SUPPLEMENTARY PLANNING GUIDANCE
TRAVEL PLANS 20
GUIDANCE FOR DEVELOPERS – APRIL 2003 Contacts
If you require any further guidance on this document,Travel Plans or on WESTNET please contact:
Travel Plans Co-ordinator, Transportation Services, St John’s House, Serpentine Road, Poole, Dorset BH15 2DX Tel: 01202 262018
Strategic Planning Services Tel: 01202 633360
Planning Design & Control Services Tel: 01202 633321
For further information go to: ɀ Travel Plan website http://www.local-transport.dft.gov.uk/travelplans/index.htm ɀ For full version of Planning Policy Guidance Note 13 go to www.planning.dft.gov.uk ɀ For the current version of the Poole Local Plan go to www.boroughofpoole.com
ɀ To obtain a copy of the Travel Plan Resource Pack for Employers contact the TransportEnergy Helpline 0845 602 1425 or download it from the website www.transportenergy.org.uk/bestpractice/
ɀ For an up to date list of contacts, publications and information in relation to Travel Plans contact the Council’s Business Travel Plans Co-ordinator.
Note: This Guidance was issued for consultation between 5th August 2002 until 1st October 2002. Responses to these representations are detailed in ‘Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG) on Travel Plans – Public Consultation Summary and Changes, March 2003’. The responses identified helped inform the final version of this SPG which was adopted on 22nd April 2003. The consultation document also includes a full summary of the consultation process and is available from Strategic Planning Services (see above).
This adopted SPG takes account of Department for Transport Best Practice Guidance ‘Using the Planning Process to Secure Travel Plans’. July 2002. To obtain a free copy please email [email protected] Tel: 0870 1226 236
Acknowledgements: Surrey County Council and Norfolk County Council for their assistance in the compilation of this Guidance. Contents
Section 1
1 Background
2 What is a Travel Plan? 3 Objectives of a Travel Plan
4 Benefits of a Travel Plan 5 National Policy on Travel Plans
6 Local Policy on Travel Plans
7 When is a Travel Plan Required through a Planning Application?
Section 2
8 Procedure
Section 3
9 Producing a Travel Plan
Section 4
10 Implementation and Legal Aspects 11 Enforcement
Appendices
A National and Local Transport Plan – Targets & Initiatives
B Example Travel Survey C Mapping the Process
D Location of Parking Zones
Glossary
Page 3 Section 1
1Background 1.1 This advice sets out the Borough of Poole’s (The Council) requirements for Travel Plans and identifies when they are required in support of a planning application. Parts of the guidance may also be used by organisations taking up voluntary Travel Plans.
1.2 Travel Plans are an integral part of the Government’s policies on sustainable transport. The Government White Paper “A New Deal for Transport” refers to Travel Plans and identifies their promotion as one of six key objectives for Local Transport Plans. The implementation of Travel Plans in Poole will help to achieve national and local targets to reduce congestion, improve air quality and promote healthier travel. Some of these targets are set out in Appendix A.
1.3 Planning Policy Guidance Note 13 (PPG 13 on Transport) published by the Government in March 2001, requires submission of Travel Plans alongside planning applications for development that will have significant transport implications. See paragraph 5.1. In July 2002 the Department for Transport (DfT) and Office of the Deputy Prime Minister published best practice guidance on ‘Using the Planning Process to Secure Travel Plans’. This guidance reflects government best practice.
2What is a Travel Plan? A Travel Plan is a package of measures to assist in managing the transport needs of an organisation. A successful Travel Plan will offer users of a business or organisation a choice of travel modes to and from the site and encourage more sustainable patterns of movement (for example reducing reliance on single occupancy car travel). Local authorities are encouraged to promote the use of Travel Plans to assist in wider aims of reducing pollution, congestion and improving health.
Page 4 Section 1
The main objective of a Travel
Plan is to provide incentives for “ “ users of a development to reduce the need to travel alone by car to a site.
3Objectives of a Travel Plan 3.1 The main objective of a Travel Plan is to provide incentives for users of a development to reduce the need to travel alone by car to a site.
3.2 The Travel Plan should contain a package of measures to encourage alternative and more sustainable modes of transport to be used for commuting, school journeys and business trips. These may include bus, train, bicycles, walking, motorcycling or car sharing. This applies equally to journeys made during the course of work or to visitors/customers to a development.
3.3 Travel Plans are better viewed in terms of an ongoing process rather than a one-off document. A successful Travel Plan will benefit from continual monitoring, (e.g. staff surveys), review and adjustment over time. It requires integration into other management procedures and demonstration of high-level management commitment.
4 The Benefits of Travel Plans Whilst Travel Plans will clearly help to reduce congestion and traffic related pollution for residents in the Borough, there are also benefits to organisations namely:
ɀ producing cash savings, particularly where there is a constrained/congested site, car parking costs are high, or parking areas could be put to high value use;
ɀ competitive advantage, they can help employee recruitment and retention, create a better image and improve public relations, reduce employee stress through healthier forms of travel, encourage flexible working practices and produce a fair approach to travel subsidy; and,
ɀ widen choice of travel mode for all those travelling to and from the site.
