GROVELANDS WAY
WARMINSTER
RESIDENTIAL TRAVEL PLAN
MJA Consulting GreenSquare Group Consulting Engineers Barbury House Monarch House Barton Lane Stonehill Green Abingdon Westlea Oxon OX14 3NB Swindon SN5 7HB
CJG/14:0540/4629 Tel: 01235 555173 May 2014 Fax: 01235 523226
Contents 1.0 Introduction ...... 1
2.0 Development Proposals ...... 2
3.0 Local and Strategic Highway Network ...... 3
3.1 Local Highway Network ...... 3 3.2 Strategic highway network ...... 5 4.0 Walking and Cycling ...... 6
5.0 Public Transport ...... 8
5.1 Buses...... 8 5.2 Trains...... 9 6.0 Travel plan initiatives ...... 11
6.1 Scope of the Travel Plan ...... 11 6.2 General measures ...... 12 6.3 Walking ...... 13 6.4 Cycling ...... 13 6.5 Bus ...... 13 6.6 Train ...... 14 6.7 Powered two wheelers ...... 15 6.8 Car sharing ...... 15 6.9 Taxi ...... 15 6.10 Minimising car use ...... 16 7.0 Targets, Monitoring and Review ...... 17
7.1 Targets ...... 17 7.2 Monitoring and review ...... 18 8.0 Promotion and marketing ...... 20
8.1 Prior to occupation ...... 20 8.2 Upon occupation ...... 20 8.3 Travel Pack ...... 20 8.4 Website ...... 20 8.5 Contact preferences ...... 21 8.6 Travel pack accessibility ...... 21 8.7 Content of Travel Plan website ...... 21 8.8 Continuous marketing ...... 22 8.9 Endorsement ...... 22
Figures
Figure 01 Preliminary development layout
Figure 02 Local Highway Network
Figure 03 Pedestrian Routes
Figure 04 Cycle Routes
Figure 05 Local Amenities
Figure 06 Bus Routes
Appendices
Appendix Pedestrian and cycle audit
Grovelands Way, Warminster Residential Travel Plan
1.0 Introduction 1.1 This Travel Plan has been produced by MJA Consulting for GreenSquare Group to support an outline planning application for the construction of up to 175 residential dwellings situated to the north of, and adjacent to, Grovelands Way, Warminster. It accompanies a Transport Assessment, and is produced in accordance with guidelines issued by Wiltshire Council (WC).
1.2 The development site is located on the north western edge of Warminster in Wiltshire directly north of, and abutting, Grovelands Way off West Street, part of a radial route from the A36 into the town centre.
1.3 It is situated approximately 20km and 9km to the south of Trowbridge and Westbury respectively; 58km to the west of Andover; 39km to the north west of Salisbury; 60km to the north east of Yeovil; 10km to the east of Frome; and 50km and 32km south east of Bristol and Bath respectively.
1.4 The existing site of 11.85 hectares, of flat topography and irregular in shape, comprises predominantly former farmland, with a children’s play area located to the eastern end which is accessed from Grovelands Way. A second access is located at the western end of the site, also from Grovelands Way. Both utilise pedestrian bridges over an existing culvert.
1.5 There are a number of informal footpaths traversing the site in various directions, and two Public Rights of Way (PROW), WARM9 and WARM10. WARM9 constitutes the eastern section of Grovelands Way, continuing northwards along the eastern boundary of the proposed development site. WARM10 enters the site at its western access and runs in a north western direction to its northern boundary.
1.6 There is also a tarmacked footway on the eastern side of the site, running for about 220m close to, and parallel to, its southern boundary towards its eastern boundary and beyond. A total of three tarmacked footpaths penetrate the site from Grovelands Way to link with the network of footpaths across the site. There is also an unmade vehicular access from the eastern part of Grovelands Way to a small parking area.
1.7 The site is bounded by working agricultural land to the north and west, residential development to the east, and Grovelands Way to the south, beyond which lies established residential development.
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Grovelands Way, Warminster Residential Travel Plan
2.0 Development Proposals 2.1 The development proposals, ( Figure 01 ) are for up to 175 houses on 11.85 hectares of former farmland which has fallen into disuse. The residences will comprise 30% affordable homes, resulting in 123 private houses and 52 affordable units.
