The Two National Parks LSTF Programme 2015/16 bid

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Local Sustainable Transport Fund 2015/16 Revenue Application Form

Applicant Information

Local transport authority name(s): Hampshire County Council (lead), Brighton & Hove City Council, East Sussex County Council, West Sussex County Council and Wiltshire Council.

In partnership with the National Park Authority and the South Downs National Park Authority.

Bid Manager Name and position: Tobias Bauer, Two National Parks LSTF Programme Manager

Contact telephone number: 01962 846735

Email address: [email protected]

Postal address: Economy, Transport and Environment Department Hampshire County Council The Castle Winchester SO23 8RY

Website address for published bid: www.hants.gov.uk/transport-fundingbids.htm

A1. Project name: The Two National Parks LSTF Programme (2015/16 extension)

A2. Headline description: Our proposal has been designed to further inspire visitors to travel to and around the New Forest and South Downs National Parks using an exciting range of world class sustainable transport products. Building on the success of the current Two National Parks LSTF Programme, we calculate that our 2015/16 proposals will save a further 8,785 tonnes of CO2, generate up to 105 FTE jobs and contribute an additional £5.9M to the visitor economy.

We have achieved significant results through the current Two National Parks LSTF Programme, and are leading the way on sustainable transport provision in England’s National Parks. The proposals for 2015/16 will allow us to secure a second phase of commercially viable transport solutions, creating a legacy of travel change which will mainstream sustainable modes for visitor journeys across both National Parks.

Our objectives are to: 1. Improve key public transport gateways into the National Parks, to increase usage and boost the economy; 2. Mainstream sustainable transport access to attractions, increasing spend and creating jobs; and 3. Promote sustainable transport experiences, generating new customers for transport operators, and creating a pathway to healthy lifestyles. Both National Parks are also currently delivering complementary, capital only Cycle Ambition programmes, New Forest Family Cycling Experiences and Transforming Cycling in the South Downs . This bid will unlock revenue funding to ensure that the capital schemes coming forward through the Cycle Ambition programmes achieve maximum usage in 2015/16.

A3. Geographical area: The extension proposal covers the same geographical area as the original bid, i.e. the New Forest and the South Downs National Parks. Designated in 2005 and 2009 respectively, the two National Parks combined cover an area of over 850sqm, are home to approximately 140,000 people and generate 49.5 million visitor days every year. They provide important green spaces for leisure and recreation in the densely populated South East, and visitors to the parks contribute £572M to the local economy.

A4. Total package cost (£m): £3,098,833

A5. Total DfT revenue funding contribution sought (£m): £2,053,186

A6. Local contribution (£m): £1,045,647 We have secured the following local contributions, which are a combination of cash and in kind support:

Table 1 - Local Contributions Partner (name or sector) Level of Match funding Bike Docking Station Network Operator £25,000 Brighton and Hove City Council £18,000 Bus Operators £506,247 Combined value of partner staff time £202,600 Community Rail Partnerships £22,000 Ferry operator £5,000 Forestry Commission £2,000 Grant fund match £60,000 Navigation partner £5,000 National Trust £20,000 Council £50,000 Partner (name or sector) Level of Match funding New Forest National Park Authority £30,000 Rail Operators £10,000 Scheme income £40,000 South Downs National Park Authority £37,500 Tourism businesses £12,300 Total £1,045,647

Letters of support which make reference to match funding contributions are available at Appendix A.

A7. Equality Analysis Has any Equality Analysis been undertaken in line with the Equality Duty? Yes No

A8. Partnership bodies: The current Two National Parks LSTF Programme has achieved its success by working closely and collaboratively with a full range of stakeholders and partners. Given the extensive geography of the programme, much effort has gone into creating effective partnerships which allow effective delivery of the agreed projects.

Partnerships exist at a number of levels. The primary partnership is between the local authority partners (five highway authorities, two National Park Authorities) which administer the day to day delivery of the programme, with Hampshire County Council as the lead authority and accountable body. The local authorities have adopted a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) which sets out the governance arrangements, resource commitments, and the roles and responsibilities of each of the partners. It is proposed that the MoU be extended to cover the 2015/16 programme and all partners are supportive of this.