Page 5 Section 1
5National Policy on Travel Plans PPG13 (Paragraphs 87-91) outlines National Planning Guidance for Travel Plans as follows:
“87. The Government wants to help raise awareness of the impacts of travel decisions and promote the widespread use of travel plans amongst businesses, schools, hospitals and other organisations. Local authorities are expected to consider setting local targets for the adoption of travel plans by local businesses and other organisations and to set an example by adopting their own plans.
businesses
88. There is no standard format or content for travel plans, and they may have a variety of names (such as green transport plans, company travel plans and school travel plans). However, their relevance to planning lies in the delivery of sustainable transport objectives, including: ɀ reductions in car usage (particularly single occupancy journeys) and increased use of public transport, walking and cycling; ɀ reduced traffic speeds and improved road safety and personal security particularly for pedestrians and cyclists; and ɀ more environmentally friendly delivery and freight movements, including home delivery
schools services
89.The Government considers that travel plans should be submitted alongside planning applications which are likely to have significant transport implications, including those for: ɀ all major developments comprising jobs, shopping, leisure and services (using the same thresholds as set out in annex D); ɀ smaller developments comprising jobs, shopping, leisure and services which would generate significant amounts of travel in, or near to, air quality management areas, and other locations where there are local initiatives or targets set out in the development plan or local transport plan for the reduction of road traffic, or the promotion of public
hospitals transport, walking and cycling. This particularly applies to offices, industry, health and education uses; ɀ new and expanded school facilities which will be accompanied by a school travel plan which promotes safe cycle and walking routes, restricts parking and car access at and around schools, and includes on-site changing and cycle storage facilities; and ɀ where a travel plan would help address a particular local traffic problem associated with a planning application, which might otherwise have to be refused on local traffic grounds.
However, unacceptable development should never be permitted because of the existence of a travel plan.
Page 6 90. Where travel plans are to be submitted alongside a planning application, they should be worked up in consultation with the local authority and local transport providers. They should have measurable outputs, which might relate to targets in the local transport plan, and should set out the arrangements for monitoring the progress of the plan, as well as the arrangements for enforcement, in the event that agreed objectives are not met. They might be designed for the applicant only, or be part of a wider initiative, possibly organised by the local authority, involving other developments in the area
91. The weight to be given to a travel plan in a planning decision will be influenced by the extent to which it materially affects the acceptability of the development proposed and the degree to which it can be lawfully secured. Under certain circumstances some or all of a travel plan may be made binding either through conditions attached to a planning permission or through a related planning obligation. Conditions attached to a planning permission will be enforceable against any developer who implements leisure that permission and any subsequent occupiers of the property. Planning obligations will be enforceable against the person who entered into the obligation and any person deriving title from that person.”
6 Local Policy on Travel Plans 6.1 The promotion and implementation of Travel Plans is a policy objective in the Local Transport Plan for Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch 2001-2006 (LTP). The LTP seeks to ‘ensure development plans contain policies to reduce the need to travel by car.’ Local and national initiatives and targets to reduce road traffic, promote public transport, walking and cycling are also set out. (Appendix A).
6.2 The Poole Local Plan First Alteration Revised Deposit Plan November 2001 promotes sustainable development. Policy T14a (Planning Obligations - Transport) allows the use of planning obligations to promote access to new development through a range of travel modes. Travel Plans can be used to achieve this.
6.3 Generally the Local Plan seeks to ensure that land uses which are likely to generate significant numbers of trips by car such as major new retail or office development are located in the town centre or central area. In line with this strategy Policy E4 (Major B1 Office Development) requires the submission of a Travel Plan for all major office development, (defined through the Local Plans as over 2000m2 gross floor space) outside Parking Zone 1 and the Lower Hamworthy and West Quay Road parts of Parking Zone 2. See Appendix D for map of locations of Parking Zones.
6.4 Revised Deposit Policy T3a requires that access and the provision of facilities for people with disabilities will be considered as an integral part of traffic management/ development proposals. Travel Plans must demonstrate that the needs of disabled users are adequately considered.
Page 7 Section 1
7When is a Travel Plan Required Through a Planning Application? 7.1 For Developers it is critical to know when a Travel Plan is required. This section identifies in which instances the Council will require a Travel Plan and other scenarios where the Council may require a Travel Plan.
7.2 Developers are encouraged to consult with The Council at an early stage, preferably before submission of a detailed (or outline) planning application, as to whether a Travel Plan is required. Consultation is important as it may influence the design of any final scheme.
Development Proposals Required to Include Travel Plans: 7.3 All major developments comprising jobs, shopping, leisure and services, using the following thresholds:
USE THRESHOLD Food Retail 1000m2 Non Food Retail Cinemas and Conference Facilities; and D2 (other than cinemas conference facilities and stadia)
B1 Office 2000m2
B2 Industrial and B1 Light Industrial 4000m2
B8 Distribution and Wholesaling 4000m2 (B8 Storage would not normally require a travel plan)
Education See paras (all schools and higher/further education facilities) below
Stadia 1500 seats
Other Scenarios where a Travel Plan May be Desirable: 7.4 1. *where the development is in or close to an AQMA (glossary) and is forecast to generate more than 1000 vehicle movements per day;
2. where the development is likely to be refused planning permission due to harmful transport impacts it may be possible for a Travel Plan to mitigate these impacts; and
3. where planning consent is subject to transport infrastructure requirements it may be possible for the Developer to offer a Travel Plan as an alternative to all or part of these improvements.