2.2 All infrastructure within the development will conform to national and local standards in terms of footway provision and cycle parking, and will be furnished with appropriate access arrangements for emergency and service vehicles.
2.3 All vehicle parking will be in accordance with WC’s parking standards for residential development, and all permanent on site routes will conform to Wiltshire’s County Highways Design standards.
2.4 The PROW traversing the site, WARM 10, will link in with the proposed footways within the development. The existing play area may be relocated, and the potential for revised traffic calming on the eastern arm of Grovelands Way is being investigated.
2.5 A single access will be provided between Virginia Drive and Primrose Walk adjacent to the existing PROW WARM10. The bellmouth of the junction of the access with Grovelands Way will comprise 10m radii to accommodate bus movements. The carriageway will be a minimum of 6m, with 1.8m footways on both sides. Visibility will conform to advice set out in Manual for Streets (MfS) with an x distance (set back from the carriageway) of 4.5m and a y distance (visibility along Grovelands Way in both directions) of 43m.
2.6 The access route will follow a diagonal route through the site to connect with a future link road through the allocated land to the north. This will be provided with a bus gate to permit passage for public transport whilst preventing rat running between the allocated land and Victoria Road.
2.7 The bus gate will also, once the allocated land is built out, provide the emergency access to the site. In the meantime, a temporary arrangement is proposed at the site of the existing easternmost pedestrian access to the site off Grovelands Way. The temporary emergency route will skirt the proposed balancing pond and will be constructed of grass crete to minimise its impact on the visual amenity of the public open space. Once the bus gate is operational the grass crete will be removed and a more traditional surface provided for walkers.
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3.0 Local and Strategic Highway Network
3.1 Local Highway Network 3.1.1 Grovelands Way, about 900m in total length, lies to the south of the site, forming a crescent northwards from Victoria Road, eastwards along the site boundary, and then southwards to West Street, each section being about 300m in length. At its western end it forms a ghost island priority junction with Victoria Road, whilst at its eastern end it joins with West Street at a mini roundabout junction, into which Pound Row also feeds.
3.1.2 Grovelands Way is a residential distributor road about 5.5m in width, with 1.5m footways on both sides of the carriageway. It is street lit, and subject to a 30mph speed limit. It serves several access roads, all culs de sac, leading to clusters of dwellings, which form a residential area encompassed by Victoria Road, West Street, and Grovelands Way itself.
3.1.3 Victoria Road, West Street, and further to the east, Vicarage Street, form a single radial route from the A36 to the west to the town centre to the east. Victoria Road becomes West Street at their junction with Luxfield Road, whilst West Street becomes Vicarage Street at their junction with Pound Street.
3.1.4 Victoria Road is 1.4km in length, and joins the A36 to the west at Cley Hill Roundabout, which also serves the A362. At its western end it traverses farmland, becoming residential in character about 850m from its junction with West Street. Its western section through agricultural land is approximately 7.5m wide, without footways, although street lighting is provided. It is subject to the national speed limit. As Victoria Road penetrates the residential outskirts of Warminster, it narrows to approximately 6.0m wide, and it furnished with a 1.5m footway on its northern side, with short strips of footway at its junctions on its southern side. In this section of Victoria Road there is street lighting and a speed limit of 30mph, and parking is permitted on both sides of the carriageway. Victoria Road forms a number of junctions with residential roads to the south, most notably a mini roundabout arrangement with Masefield Road which lies 100m to the west of Grovelands Way.
3.1.5 West Street is a continuation of Victoria Road which has a 1.8m footway on its northern side and one of about 1.0m on its southern side. Double yellow lines furnish its southern side in the vicinity of its junction with Victoria Road and Luxfield Road. As it approaches the town centre its effective width narrows as parking on both sides of the road is more in evidence. 290m to the east it joins with Grovelands Way and 3
Grovelands Way, Warminster Residential Travel Plan
Pound Row at a four armed mini roundabout. From here, West Street is furnished with double yellow lines on its southern side for about 80m, then on both sides as it approaches its simple priority junction with Vicarage Street and Pound Street.
3.1.6 The four armed mini roundabout is not a straightforward junction, but consists of a mini roundabout joining West Street with Grovelands Way, whilst Pound Street forms a priority junction with West Street (east) directly adjacent to West Street’s entry onto the mini roundabout.
