provide public transport information to patients Post codes analysed and personalised journey within their appointment letters. planning on the patients letters have been discussed. Postcode data will be mapped in early 2007. Ongoing Work with the City Council to ensure that safe Improvements and signage to Trust sites has cycle routes are available to the main sites. been improved and further work to improve Also audit the cycle ways within each hospital cycle links will continue over the next few years. site. Significant progress on cycle routes around the Freeman and new links to Newcastle is planned

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for 2007. A new 400m track linking the Freeman Hospital to Longbenton, Waggonway and city cycling route due to open in March 2007. Ensure that all footpaths within the Hospital Reviewed and work complete. Will continue to grounds are well lit and separate adequately monitor and improve where necessary. New from vehicular traffic. footpaths and crossings as part of development. Investigate telecommuting for staff as an option. Deferred to 2007.

Long Term Goals

TARGET PROGRESS Work with the City Council to ensure that safe Regular liaison with Newcastle City Council and cycle routes are available across the city. Also North Tyneside Council has continued with audit the cycle ways with each hospital site. significant improvements made in improving cycle access to the Freeman Hospital via the ‘Waggonway’ link. Liaison and joint working with the local councils will continue. Ensure that as part of the proposed major The developers responded positively and the redevelopment that both the RVI and Freeman internal road infrastructure at both the RVI and Hospital are green transport friendly by the Freeman Hospital will be able to accommodate provision of adequate footpaths, cycle ways, buses with an entry and exit flow point. The access for buses and bus stops. footpath from the Waggonway at Freeman Hospital will have cycling and pedestrian markings, whilst bus stop locations will be reviewed with Nexus. The Longbenton Metro station will be branded in mid 2007 to indicate the station as the nearest to the Freeman. To seek to reduce commuting by car by a Participation in employer’s forum following on minimum of 10% over five years throughout the from the local “Combined Action on Sustainable Trust. Travel Conference” (CAST). The Trust will continue with the aim of reducing car use by improving public transport links to our sites, continuing marketing of the Trust Travelscheme and improving walking and cycling infrastructure on sites. Whilst the major redevelopment at both the RVI Ongoing dialogue with Nexus. The Trust have and Freeman continue, work with Nexus to also established a Travel Plan Forum which review public transport service both to and onto enhances partnership working between the both sites, including better integration of Trust, Newcastle University, University of bus/metro services. Northumbria, Northern Rock and COBALT to

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ensure any planned service improvements address access to employment, training, education, leisure and health. To provide a public transport travel ticket to Feasibility being investigated along with patients with their appointment/referral letter. discussions with travel operators. Reduce individual/ own car use to attend Investigate the feasibility of ‘Car Clubs’. meetings. Discounted taxi rates for outpatients. Provide a discounted rate for patients attending outpatient appointments using the taxi company running the Trust’s taxi contract. Further work to be undertaken.

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Appendix A – Travel Survey 2003

This was included in the previous Travel Plan

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Appendix B – Travel Survey 2006

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Appendix C – Freeman Hospital Bus Timetables

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Appendix D – RVI Bus Timetables

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Appendix E – Journey 2 Share Car Sharing Software

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The car sharing database used by the Trust, is provided by Net FM and is a web based database.

Map Legend Display

- David Malone

- Travelgroup

Users by site colours

- Royal Victoria Infirmary

- Newcastle General Hospital

- Freeman Hospital

Users by commute transport

- Not specified

- Car

- Bus

- Train

- Motorbike

- Bicycle

- Walk

Map options

Overlap Icons

The Information displayed illustrates how the Journey Share map Greyscale map works.

Each site is colour coded so that it is easy to find staff working at a Update Map Display

particular site.

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Appendix F – Travel Plan Significant Achievements

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Trust Travelscheme The Trust Travelscheme has seen a significant increase in the amount of staff purchasing public transport travel passes. The scheme has opened up to allow staff working on Trust sites but not necessarily employed by the Trust to access the scheme. The scheme has been improved to offer annual travel passes for:- Network Ticketing Metro Arriva Stagecoach Go North East Mainline Rail

Car Parking The Trust have significantly increased the cost of parking on site for staff and reduced the amount of staff car parking areas. The car parking policy has been revised and discussions relating to Park & Ride is ongoing. Further developments are proposed for 2007 to ensure illegal parking on Trust sites is minimised and a review of the parking policy will be undertaken.

Cycling Infrastructure The Trust have increased the amount of secure cycle parking to include additional cycle boxes, cycle cages and covered racking systems. Additional showers have been provided on the RVI site and in November 2006 the ‘Bike 2 Work’ scheme was launched allowing staff to purchase bicycles and accessories through salary sacrifice. In order to achieve maximum potential from the scheme, the Trust obtained a Credit Consumer Licence therefore allowing a higher capped rate on bike purchases.