* This scenario will normally trigger the need for a Transport Assessment and information gained through the TA may inform the formulation of a Travel Plan. Page 8 Section 1
Extensions 7.5 It is difficult to apply rigid thresholds where an extension (either on site or off site) is proposed for an existing use. Some businesses develop ‘incrementally’ through extensions to existing premises or by developing on physically separate sites. Over time the transport impacts of the original use can change substantially. In these circumstances the introduction of a Travel Plan may allow organisations to re-assess the costs and benefits of their existing travel patterns.
In considering proposals to extend existing uses (which would result in an increase in the number of employees or visitors to a site/s) the Council may request that an agreement to implement a Travel Plan be entered into. This will not apply to minor alterations and very small extensions. This requirement could, however, apply for small to medium extensions to premises, particularly where the existing use has a significant number of users (at time of application) and is not already implementing a Travel Plan. Tests relating to the appropriate use of planning obligations, (as set out in Department of Environment Circular 1/97), will be adhered to in considering whether a Travel Plan is required for a whole organisation when a proposal relates to an extension.
Multi Occupation of One Site 7.6 Numerous small developments on one site may individually not require a Travel
Friends of the Earth Plan, but together the cumulative transport implication means an ‘umbrella’ Travel Plan will be required for the entire site. This will require each Occupier and new Occupiers to prepare and implement subsidiary Travel Plans as appropriate to their particular use and travel characteristics. It should be administered by an agent of the Developer/site manager.
Page 9 Section 2
8Procedure 8.1 This guidance advises regular contact with Local Authority Officers and relevant partners in the early stages of the planning and development. Appendix C maps the process involved in securing a Travel Plan through the planning process. This is because permission may be granted dependent on the production of a satisfactory Travel Plan prior to commencement of building or prior to occupation, (see Section 9) and creating a Travel Plan may take some time.
The scenarios are summarised: -
A. Speculative Development 8.2 The Council recognises that in many cases the future occupants are unknown. The approach therefore, is to secure from the Developer a commitment, in principle, to the eventual implementation of a Travel Plan. An Interim Travel Plan should be agreed with the applicant, Developer or their agent, before the planning application is determined. The Interim Travel Plan should specify measures to be implemented before development and occupation as far as possible and include a framework and timetable for the final Approved Travel Plan. An example of the process, which may be written into a Section 106 Agreement, is given below:
Stage 1 No development until Developer submits an Interim Travel Plan (covering key elements for the Final Travel Plan) and the Interim Plan has been approved by the Council.
Stage 2 First Occupier carries out surveys within agreed time-scale.
Stage 3 Submission and approval of Final Travel Plan to agreed time-scale.
Stage 4 Implementation of Final Travel Plan.
The Developer will be responsible for passing the requirement for a Travel Plan on to the Occupier whether the Occupier rents, leases or buys all or part of the development. The final implementation of a Travel Plan would then be the responsibility of the end Occupier and the process of negotiating a Travel Plan may need to be done at a later stage. In these cases it is likely that the following clauses will be included into the Section 106 Agreement:-
Definition Clause within the Recitals of the Deed The expression “the Developer” shall include any successors in title and assigns, in respect of all or part of the development.
Page 10 Section 2
Covenants 1. The Developer shall annex a copy of the completed Section 106 Agreement to any contract for sale or lease, for all or part of the development, and shall expressly bring to the attention of any purchaser or lessee the obligations therein.
2. The Developer shall inform the Council of the identity of purchasers and lessee’s of the development within one month of any signed contract.
An Interim Travel Plan should be agreed “with the applicant,“ developer or their agent, before the planning application is determined.
B. End Occupier/s known but new to the area 8.3 The Occupier should produce an Approved Travel Plan when required by the Council. This is because a decision usually cannot be made on the planning application until the local planning authority is satisfied with the provision made for a Travel Plan. It should subsequently be implemented within 6 months of the commencement of occupation. It is advisable for applicants to discuss Travel Plan requirements with the Council well in advance. Details on the production and measures required in the Travel Plan are given in section 9.
C. Where an existing Occupier is extending on site or extending by constructing new premises elsewhere in the Borough 8.4 The organisation requiring the development should ideally have an established Travel Plan, or develop one in conjunction with the application. If this is not the case the Occupier should produce a Travel Plan when required by the Council (commencement of development or occupation may not be permitted unless an Approved Travel Plan has been agreed – see para 10.5). It should subsequently be implemented on or shortly after occupation of the new site/extension. It is advisable for applicants to discuss Travel Plan requirements with the Council well in advance. Details on the production and required measures of the Travel Plan are given in section 9.