3.1.7 Vicarage Street is a continuation of West Street, urban residential with a length of 350m from West Street to its compound priority junction with the B3414, comprising Silver Street to the south and Bath Road to the north. Its westernmost end has double yellow lines on both sides of the carriageway, then only on its southern side, then both sides, then only its northern side, until a pedestrian crossing about 150m from its eastern end, where double yellow lines are in evidence on both sides of the road. The are 1.5m footways on both sides of the carriageway.
3.1.8 Bath Road forms part of the B3414 between its junction with Vicarage Street and Silver Street to the south and a large roundabout junction with the A36 and A350 to the north. At its southern end it is residential in nature for about 350m, becoming semi rural and providing an access to a small industrial estate as it approaches the A36. At its northern end it is entirely rural. Its southern end has footways on both sides of the carriageway, reducing to one on its eastern side until it reaches its rural section. Bath Road is subject to a 30mph speed limit at its southern end, becoming national speed limit after its junction with the industrial estate access. On its approach to its junction with Vicarage Street and Silver Street it is about 6m in width.
3.1.9 Silver Street is a short stretch of the B3414 between Bath Road and its junction with George Street (B3414) and Stanbourne Road, a radial route leading to a residential area to the south of Warminster and thence to its roundabout junction with the A36. George Street marks the beginning of the town centre. Silver Street is urban residential in character, with 1.5m footways on both sides of the carriageway and street lighting. It is subject to a 30mph speed limit, and has demarcated parking on its southern side restricted to 45 minutes Monday to Saturday.
3.1.10 The complex priority junction between Vicarage Street, Bath Street and Silver Street, known as Emwell Cross, is a triangular arrangement with a slip road connecting Vicarage Street to Bath Street. There are no turning restrictions.
3.1.11 The Local Highway Network is shown as Figure 02.
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3.2 Strategic highway network 3.2.1 The A36 (T), the A350 and the A362 are the three strategic routes serving Warminster. The two converge as the A36 (T) at the roundabout junction with the B3414 to the north west of the town, and diverge at a roundabout junction to the south of the town. The A36 (T) forms a partial bypass to the west of Warminster.
3.2.2 The A36(T) is a trunk road owned and managed by the Highways Agency. Its link with Bath to the north west is approximately 25km long. To the south it serves Salisbury 38km to the south east and continues to the M27 62km from Warminster, from whence there is good access to Southampton and Portsmouth.
3.2.3 At Cley Hill Roundabout, its junction with Victoria Road and the A362, the A36’s southern approach is about 3.5m in width, widening to a two lane entry to the junction. Its southbound carriageway, separated by double white lines, is dualled, with lanes of approximately 3.5m each. There are no footways, but street lighting is provided, and the junction is subject to the national speed limit.
3.2.4 The A362 approach to Cley Hill Roundabout is single carriageway, widening to a short two lane approach to the junction. It serves Frome to the north west about 7km from the junction.
3.2.5 The A36 approach to the junction from the north is dualled, separated from the single north bound carriageway by double white lines. All lanes are approximately 3.5m wide. There are no footways on this approach.
3.2.6 The A350 connects Warminster with Westbury, Trowbridge and Chippenham, terminating at its junction with M4 40km to the north of Warminster. To the south, the A350 serves Shaftsbury and then Poole in Dorset, approximately 60km distant.
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4.0 Walking and Cycling 4.1 The proposed development site is situated adjacent to an existing residential area which has good pedestrian links to the town centre and local amenities. Figure 03 illustrates the local walking routes, whilst the cycling routes are shown in Figure 04 .
4.2 A Pedestrian and Cycle Audit was carried out on 21 st September 2012 which is appended to this Travel Plan. In summary, the footways are generally in good repair, particularly on the routes to the town centre and to the local schools. Signal controlled pedestrian crossings are provided adjacent to Warminster School and Warminster Preparatory School, and on reaching the town centre. Locally, Grovelands Way has been traffic calmed with the provision of speed cushions along its length. Short lengths of cycle lanes have been installed at the junctions of all culs de sac onto Grovelands Way. Additionally, pinch points with textured, contrasting dropped kerb and segregated cycle lanes have been provided at the locations of the existing entrances to the site.