We will also continue to work closely with delivery partners from a variety of sectors in order maximise efficiencies and achieve shared outcomes. Our delivery partners include:-

• Local Enterprise Partnerships • Transport operators • Destination Management Organisations • Tourism businesses • Charities • Other local authorities

The Two National Parks programme has been selected, along with the Lake District LSTF programme, to be the subject of a DfT-sponsored monitoring and evaluation case study. The case study is providing additional resources for monitoring and evaluation, as well as facilitating shared learning across LSTF programmes. This has created a desire to work even more closely with other LSTF programmes and we will be seeking to increase collaboration with complementary geographical and thematical programmes in 2015/16.

A full list of partners, and their role in programme delivery, is included at Appendix B.

A9. Local Enterprise Partnership: The Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) covering the bid’s geographical area are:

• Coast to Capital (C2C) , • Enterprise M3 (EM3) • South East (SE) • Swindon and Wiltshire (S&W)

These LEPs have been developing their Strategic Economic Plans (SEPs), which are draft at the time of submitting this bid. Our discussions with the LEPs have ensured that the importance of the National Parks and the sustainable transport aspirations within this bid are reflected within the emerging SEPs.

Table 2 – Transport references within emerging Strategic Economic Plans Draft SEP and section Reference and/or page number

C2C, pps. 41, Includes planned rail capacity and access improvements for the Brighton Mainline, Coastway 46, 136,137, rail line and Arun Valley line, to support sustainable transport 139 Highlights planned improvements to cycle routes and parking in town centres to encourage C2C, p.46 an increase in cycling Includes planned improvements to local bus services, including bus lanes, to improve access C2C, p.47 to services and popular attractions Identifies tourism as one of two local sectors that will generate growth and jobs, particularly C2C, pps 60, with the proximity of Gatwick Airport, and highlights growth around the South Downs National 64, 65, 87 Park, as well as existing highway capacity constraints to be addressed by sustainable transport Emphasises South Downs and New Forest National Parks as tourist destinations and the EM3, p.21 value that the visitor economy has in the EM3 area Identifies improving and encouraging public transport (e.g. strategic bus corridors and ‘Step EM3, pps.25, Up’ towns) as a key to stimulating growth, addressing highway capacity constraints, providing 54, 56 greater journey time reliability, and supporting active travel (e.g. walking and cycling) Identifies the value of both the tourism sector and the importance of transport improvements SE paras 3.7, to supporting economic growth, including rail links with London and local areas including the 5.9, South Downs National Park Highlights public transport schemes of regional significance, including Hailsham/Polegate/ SE, paras Eastbourne (P5.37); Eastbourne bus corridor package (P5.39); cycle packages in the 5.37, 5.39, Newhaven area (P5.38); Eastbourne town centre accessibility package – integrated public 5.38, 5.46 transport improvements (P5.46) South East, Identifies infrastructure improvements to deliver integrated transport schemes for enhancing paras 5.65, access and connectivity 5.67 Stresses need for improved access to town centres, as well as better opportunities for SE, para 5.64 walking and cycling S&W, Emphasises the importance of reducing congestion to reduce emissions and improve journey Transport time reliability by car, and of encouraging sustainable transport and active travel by 2026 part of promoting public transport especially rail, buses, cycling and walking. the SEP

SECTION B – The Business Case

B1. The Scheme - Summary Our ambitious programme of 37 new schemes builds on the successes delivered through the current Two National Parks LSTF Programme. We will focus on synergies across the two National Parks through continuing to deliver a series of joint schemes, creating economies of scale and shared learning. Our programme also includes a number of schemes which are specific to each National Park - in many cases these will be delivered using best practice developed through the current programme.

Table 3 - Scheme list summary

Given the number of projects within the programme, the following section provides a detailed description of a selection of the six flagship projects within and across both National Parks which link particularly well with LSTF outcomes.

Objective 1 - Improve key public transport gateways into the National Parks, to increase usage and boost the economy

Forest Bus (Scheme 2B) The New Forest has a proven track record of transforming bus services into ‘must do’ visitor experiences, and at the same time, creating commercially viable transport solutions and memorable visitor experiences. Using best practice from our flagship visitor transport experience the New Forest Tour, our current LSTF programme has funded the development of the Beach Bus, a seasonal service linking adjacent settlements with the National Park coast. During its first season (2013 school summer holidays), the Beach Bus generated nearly 6,000 passenger journeys, and over 2,000 new customers for attractions along its routes. Through an effective partnership with the bus operator, the Beach Bus is on a trajectory to commercial viability by 2016.