Page 11 Section 3
9Producing a Travel Plan 9.1 Full information on producing a Travel Plan is held at www.local-transport.dft.gov.uk/ travelplans/index.htm. The following text recommends steps to be taken when developing a Travel Plan:
STEP 1 – Site Audit This is an essential part of preparing a Travel Plan. It is a tool for methodically assessing transport facilities on the site and transport links to it. In the process of carrying out a site audit, a list of actions to make it easier and more attractive to travel to the site on foot, by public transport and bicycle is drawn up for use in a Travel Plan. A useful example of a site audit form can be found at: http://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/index/environment and travel/travel/travelwise
STEP 2 – Survey A survey of travel modes of users of the site (usually staff but may include others such as patients/students, hereon referred to as staff), should be undertaken. An example of the type of survey is in Appendix B. The aim of the survey is to collect data on current transport methods and find out which incentives to adopt alternative modes would be acceptable and likely to be most effective. Proposed questions to be included in the survey need to be submitted to the Council’s Travel Plans Co-ordinator for approval prior to carrying out the survey.
The survey of the transport modes should cover:- ɀ home post codes ɀ main method of travel ɀ where the individual’s car is usually parked ɀ whether the individual shares their car/how many occupants ɀ incentives staff might consider to change to transport methods other than single car occupancy ɀ car registration details, (optional)1 ɀ any other aspect of travel the organisation might require information on.
The method of conducting the survey is up to the Developer, however an attempt should be made to ensure maximum return by offering for example entry into a prize draw for participants
STEP 3 – Drafting a Travel Plan The Travel Plan can then be drawn up and relevant measures included, based on the survey data collected. Components required in a Travel Plan are outlined from para 9.2.
STEP 4 – Submission of a Travel Plan When a Travel Plan has been approved in writing by the Council 3 copies are to be submitted to the Planning Case Officer.
1 An up to date list of registration numbers of employees vehicles, and those leased or owned by the organisation (if relevant) should be kept by the occupier for internal use only. Page 12 Section 3
Components of a Travel Plan 9.2 It is recognised that a Travel Plan will be unique to any site and a variety of initiatives may be adopted. However the following list gives an idea of what should be included in a quality plan to enable it to be effective.
Background Explaining site, location, numbers of people, measures already in place, current share of travel methods if known and reason for producing the plan
Scope of Identifying the travel elements of the organisation’s activity the plan is the plan addressing, (commuter journeys, business travel, customer access, deliveries, fleet management and/or other issues)
Objectives Stating what the plan is trying to achieve (e.g. reduction in single car users, increase in public transport use)
Measures Detailing the proposed actions and measures for achieving the stated /Actions objectives (see paras 9.3-9.5)
Specific ɀ Partnership working is very beneficial when working up a Travel Action Plan. WESTNET (Wessex Travel Network) has been set up to Required enable organisations involved in Travel Plans to pool resources and ideas. WESTNET covers Poole, Bournemouth and the rest of Dorset. The Council requires all end Occupiers to state a commitment to join WESTNET as a component of their Travel Plan.
ɀ Senior managers to agree and ‘sign off’ the plan.
Targets Identifying targets against which the effectiveness of each measure will be reviewed. (Including short, medium and long term milestones)
Monitoring Setting out arrangements for the review and monitoring of the plan on an ongoing basis to determine whether objectives are being met in line with the Section 106 Agreement
Promotion Noting how the plan and measures will be promoted to staff and customers
Dissemination A communications strategy noting the process by which the benefits of a Travel Plan, successes and progress will be communicated, (e.g. internally via newsletter, email, intranet, department or team briefings, notice boards and externally via the press or other media).
For ease of assessment it is recommended that the applicant sets out the Travel Plan as shown above. Of the above Measures/Actions,Targets and Monitoring require particular attention: (see over)
Page 13 Section 3
Actions: Measures to be included in the Travel Plan 9.3 It is important that measures to meet stated objectives are set out as fully as possible, because these will determine the potential of the plan to bring about modal shift, (see glossary). Assessment of the Travel Plan will be based upon its potential to lessen the transport implications of the development and bring about a change in modal share, (see glossary).
Appointment of Travel Plan Co-ordinator 9.4 The Occupier must supply to the Council the name of the appointed person/s from within the organisation responsible for the success and running of the Travel Plan, known as the Travel Plan Co-ordinator. The Council must be informed as soon as the post holder changes. The post needs to be of sufficient seniority to undertake tasks associated with the post such as chairing steering groups. The appointment need not be a new one but instead a case of extending the job profile of an existing employee (this will depend on the scale of the development and size of the organisation). The role of the Travel Plan Co-ordinator will be to manage the Travel Plan, liaise with the Council and provide monitoring information when agreed. The role may also include:-
i to promote and encourage the use of travel modes other than the car, including publicity
ii ensure that all relevant information is provided to all new members of staff/visitors/pupils and that up to date information is clearly displayed on the noticeboards or via the intranet (if applicable)
iii arrange and record surveys of car park usage as required by the Borough
iv co-ordinate car sharing arrangements in whatever manner the organisation has decided upon
v arrange for either full or snapshot travel surveys to be undertaken of all people on the site, at intervals agreed with the Council
vi liaise with public transport operators and Officers of the Planning and Transportation authorities and arrange regular meetings with all interested parties
vii organise workshops and induction seminars to educate existing and new staff
viii contribute to ‘WESTNET’ (The Wessex Travel Plan Network for organisations)
NOTE: Support and advice will be available from relevant Officers in The Borough of Poole throughout.