4.3 Most local amenities are within easy cycling distance and within a 20 minute walk, and the town centre is equipped with pedestrian crossings and cycle parking facilities. Table 4.1 itemises the local shops and services, showing distances and approximate travel times for both walking and cycling.
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Table 4.1 Accessibility to local amenities
Amenity Distance Walk Cycle (km) time time (min) (min) Healthcare Hospital Warminster Community Hosp 1.5 19 8 Doctor Avenue Surgery 1.5 19 8 Dentist Warminster Dental Clinic 1.3 16 7 Optician Specsavers 1.4 18 7 Education Nursery Warminster preschool nursery 1.5 19 8 Primary Princecroft Co. Primary School 0.9 11 5 Secondary Kingdown School 3.0 38 15 College Warminster 6 th Form 0.95 12 5 Retail Various Town Centre 1.0 13 5 Local Tesco Express 1.0 13 5 Supermarket Morrisons 1.5 19 8 Services Bank All 1.3 16 7 Library Town Centre 1.3 16 7 Post Office Town Centre 1.0 13 5 Council Warminster Town Council 0.85 11 4 Leisure Sport Warminster Cricket Club 1.1 14 6 Sport Warminster Football Club 1.2 15 6 Cinema Westway (Frome) 10.6 53 Pub The Cock Inn 0.55 7 3 Restaurant Town Centre 1.3 16 7 Travel Bus stop Grovelands Way 0.035 0.5 Railway Town Centre 2.0 25 10 Station
4.4 It can be seen from the above table that most amenities are within walking and cycling distance of the development site, with the possible exception of Kingwood Secondary School, and the cinema. Both, however, are accessible by bus.
4.5 Figure 05 illustrates the local amenities within reasonable walking and cycling distance of the proposed development site.
4.6 It is concluded that the proposed development site is within easy walking and cycling distance of most day to day services, with bus services available for those which are not.
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5.0 Public Transport
5.1 Buses 5.1.1 The bus stops in closest proximity to the proposed development site are on Grovelands Way. The clockwise stop is approximately 35m to the east of the proposed eastern access, whilst the anti clockwise stop is situated on the eastern arm of Grovelands Way about 210m from the site’s eastern access. Both stops are within easy walking distance of all parts of the site. A bus route map in included as Figure 06.
5.1.2 These stops serve the numbers 53, 55 and 56 bus routes, the 53 being an hourly service connecting Frome with Warminster town centre, which in turn allows access to all other bus services stopping at Warminster.
5.1.3 A number of additional bus services are available from Warminster town centre approximately 1.4 kilometre’s walk from Grovelands Way and representing a journey of about 19 minutes. The stops in the town centre are located on Market Place and on the Portway, and there is stop at Emwell Cross which also serves the number 51.
5.1.4 The services offered from Warminster are shown in Table 5.1 .
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Grovelands Way, Warminster Residential Travel Plan
Table 5.1 Bus services from Warminster No. Route Frequency Operator 26 Wincanton – Warminster 1 on Thurs only South West Coaches 50 Warminster town service 2/hou r Frome Minibuses 51 Dilton Marsh – Frome – Warminster 2 on Weds only Frome Minibuses 53 Warminster – Frome 1/hour Frome Minibuses 54 Chitterne – Warminster 5/day Beeline Coaches 55 Warminster – Devizes 1 on Thurs only Beeline Coaches 56 Salisbury – Warminster 1/day Beeline Coaches 57 Warminster – Kingston Deverill 3/day Frome Minibuses 82 Mere – Warminster 1/day Fri only Frome Minibuses 264 Bath – Warminster 2/hour First 265 Bath – Warminster – Salisbury 2/hour First Superfast 3 Taunton – Warminst er – London 1/day Berrys T82 Shaftsbury – Longleat – Warminster 4/day Sat only Connect2Wiltshire
5.1.5 The above table demonstrates that the proposed development has hourly links with the main local centres of employment of Salisbury, Trowbridge and Bath, with many of the other services offering connections with outlying villages.
5.2 Trains 5.2.1 Warminster railway station lies 2km and 25 minutes’ walk from the proposed development site. Bus service numbers 264, 265, 50 and 55 stop directly outside the station.