Given the success of this approach, our bid includes a proposal to transform the 6 service into the Forest Bus. Linking the urban centre of Southampton with , and passing through the heart of the National Park, the Forest Bus has huge potential to replace private car trips, particularly amongst day visitors. We estimate that we will grow passenger journey numbers by 40% during the visitor season, and will unlock over £300k of private sector investment in new vehicles. Cycle Hubs (Scheme 1F) In the South Downs a series of seasonal cycle hubs will be developed at rail stations and other gateways, building on existing cycle infrastructure at Lewes, Brighton, Winchester and Eastbourne and will also include cycle hire opportunities. These will be delivered in partnership with Community Rail Partnerships and other stakeholders, unlocking capital investment from a number of sources. LSTF revenue funding will be used to effectively market the facilities to new and existing cycling markets.

The importance of cycling to rail stations as part of the door-to-door journey continues to grow. Aside from walking, cycling to the station consistently offers the most reliable journey time as it is the least susceptible to delays caused by congestion. We will actively target the 60% of residents which live within a 15 minute cycle ride of a rail station.

We will deliver a comprehensive marketing strategy which focuses on both on and off station messaging, targeted to both resident and visitor market sectors.

Objective 2 - Mainstream sustainable transport access to attractions, increasing spend and creating jobs

Breeze Buses (Scheme 2K and 2L) In the South Downs National Park, the award winning network of Breeze Bus services provide a sustainable transport link between urban centres such as Brighton and the best of the National Park.

Whilst the current services are successful, feedback from customers suggests demand for both frequency improvements and an extended period of operation. Using LSTF funding, we will extend the operating season for the Breeze 77 Devil's Dyke route to cover the whole of June, and introduce a third vehicle to create a 30 minute frequency during the key operating period.

We will also enhance the Breeze 78 Stanmer Park route, increasing peak and off peak services which link the National Park and local villages with Brighton.

Supported by effective marketing and promotion through a mix of printed and digital media, these service improvements will achieve a projected increase of 29,000 passenger journeys during 2015/16.

The enhancement of the Breeze bus service is only one element of a comprehensive bus strategy that has been agreed for the South Downs National Park; additional service enhancements will also benefit other high profile visitor attractions such as Marwell Wildlife, Ditchling Beacon and Seven Sisters Country Park.

Bike Docking Station Network (Scheme 2A) The New Forest is developing the UK’s first rural Bike Docking Station Network (BDSN) using capital funding from the New Forest Family Cycling Experiences Cycle Ambition programme. An operator is currently being procured and we will utilise LSTF funding to support the BDSN operator in its first full year of operation, helping to generate over 38,000 bike sharing customer journeys and enabling the scheme to be a commercial success.

The scheme will go live in the South East corner of the National Park in spring 2015, with up to 21 docking stations available at visitor attractions, transport hubs and village centres.

Specifically, LSTF funding will focus on supporting the marketing functions associated with the BDSN project, building responsible cycling messages into wider destination marketing, and targeted marketing campaigns aimed at stimulating usage amongst visitors and residents.

Objective 3 - Promote sustainable transport experiences, generating new customers for transport operators, and creating a pathway to healthy lifestyles

Car-free holidays (Scheme 3F) Both National Parks have a strong track record of working with existing tour operators, Destination Management Organisations and other partners to create and market car-free holidays. Visitors who stay overnight contribute up to 80% more spend than day visitors so the contribution to the local economy from growing this market is significant. In addition car- free visitors spend more - for example cyclists spend 48% more per day than those who arrive by car. Our approach will be to work with tourism businesses to embed car-free messaging in the visitor offer, and develop complementary car-free products.

An example of this is the proposed partnership with ‘Camping in the Forest’ in the New Forest National Park. Camping in the Forest provide over half of the 25,000 bed spaces in the New Forest, at eight campsites. The proposal is to add a small fee onto camping charges, in return for free access to the New Forest Tour for the duration of the customer visit. This simple proposal has the potential to remove over 200,000 car trips from the roads during the summer months.