Ideal Travel Plan Measures 9.5 Depending on the local circumstances the Council suggests inclusion of at least 50% or all of the following measures will assist in achieving a successful plan, but will also support innovative suggestions. However, it should be borne in mind that a submitted plan will be judged against The Department for Transport’s Travel Plan Evaluation Tool and will be required to gain a certain number of points before being accepted:-
Note: The choice of elements must work together as a package – elements and the way they are structured could undermine or increase the success of others. Some may be more effective than others in certain situations.
Page 14 Section 3
Measures to promote and facilitate public transport use, including: i Negotiating with operators to achieve service/route improvements, discounts on tickets, bulk ticket purchase and on-site promotion; ii Shuttle buses to stations/other key destinations (free, dedicated). Could include a lunch time service ‘into town’ depending on location of development; iii Works buses; iv *Physical works to provide routes, bus lanes, convenient bus stops, stations etc; v Financial incentives (e.g. interest free loans); vi Real time information displays in prominent egress or congregating points in the development; vii Other
Measures to reduce car use i Car parking restraint, charges and *management (e.g. allocation of parking spaces through limited permits); ii Restraint on off-site parking where necessary; iii Promotion of car sharing (e.g matching services, guaranteed ride home in emergency, priority parking for sharers and car share groups for staff); iv Use of pooled company vehicles and bicycles in order that staff do not need to bring their own vehicles to work; v Financial incentives (e.g. for not driving, for giving up a parking space); vi Altering eligibility for relocation allowances to encourage new staff to move nearer to the workplace and on public transport routes; vii Other
Measures to promote and facilitate cycling and powered two wheelers i *Safe cycle paths and secure covered parking; ii Bicycle user groups (BUGs); iii Pool bikes/powered two wheelers; iv *Changing facilities/showers and drying area; v Financial incentive (e.g. mileage allowance). vi Other
Measures to promote and facilitate walking i Improved walking access; ii Walkers group; iii *On-site security and pedestrian route improvements; iv *Changing facilities/showers and drying area. v Other
Page 15 Section 3
Promotion of practices/facilities that reduce the need for travel i Flexible working practices e.g. teleworking/home working; ii Local recruitment; iii The existence of and benefits of the Travel Plan should be highlighted to employees/ students at interview/recruitment stage; iv Teleconferencing; v Compressed working week; vi On-site facilities for eating, shopping etc. vii Other
Monitoring and review mechanisms i Clarify indicators i.e. the elements that will be monitored to assess whether targets have been achieved; ii Clarify monitoring and review arrangements.
Travel Plan Co-ordinators and associated support i Steering groups; ii Working groups; iii Links to other (e.g. umbrella) Travel Plans/travel plan forums/Travelwise.
Provision of travel information i Dedicated web site; ii Travel notice board with leaflets, site-specific travel information, displays, simplified timetables; iii Target promotion; iv Personalised journey planners.
Marketing i Communication with staff; ii Focus groups; iii Branding/slogans; iv Events.
* Some physical measures (e.g. new bus shelters and cycle routes) will usually be negotiated in conjunction with submission of the planning application. Note that financial incentives to individuals cannot be included in a planning agreement for legal reasons.
Targets 9.6 When an Occupier is unknown or known but is new to the Borough, the setting of targets will only be possible after a baseline survey has been undertaken. When an Occupier is known, and the development is an extension on a current site or a new location in the Borough the setting of targets will be possible after current travel patterns of existing staff are surveyed to provide baseline data.
Page 16 Section 3
A general target is to keep single occupancy car use to the lowest levels possible and the number of cars used to commute should not exceed the number of dedicated car parking spaces. Targets should be measurable, achievable, realistic and time-related. They can be “aim” type (e.g. increase percentage using non-car modes by...) and/or “action” type targets (e.g. appoint a Travel Plan Co-ordinator, readjust to one tier mileage rates, interest free loans for public transport). An example staff travel survey is shown in Appendix B.
Monitoring the Travel Plan 9.7 The Occupier will monitor and review the workings of the Travel Plan annually from its implementation either with full or snap shot surveys (see glossary) and submit a written report to the Council, at a mutually agreed date after the monitoring. The organisation must also do a full survey at least one month before its agreed interim and final target dates (e.g. Target: to reduce single car occupancy by 15% by the end of May 2008). Any revision to the Travel Plan required as a result of monitoring should be done in conjunction with the Council’s Travel Plan Co-ordinator.