5.2.2 It offers cycle storage and a car park of 60 spaces, and step free access throughout the station. There is disabled parking, a disabled set down point, wheelchairs, and accessible car park equipment.
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Grovelands Way, Warminster Residential Travel Plan
5.2.3 There are a number of train services from and to Warminster, as shown in Table 5.2, which tabulates services in one direction only. A similar pattern of services is available in the opposite direction.
Table 5.2 Train services from Warminster Destination Number per day Frequency Wes tbury 30 2 per hour Trowbridge 26 2 per hour Bath 26 2 per hour Bristol 26 2 per hour Cardiff 15 1 per hour Salisbury 26 2 per hour Romsey 21 2 per hour Southampton 21 2 per hour Portsmouth 17 1 per hour Chichester 1 per day 1 per day Brighton 1 per day 1 per day
5.2.4 It can be seen from the above table that Warminster Station is well served by train, with frequent services to all the regional centres of employment, including the cities of Bristol and Southampton.
5.2.5 It may be concluded, therefore, that the proposed development site has good access to public transport with a wide choice of destinations. The range of public transport will enable commuters to choose more sustainable modes of travel than the private car.
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Grovelands Way, Warminster Residential Travel Plan
6.0 Travel plan initiatives
6.1 Scope of the Travel Plan 6.1.1 This Travel Plan addresses various measures that could be implemented to reduce single occupancy car journeys by future residents of the proposed Grovelands Way residential site at Warminster. The measures will predominantly be geared towards travel to and from the various amenities in and around the town.
6.1.2 Particular attention will be paid to trips undertaken to and from employment, retail, leisure and education uses and the ways in which people can be encouraged to undertake these trips sustainably.
6.1.3 In developing the Travel Plan, various factors will be taken into account, including:
• On site facilities • Access to amenities • Infrastructure surrounding the development site • Local and national government policy
6.1.4 Residential travel plan initiatives can be generally classified as follows:
• Walking • Cycling • Bus • Train • Powered two wheelers • Car sharing • Taxi • Minimising car use
This hierarchy reflects the importance of each mode of travel in terms of sustainability, with walking considered to be the most sustainable. The Travel Plan will address each of these in turn, presenting a range of measures that could be viably considered as part of the Residential Travel Plan for the Grovelands Way residential development.
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Grovelands Way, Warminster Residential Travel Plan
6.2 General measures 6.2.1 When Green Square Group commences the marketing of the new development at Grovelands Way they will ensure that the sales staff are trained to promote the Travel Plan from this early stage.
6.2.2 Before first occupation, Green Square Group will appoint a Travel Plan Co ordinator (TPC) who will liaise with WC to execute, monitor and market the travel plan.
6.2.3 The TPC will act as the contact for any travel plan related queries by residents, and ensure that the sustainable measures set out within the travel plan are carried out.
6.2.4 The TPC will also arrange for the production and distribution of promotional material and the procurement of any supplies related to the travel plan.
6.2.5 Liaising with WC, the TPC will monitor the travel plan and carry out regular reviews, with reference to other stakeholders as appropriate.
6.2.6 Each new home, and thereafter each new incoming resident, will be provided with a Travel Pack, containing the promotional version of the travel plan, together with leaflets, maps, contact details, and other useful items.
6.2.7 The TPC will offer personal travel planning to all new residents should they request it.
6.2.8 A community website could be established, to be run either by the management company or a residents’ association, within which a sub domain would be dedicated to sustainable travel, maintained by the TPC.
6.2.9 Residents would be encouraged to supply their email addresses for all communications regarding green travel, although hard copies of promotional and other material could be provided on request.
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6.3 Walking 6.3.1 Walking should be promoted as a highly sustainable form of travel with associated health benefits. This mode of transport should be encouraged for journeys within western Warminster, including trips to infant and primary schools.
6.3.2 The range of measures that could be introduced in a residential development to encourage walking include:
• Free personal alarms provided to new occupants; • The provision of three maps to each household of walking routes in the area to various amenities, including but not limited to, popular retail outlets and bus stops, health facilities, schools and leisure destinations; and • The TPC could work with the local schools to develop walking buses for school journeys.
6.4 Cycling 6.4.1 As with walking, cycling should be promoted as having significant health benefits, and encouraged through the various measures set out below. Many potential cyclists are deterred from using this form of transport because of concerns about safety and lack of confidence riding a bicycle.