Partnership Working The Trust is aware of the benefits of working in partnership with other organisations to help meet the objectives of the Travel Plan and are represented on the following groups:- Access to Employment and Training Forum CAST (Community Action on Sustainable Forum) - Chair Health Trust Travel Plans Forum Travel Plan Forum (Trust, University of Northumbria, Newcastle University, Northern Rock, COBALT, Newcastle City Council) – Chair Patient User Group Equality and Diversity Group

The Trust also have a Trust Travel Group which meet on a monthly basis to discuss all aspects of transport related issues affecting the Trust. The Travel Group is attended by a range of Senior Managers representing all staff groups and the interest of patients and visitors.

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Events and Presentations The Trust’s Travel Plan has been recognised as an example of good practice by Government Office North East (GONE), where a presentation was delivered at a GONE event highlighting the Travel Plan and raising awareness of the benefits to other health organisations from across the region.

A presentation on the work of the Trust’s Travel Plan was also delivered to a varied audience at the Associating of Commuter Transport (ACT) Summer Conference which was held at Newcastle City Council in 2006.

A week long event is held every year for National Bike Week which includes a Bike Doctor, prizes and information on all aspects of the benefits of cycling.

Event stands and presentations have been delivered internally to a wide range of staff through Improving Working Lives open days, raising the profile of the Travel Plan internally.

The Green Transport website which can be found on the Trust intranet is informative and covers all aspects of the Travel Plan. This will be upgraded in 2007.

Survey’s and Information The information gathered in the 2006 Trust Travel Survey was invaluable to the Green Transport Coordinator in that it gives explicit detail of what would make staff change their commuting habits, and what the level of expectation is for cycling infrastructure and public transport. This information has been passed to the public transport providers and local council’s for action.

The formation of the Travel Plan Forum has allowed postcode data to be collated that can be used to easily identify areas with poor accessibility and this information can be used to influence public transport providers when reviewing their services.

The collation of in patient and out-patient numbers to Trust sites over the previous year will prove invaluable when trying to influence public transport providers to improve services to Trust sites.

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Appendix G – Flexible Working Policy

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Appendix H – Car Parking Policy

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Appendix I – Taxation & Insurance Implications

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TAXATION

The design of travel plan measures to change travel habits, should not be put off by the view that the measures may be seen as benefits in kind. Although many people earning more than £8,500 per year are liable to pay tax on such benefits, there are many measures which are exempt from tax:

Work buses to seat 12 or more, used to bring employees to work, are tax exempt.

Public bus service subsidies for extensions or amendments to services used by staff to travel to work are exempt from tax, provided that staff pay the same fare as other members of the public.

Loans offered to buy a public transport season ticket or a bicycle on preferential terms are tax exempt when the outstanding balance is less than £5,000.

Season ticket discounts provided by employers are not tax exempt unless the employer negotiates a bulk discount.

Bicycles and cycling safety equipment for staff to travel between home and work is exempt from tax, as is workplace parking for bicycles and motorcycles. Employees who use their own cycles for business travel can claim capital allowances on a proportion of the cost of the bicycle.

Providing a guaranteed journey home as part of a car-sharing scheme when the arrangements temporarily break down because of ‘unforeseen and exceptional’ circumstances, does not make the employee liable to income tax on the cost of the journey. Staff are not charged tax on the cost of a taxi, hired car or similar private transport provided by a company solely to take them home after work if:

They are required to work late (9pm or later) on an ad hoc basis; or At the time of going home, either public transport services have ceased to run or it would be unreasonable to expect staff to use them.

Staff who are teleworking from home can set against tax all expenses incurred ‘wholly, exclusively and necessarily’ while undertaking their employment duties. These expenses include telephone calls, heating and lighting. The cost of travel from home to a temporary workplace (but not to the normal workplace) is tax deductible.

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‘Buying-out’ an existing parking space, conditional on the take-up of a season ticket, is taxable, and should be taken into account when first assessing the appropriate level of payment.

INSURANCE

Those in car-sharing schemes should inform their insurance companies. Most insurance companies cover carrying passengers to and from work, so there should be no increase in insurance premiums. The insurance becomes invalid however, when passengers are charged more than their share of the car’s running and replacements, together with any parking charges incurred.

The charge should be divided equally between the total number of people in the car, including the driver. Alternatively, staff can agree to take it in turns to drive their own cars, so that the costs are equally shared.

Where companies introduce teleworking, they must make sure that the terms of their insurance covers equipment no kept in the office, including equipment used on the move. Workers who use their own equipment for work should check that it is covered by their own home insurance policy.

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Appendix J – BUG Action Plan

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Appendix K – Pictures

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Cycle box and covered racks – Dental Hospital Main Entrance

36 No. Bike Boxes and Motorcycle Parking – Leazes Wing Main Entrance, RVI

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Bike Boxes and Racks – Peacock Hall, RVI

Secure Bicycle Cage, Peacock Hall, RVI

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Cycle boxes and sheltered racks – Claremont Wing Main Entrance, RVI

Bicycle Cage, Leazes Wing, RVI

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Cycle boxes, cage and sheltered racking, Neuro Square, Newcastle General Hospital

Sheltered racking, NCCT Main Entrance, Newcastle General Hospital

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Motorcycle Parking Area, Peacock Hall, RVI

Motorcycle Parking Area, Leazes Wing, RVI

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