The Council may also request to monitor on site, using snap shot surveys on one day during a previously mutually agreed week in the spring. These snap shot surveys could be annual and negotiations for a suitable survey date will begin no less than one month before the proposed date. These statistics, plus those supplied by companies will be incorporated into the Annual Progress Report of the Local Transport Plan, which is sent to central Government in early summer. Confidentiality in the reports will be maintained, as organisations will not be named
Monitoring is necessary to assure the Council that the aims and actions in the Travel Plan continue to be realised at the target dates. If this is not the case a revised plan will need to be submitted for approval and it shall be open to the Council to suggest reasonable ways of improving the effectiveness of the plan.
9.8 There will be a charge for Council monitoring of Travel Plans. Charges will be from £500 per annum for establishments of up to 100 employees, then increasing at the rate of £1.00 per employee to a maximum of £3000 per annum. Travel Plan monitoring will usually be required for five years. Administration charges will be an additional 1% -2% of the monitoring charge, but subject to a minimum charge of £40.
9.9 If, during the course of implementing a Travel Plan, there is disagreement between the Occupier and the Council over whether targets are being met then an arbitrator shall intervene. The arbitrator should be competent in legal matters and acceptable to both parties. The outcome of any arbitration shall be binding to both parties. Costs to be shared equally between the two parties.
STEP 5 – Evaluation of Travel Plan The Travel Plan will be assessed against a Department for Transport Travel Plan Evaluation Tool. The Council will use this tool to help assess whether the proposed travel plan is likely to be acceptable and successful. The final score will give an indication of its quality and comprehensiveness (see para 9.6). The tool can be downloaded from the following links:-
http://www.wsatkins-external.com/travel_plan_evaluation_tool.asp
This evaluation tool can also be accessed via:
www.local-transport.dft.gov.uk/travelplans/index.htm
Guidance on any technical difficulties can be obtained from: [email protected]
Page 17 Section 4
10 Implementation 10.1 The implementation and enforcement of initiatives within Travel Plans is an essential, if not the most essential part of the process. Travel Plans, without effective implementation of initiatives, run the danger of proving to be a paper exercise which serve only to pay lip service to sustainable transport objectives.
10.2 A Travel Plan should normally be secured through embodiment in a Section 106 Agreement, (Town and Country Planning Act 1990). This is a stance that is supported in the Government’s best practice guide ‘Using the Planning Process to Secure Travel Plans’ (Chp 10). This method will give elected representatives, Officers and the Developer a greater sense of purpose and confidence in what has been agreed. Indeed, the use of Section 106 Agreements has many benefits:-
i promotes the application of high standards;
ii ensures increased internal consistency;
iii will accelerate the development of best practice;
iv “focuses the mind” of all those involved;
v gives the organisation a strong argument in detailed negotiations with staff concerning difficult issues such as car parking charges; and
vi helps to ensure that Travel Plans do not work to the disadvantage of one area compared to another or are more restrictive on one applicant than the other.
10.3 The use of a Section 106 Agreement will also heighten the importance of clearly set targets and it will formalise the role of the Local Authority in working in partnership with the organisation concerned. A Travel Plan will be enforceable under the umbrella of a Section 106 Agreement, and will therefore hold more weight with the Occupier and Local Authority.
10.4 However, this is not to say that a significant contribution cannot be achieved by a Travel Plan that is secured by condition, but the use of a Legal Agreement is seen as a more effective way of implementing the Travel Plan, and illustrates the applicant’s commitment to achieving the provisions and targets within it. Conditions are only likely to be appropriate for smaller developments. Conditions should meet the tests of Department of the Environment Circular 11/95.
Page 18 Section 4
Legal Mechanisms to Secure Travel Plans 10.5 Possible wording for planning conditions and Section 106 Agreements, where the Travel Plan has not been agreed at the time of the determination of the planning application, may include the following:-
i development shall not be commenced until a Travel Plan has been submitted to and approved by the Council.
ii no part of the development shall be occupied prior to implementation of the Approved Travel Plan (or implementation of those parts identified in the Approved Travel Plan as capable of being implemented prior to occupation). Those parts of the Approved Travel Plan that are identified therein as being capable of implementation after occupation shall be implemented in accordance with the timetable contained therein and shall continue to be implemented as long as any part of the development is occupied.
(This assumes that the Approved Travel Plan is a defined term) Ref (p 51/78 The Government’s best practice guide ‘Using the Planning Process to Secure Travel Plans’. Further examples included in Appendix F, G & H of same guidance).
11 Enforcement Sanctions included within a Section106 Agreement ensure that any failure to deliver agreed measures and/or outcomes can be remedied. Sanctions can take a number of forms for example:-
ɀ payments to the Council to implement previously agreed measures;
ɀ specified works that are expected to remedy the failure to achieve agreed outcomes; and/or
ɀ specified payments to the Council to meet the cost of taking action to achieve the agreed outcome e.g. the implementation of a car parking zone around the development.
Page 19 Section 4
12 Assessment Criteria The Travel Plan will be assessed by the Council based upon the potential to lessen the transport implications of the development and bring about a change in modal share. Research suggests that the most successful plans incorporate a comprehensive range of measures, both ‘carrots’ and ‘sticks’ with incentives introduced first.