6.4.2 Measures that would help to popularise cycling include:
• The provision of an adult bicycle to each unit, or a voucher for their specific purchase, as required by WC; • Free personal alarms provided to new occupants; • The provision to all households of three maps of cycle routes, both local and further afield, showing key destinations and the location of cycle shops and repairers; and • The TPC could help to set up a Bicycle User Group which would ultimately be self run. The group would, amongst other things, arrange cycling events, help less experienced users with advice and repairs, and provide cycling ‘buddies’ for less confident riders.
6.5 Bus 6.5.1 Promotion of bus use relies predominantly on the level and quality of services in the area. Warminster is served by a several buses serving a range of settlements in and around town, as well as larger employment centres further afield.
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3.5.2 In order to encourage bus use, the following measures could be introduced:
• The provision to all households of a bus routes map, showing the stops in the town centre, the locations of all other bus stops in Warminster, especially those close to the development site. The map would also show the locations of local outlets which sell bus passes and season tickets; • Each unit will be supplied with local area Freedom tickets for the first year of occupation; • Similarly, bus fare tariffs would be published and updated when necessary; and • A list of local outlets (often Paypoint) which sell bus passes could be issued to each household, together with their contact details, and web addresses of bus companies and any online ticket ordering facilities would also be published.
6.6 Train 6.6.1 The use of the railways as a sustainable form of travel is dependent on the proximity of stations to the site and the ease with which they can be accessed. With Warminster Station only 1.3km from Grovelands Way, the train should therefore be promoted as a viable form of transport for future residents of Grovelands Way.
6.6.2 The train should be promoted as an alternative to driving to destinations further afield, with the benefit of relaxation and a quick journey when compared to bus or car.
6.6.3 The ways in which rail journeys could be encouraged include:
• Provision of maps to all residents showing the locations of Warminster Station, and reproductions of Network Rail’s station schematic and network maps 123 and 160, both available online; • A list of all amenities available at each railway station, including costs of parking, and bicycle and disabled facilities; • Information relating to travel to the station, with particular reference to bus services connecting with the station; • Distribution of Network Rail’s train timetables 123 and 160 to all households, which the TPC would update as timetables are revised; • Contact information would be provided for South West Trains and First Great Western, and the various booking services such as Network Rail, The Train Line, and others, including url’s for real time train information; and 14
Grovelands Way, Warminster Residential Travel Plan
• Locations and links for the acquisition of train season tickets will also be provided to all households.
6.7 Powered two wheelers 6.7.1 Motorbikes, scooters and mopeds are sustainable forms of transport particularly suitable for commuting short to medium distances and, whilst some would regard their use as unsafe, it would nonetheless be pertinent to provide information to those residents who choose to travel in this way.
6.7.2 To this end, the following measures could be introduced:
• Provision of a map showing motorcycle parking areas in Warminster and nearby towns, and the locations of motorcycle equipment outlets; • Provision of a list of local garages which specialise in the repair and maintenance of powered two wheelers; and • Provision of a list of motorcycle training facilities in the surrounding area.
6.8 Car sharing 6.8.1 Car sharing is an option for travel when public transport does not meet one’s travel needs and the destination is too far distant to walk or cycle. The main benefit of car sharing is the significant reduction in travel costs, and many large employers now provide preferential parking for car sharers. Car sharing is a particularly viable option for travel to work.
6.8.2 To encourage residents to car share, the following could be implemented:
• Provision of a link to carsharewiltshire.com which is a free car sharing database to which anyone can sign up. • Provision of information relating to how car sharing works, with particular reference to the fiscal side of the arrangement (e.g. that car sharers cannot make a profit); • The provision of maps which show the locations of 2+ lanes in the area; and • GreenSquare will contribute £1000 towards a specific car sharing marketing campaign conducted by WC.
6.9 Taxi 6.9.1 Taxis are often used by those who have relinquished car ownership but have the occasional need of a motor vehicle. Thus taxis are seen as a sustainable transport
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choice when used in this way. They are also often an essential form of travel for single late night travellers.
6.9.2 To assist those who have made this choice, and to discourage drink driving and individuals walking alone at night, the following potential measures to facilitate the use of taxis has been included in the travel plan:
• Provision of a list of taxi numbers; • Provision of links to online taxi booking services; and • A map showing the locations of taxi ranks in the town centre.
6.10 Minimising car use 6.10.1 Although it is recognised that sometimes there is no alternative to using the private car, there are options that can help to minimise the number of journeys undertaken. These are as follows:
• Promotion of any car clubs in the area. At present none are available, but as they come forward the TPC will advise residents; • Provide information relating to online shopping services, particularly grocery shopping; and • Encourage residents to combine trip purposes, such as the commute and shopping trips. A plan can be provided showing the locations of popular amenities so that residents can plan to undertake linked trips. Such amenities might include the postal sorting office, the library, the local supermarket, doctors and dentists, amongst others.
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7.0 Targets, Monitoring and Review
7.1 Targets 7.1.1 In order to measure the effectiveness of a travel plan targets are established, against which data from the monitoring process (see Section 7.2) are compared over time. For new development it is reasonable to assume initial modal split percentages that reflect those derived from the most recent census data, unless the demographics of the new development differ significantly from those to which the census data relate.
7.1.2 In the case of the Grovelands Way site, the future population is assumed to reflect that of the local area. The Ward of West Warminster, Wiltshire was identified for this purpose, and ‘Method of travel to work – resident population’ statistics were extracted from the 2001 census to give a representation of the travel to work patterns of the current population of West Warminster.
7.1.3 Non workers and non travellers were excluded from the analysis, which yielded the results shown in Table 7.1 .
Table 7.1 Estimated existing modal split for commuting Wiltshire 043C Wiltshire South England West Walk 13.28% 14.04% 14.63% 11.34% Cycle 2.27% 3.12% 3.79% 3.12% Bus 2.63% 2.89% 5.03% 7.92% Train 2.75% 2.81% 1.63% 5.64% Underground 0.12% 0.17% 0.13% 4.32% Motorcycle 1.08% 0.88% 1.19% 0.87% Taxi 0.36% 0.27% 0.31% 0.55% Car share as driver 5.14% 5.29% 5.54% 5.31% Ca r share as passenger 5.14% 5.29% 5.54% 5.31% Single occupancy vehicle 66.99% 64.57% 61.46% 54.93% Other 0.24% 0.67% 0.74% 0.68% Total 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00%
Note: Mode titles have been simplified from those shown in the census.
Single occupancy car journeys are calculated by subtracting the numbers of passengers from those of drivers, which assumes one passenger per vehicle in shared cars. The single occupancy rate for Warminster is therefore 66.99%. This is lower than both Wiltshire and the south west as a whole. However, it is approximately 22% higher than that of the country as a whole.
7.1.4 The aim of a travel plan is to reduce the number of car trips, particularly single occupancy journeys. A number of targets can be derived, and the simplest approach 17
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is to set target reductions for single occupancy car trips for all trip purposes based on the expected effect of the infrastructure and the travel plan itself. At this initial stage it would be reasonable to set a target of single occupancy car use of 62% to be achieved two years after first occupation. This represents a reduction of 4.99% on the current single occupancy car driving modal share. Six months after first occupation a mini survey can be carried out to determine the modal split for each trip purpose at specific times, and from these more detailed targets can be derived. The targets should be agreed with representatives of Wiltshire Council.
7.2 Monitoring and review 7.2.1 The TPC will undertake monitoring in the form of an initial survey following first occupation to determine residents’ travel preferences for different trip purposes, then full travel surveys:
• When 30% of units are occupied • When 60% of units are occupied • When 100% of units are occupied • After one year, three years and the pre adoption of highways • After five years The process will be carried out using travel questionnaires delivered to each resident, including children, and made available for completion online. Analysis could be carried out automatically once the appropriate systems are in place. The surveys will be undertaken in accordance with TRICS Standard Assessment Method, which includes detailed site assessment and photographs, multi modal traffic counts where appropriate, surveys and interviews.
7.2.2 The questionnaire design should be carefully considered and undertaken by a professional, and should be future proof so that the same questions appear each period of review to provide direct comparisons. The questionnaire should be accompanied by household travel diaries.