There is clearly an element of subjectivity in the assessment of plans and how effective they might be. To reduce this as much as possible the Council will assess the likely success of proposed Travel Plans on the basis of the Department for Transport’s
Travel Plans Evaluation Tool. Applicants are strongly advised to follow the format set
out in SECTION 3 particularly para 9.2 – Components of a Travel Plan. The Travel Plan will “ be assessed against “a Department for Transport Travel Plan Evaluation Tool.
Page 20 Appendix A Initiatives and Targets
National and Local LOCAL INITIATIVES Transport Plan Initiatives and The Bournemouth, Dorset and Poole Structure Plan embraces the concept of sustainable Targets development within which the pursuit of quality of life and a flourishing economy is set in the context of environment and resource protection.
The Local Transport Plan (LTP) identifies many issues and policies for transport in the conurbation of POOLE, BOURNEMOUTH and CHRISTCHURCH. It embraces ideas laid out in the Government’s White Paper ‘A New Deal for Transport: Better for Everyone’ July 1998.
SHORT-TERM GOALS-YEAR 2006 LTP
ɀ Local Transport Plan commitment to reduce traffic growth by 50% (compared to the 1994 -1998 annual growth) by 2006
ɀ Reduce fatal and serious road traffic casualties by 40%
ɀ 50% reduction in the number of children injured
ɀ Reduce car trips to school by 30%
ɀ Extend the cycle network to all major employers, schools, colleges and leisure attractions
ɀ Provide a 10 minute peak and 15 minute off-peak bus service on all main routes
ɀ Provide a 15 minute conurbation-wide bus service on all main routes
ɀ Provide real time information on all main bus routes
ɀ Reduce vehicle emissions of nitrogen dioxide by 50% (national target)
ɀ Provide park and ride facilities for 3000 cars
ɀ Provide low floor buses on all 10 minute peak hour services
ɀ Encourage 50% of all schools, colleges and major businesses to stagger working times and/or introduce flexible working arrangements
ɀ Double 1996 cycle flows by 2006
ɀ Establish a freight transport strategy.
This Guidance helps to implement the objectives and targets for traffic reduction as set out in the Local Transport Plan. The Council implements the LTP in partnership with Bournemouth Borough Council (BBC) and Dorset County Council (DCC). Both BBC and DCC are actively seeking adoption of their own Supplementary Planning Guidance on Travel Plans. To ensure a consistent implementation of the LTP, our partner authorities intend to base their own guidance on this document
Page 21 Appendix A Initiatives and Targets
National and Local NATIONAL INITIATIVES Transport Plan Initiatives and Annex 2 of The Department for Transport ‘Transport 2010 – The Ten Year Plan’ outlines the Targets Department’s objectives for modern and integrated transport and targets to reduce the impact of transport on the environment as:
ɀ to reduce road congestion on the inter-urban network2 and in large urban areas in England below current levels by 2010 by promoting integrated transport solutions and investing in public transport and the road network
ɀ to increase rail use in Great Britain (measured in passenger kilometres) from 2000 levels by 50% by 2010, with investment in infrastructure and capacity, while at the same time securing improvements in punctuality and reliability3
ɀ to increase bus use in England (measured by the number of passenger journeys) from 2000 levels by 10% by 2010, while at the same time securing improvements in punctuality and reliability
ɀ to double light rail use in England (measured by the number of passenger journeys) by 2010 from 2000 levels
ɀ to cut journey times on London Underground services by increasing capacity and reducing delays. Specific targets will be agreed with the Mayor after the Public Private Partnership has been established
ɀ to improve air quality by meeting our National Air Quality Strategy targets for carbon monoxide, lead, nitrogen dioxide, particles, sulphur dioxide, benzene and 1-3 butadiene
ɀ to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 12.5% from 1990 levels, and move towards a 20% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions by 2010
ɀ to reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured in Great Britain in road accidents by 40% by 2010 and the number of children killed or seriously injured by 50%, compared
with the average for 1994-98.
2 This is the inter-urban trunk road network operated by the Highways Agency 3 In replacing existing franchises, The Strategic Rail Authority is seeking commitments from bidders for substantial improvements in punctuality and reliability. Targets will be set in the light of the sSRA’s negotiations with bidders. Page 22 Appendix B Travel Survey – An Example
This is intended as an EXAMPLE ONLY. Each site should have an individually tailored travel to work survey.
Example of Staff Travel Survey Questionnaire All staff are being surveyed on their commuting methods and travel at work. The data will be used to develop and promote measures to improve work related travel for all employees. Individual information will not be highlighted.
1Home postcode 5Which of the following would encourage you to use public transport? List in order ! More direct bus route 01 ! More frequent bus service 02 ! More reliable bus service 03 2How do you mostly travel to work? ! Better connection from home to work 04 ! Better facilities at bus shelters 05 ! Bus 01 ! If links to bus/station are better 06 ! Bicycle 02 ! More reliable trains 07 ! Train 03 ! Discount tickets available at work 08 ! Walk 04 ! Better connections from home ! Car alone 05 to rail station 09 ! Car as passenger 06 ! Better connections from rail station to work 10 ! Motorbike 07 ! More frequent trains 11 ! Other 08 ! Clear public transport information at work 12 ! If transport provided for travel needs during work 13 ! Nothing 14 ! Other 15 3How far do you travel to work? ...... miles 01 6Which of the following would encourage you to participate in an organised car sharing scheme? List in order ! Confidential database of potential sharers 01 4Which of the following would ! Free taxi home in emergencies 02 encourage you to cycle to work? List in order Example! Reserved car park space 03 ! Improved cycle paths 01 ! If I have to pay for parking 04 ! Improved cycle parking at work 02 ! If transport provided for travel needs during work 05 ! Improved changing/showering facilities 03 ! Nothing 06 ! Discount on bicycle and accessoriesOnly 04 ! Other 07 ! Bicycle user group at work 05 ! When I have to pay for parking 06 7Given the right equipment would you work ! Intrest free loan 07 from home? ! If transport provided for travel needs during work 08 ! Yes - regularly 01 ! Nothing 09 ! Yes - occasionally 02 ! Other 10 ! No - not at all 03
Page 23 Appendix B Travel Survey – An Example
8How often do you use a vehicle in the course of 10 Do you use public transport for work trips? your work? ! Yes 01 ! Never 01 ! No 02 ! More than once a day 02 ! One/two days a week 03 ! Three or more days a week 04 11 If Pool Cars/Pool Bikes were available for work trips would you use one? ! Once or twice a month 05 ! Yes 01 ! No 02 9Where do you usually park? ! At workplace 01 12 Please write in the space below any comments ! Nearby street 02 about your journey to work patterns. ! Commercial Car Park 03 Suggestions for improvements which ease ! Park and Ride 04 congestion are also welcome:
Data Protection Data gathered from this survey will be used to help develop the Travel Plan. Summary data, that does not contain personal detailsExample may also be shared with Public Transport providers solely for the purpose of enhancing services. ! I do not consent to data being used as outlined above. Thank you for taking the time and trouble to completeOnly this questionnaire. "
If you wish to be included in the prize draw, please write your name and department here. The slip will be used only for the purpose of the draw.
Name: Dept. Telephone No.
Page 24 Appendix C Mapping the process
Pre-application discussions – Travel plan policy & associated
clarify whether subject to a # guidance adopted and published transport assessmant and/or (Potential applicants sent ‘toolkit’ travel plan including this information).
# Receipt of planning application
# # Is a travel plan Does it require a Normal planning No submitted with the No travel plan? progression.
# application? #
Yes Yes # # Assess travel plan against principles/ Determine negotiating framework requirements (and transport for travel plan as based on assessment where relevant), guidance/scoping meetings multidisciplinary internal meetings including legal where complex. including legal where complex. Ensure input from relevant parties Ensure input from relevant parties eg. eg. travel plan co-ordinator, travel plan co-ordinator, TravelWise, TravelWise, other tiers of
other tiers of government. government. #
# # Not acceptable Acceptable # Collect/review relevant data # and information. Applicant Request new travel carries out transport plan – send applicant # assessment if necessary.
guidance/meet as # necessary # # Travel plan produced and accepted including timetable, monitoring and enforcement.
#
Secure with legal mechanisms, to include measures, #
# outcomes and timetable as appropriate.
# If planning permission granted, review/monitor travel plan annually (involving travel plan co-ordinator/ TravelWise or other parties as appropriate).
Acknowlegement: Crown Copyright – Using the Planning Process to Secure Travel Plans – Best Practice Guide – July 2002
Page 25 Appendix D Parking Zones
Page 26 Glossary
AQMA Air Quality Management Area.
Approved Travel Plan A travel plan which has been evaluated by the Council and deemed to be acceptable.
Flexible working Flexible working hours, homeworking arrangements, practices using communications technology for business.
Interim Travel Plan An outline of measures to be implemented before development and occupation as far as is possible. It is also a timetable for submission of the final Approved Travel Plan.
Modal Share Numbers of people who travel in each different way.
Modal Shift Numbers who change from one way of travelling to another.
Objectives The high level aims of a Travel Plan e.g. to reduce the need for unnecessary business travel.
Parking Zones Defined in the Poole Local Plan and ‘Parking Guidelines for Poole’, March 2002. Within Poole there are three geographically defined zones within which different levels of parking (car and other modes) will be pursued in new development. The level of car parking will depend on the relative accessibility of the area via public transport and other modes.
Snapshot travel A quick survey which simply asks how staff got to work surveys on that particular day.
Sustainable Able to be maintained with the least possible negative effect on the environment or community.
Target/s A measurable goal needed to assess whether the objectives of the plan have been achieved.
Transport Assessment A review of all potential transport impacts of a proposed development with a plan to minimise any adverse consequences.
Page 27 Contact your local Travel Plans Co-ordinator
Laura Hirst Business Travel Plans Co-ordinator Transportation Services Borough of Poole St John’s House Serpentine Road Poole Dorset BH15 2DX
Website: www.boroughofpoole.com
Email: [email protected] Fax: 01202 262093 Tel: 01202 262018
Printed on recycled paper made from 75% de-inked post-consumer waste June 2003