7.2.3 The survey questionnaires will be supplemented by traffic volume loop counts at the site accesses.
7.2.4 The questionnaire would contain, at the very least, questions about mode of travel for various types of trips, when these trips are undertaken, reasons why these modes are used or preferred, and reasons why others are not. In this way the underlying reasons for success or failure can be identified and subsequently used to develop the Travel Plan. 18
Grovelands Way, Warminster Residential Travel Plan
7.2.5 It is important at this stage to keep residents fully informed about how their travel plan is progressing, so that they feel a sense of ownership rather than subject to the dictates of the council.
7.2.6 If targets have not been met on time, the TPC, in liaison with WC, will identify ways in which this can be rectified by modifying existing measures or introducing new ones. The results of the questionnaire will help to identify the areas where improvements could be sought. At no time should the targets themselves be downwardly altered, although dates may be revised.
7.2.7 Following this process of monitoring and review, the TPC will produce a revised Travel Plan which will be disseminated to all households on the Grovelands Way site at Warminster, along with a summary of the changes that have been made.
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Grovelands Way, Warminster Residential Travel Plan
8.0 Promotion and marketing
8.1 Prior to occupation Promotion of the travel plan will commence before occupation of the site when the development is marketed to prospective buyers and tenants. The travel plan will be introduced as a benefit, with reference to other local sustainable travel initiatives as well as the infrastructure and the Grovelands Way site Travel Plan itself. In particular, attention will be drawn to:
• Clear signage and links from the site to external walking and cycling provisions and bus stops; • Links to schools, existing school travel plans, walking buses, etc.; • The availability of sustainable travel opportunities; and • The benefits offered by means of travel other than the private car.
8.2 Upon occupation Upon occupation of each dwelling new households will be presented with three copies of a Travel Pack as part of their Welcome Pack, together with an invitation to discuss their personal travel planning with the TPC if they so wish.
8.3 Travel Pack The Travel Pack will contain a newsletter, contact details for the website so that new residents can sign up, contact details of the TPC and for travel information, amongst others. Also included will be the promotional copy of the Travel Plan, maps, relevant leaflets ( e.g. walks and cycle rides in the area, promotional leaflets from local bicycle shops, etc.), together with any promotional freebies such as pedometers. The pack will contain information about how to make full use of all the facilities and incentives provided.
8.4 Website A website may be set up which could be the primary means of communication with the community about the travel plan. The TPC would be responsible for updating the travel plan section of the site as required, and for responding to emails from members of the Grovelands Way community and other key stakeholders. The website would have fully accessible features such as large font and different contrasts.
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Grovelands Way, Warminster Residential Travel Plan
8.5 Contact preferences The TPC will keep a database of those residents who prefer to be contacted by email rather than receiving hard copies of documents and promotional materials by hand or in the post.
8.6 Travel pack accessibility The Travel Pack will also make it easy for people to request the Travel Plan in a different language, braille or large print, if required.
8.7 Content of Travel Plan website The Travel Plan section of the community website, if implemented, could be used for the following:
• Advertising the benefits of sustainable travel choices; • To promote the Travel Plan as part of the local culture and as something of which the new residents will feel a part; • To promote the various aspects of the Travel Plan such as carsharewiltshire.com; • Reproduction of the promotional Travel Plan with easily navigable pages • A comprehensive email, telephone and postal contact list of all relevant parties and organisations; • Links to, amongst many others, maps, travel websites such as thetrainline.com, the council’s Passenger Transport Unit, Ramblers’ Association, schools’ travel plans, car club, carsharewiltshire.com, bus and train timetables and personalised travel planning; • Advertising of green travel events, both those organised locally, perhaps by the TPC, and those run by WC; • Advertising various travel related groups such as the Bicycle Users’ Group; • Invitations to ‘get involved’ – to join the local groups or help organise events; • Invitations for comments about the travel plan and transport infrastructure (which can then be fed back into the travel plan review); • Local travel forum; • Newsletter, which will be published at least twice a year; and • Real time travel information feeds.
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Grovelands Way, Warminster Residential Travel Plan
8.8 Continuous marketing The TPC will continue to market and monitor the travel plan on an ongoing basis in conjunction with residents, WC and other key stakeholders.
8.9 Endorsement In order to give weight to the Travel Plan, endorsement from key players will be sought, including the developer, the site manager, the TPC and Wiltshire Council. Once implemented, an endorsement from the Residents’ Association, if any, could be sought.
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