Other measures include an expanded programme of training and familiarisation visits for over 500 tourism businesses across both National Parks, and the development of a toolkit for sustainable travel planning for use by accommodation providers and attractions

Travel experiences marketing (Scheme 3A) We will create a series of campaigns focused on particular market segments, allowing us to target different elements of travel behaviour change. These campaigns will bring together all the transport products created through both the current LSTF programme and the two Cycle Ambition programmes. Measures include: • Share the Road campaign, highlighting issues and experiences unique to National Parks, e.g. presence of stock animals on the highway to all road users to create a safer and more civilised road environment. • ‘Take the Train’ campaign, encouraging more off-peak travel and overnight visits to the National Parks from key visitor markets across the south of England. • ‘Walkers and Cyclists Welcome’ programme, working in partnership with destination marketing partners and training providers we will deliver training to over 100 tourism businesses helping them to make positive adjustments to their businesses and marketing in order to provide the right welcome for walkers and cyclists.

We will also work with and through our business communities, providing them with the marketing collaterals they require in order to promote sustainable transport to their customers. This includes a full range of printed and digital materials including videos, cartography, imagery and copy.

Video – Discover another way to visit the South Downs National Park http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x1pO8iuJF8A

A detailed list of all schemes is shown in Appendix C .

B2. The Strategic Case Supporting existing employment and generating growth in the local economy All LSTF programme partners recognise the link between sustainable transport and the economy. Prominent in our common approach is the aspiration to support economic growth through providing sustainable transport alternatives to the car, thereby reducing costs associated with congestion, reducing carbon emissions and contributing to healthy economies. The programme will also promote equal opportunities and improve road safety, accessibility, quality of life and public health, as shown in Table 4.

Table 4 - Analysis of projects by LSTF Objectives Core Objectives Sec ondary Objectives Element Intervention Economic Carbon Community Improve Improve Increase Growth Reduction Benefits Safety Air Quality physical activity Key public transport gateways 1A Training for transport operators & FOH staff 1B, 1C, 1F Events Family Cycling Centre NF guided experiences & SD Cycle Hubs 1D Wightlink Partnership

1E, G, H, I Improving rail & bus gateways Accessible attractions 2A Bike docking station network

Core Objectives Secondary Objectives Element Intervention Economic Carbon Community Improve Improve Air Increase Growth Reduction Benefits Safety Quality physical activity 2B, C, D, J, Enhanced bus services K, L 2E Ticketing 2F Cycle navigation 2G Walking & Cycling Angels 2H, 2M Community routes network & Cycling for All 2N Cross channel ferry links Sustainable travel packages 3A, 3B Travel experiences marketing, destination based transport marketing 3C Walkers & Cyclist Welcome 3D Website development 3E Share the Road campaign 3F Car free holidays/ camping 3G Route guides & themed Itineraries 3H Sustainable Transport Solution Fund 3J, K, L, M, Marketing & promotion 3N Improving digital connectivity 3O Cycle First 3P Your travel, your future

Tourism is of key importance to the local economy within both National Parks bringing significant economic benefits to the area as shown in Table 5. The importance of tourism within the National Parks and their value as attractive places to do business is recognised within each of the relevant SEPs. Tourism is also a significant employer in the National Parks both directly and indirectly through the supply chain.

Table 5: Summary of tourism in the National Parks Impact of tourism South Downs 1 New Forest 2 Total Annual visitor days 46M 13.5M 49.5M Annual Income £464M £108M 572M Jobs 6,976 2,600 9,576

Visitors, who use sustainable modes of transport, are likely to spend more money on local goods and services than visitors who arrive by car. Through this bid, partners are continuing to build on the current Two National Parks LSTF and Cycle Ambition programmes to encourage a greater proportion of visitors to travel to and within the National Parks by public transport. This is being achieved by implementing high-quality facilities and service for public transport users, walkers and cyclists offering viable and attractive alternatives to the car.

It is estimated that 440,556 cycle, bus and rail trips can be delivered through these interventions. Research shows that, on average visitors who don’t travel by car spend more. Based on analysis of this additional expenditure generated by more sustainable travel trips,

1 South Downs Visitor & Tourism Economic Impact Study, TSE Research, January 2013 2 Visitor Survey of the New Forest National Park, TSE Research, 2004-2005 the local economy will be boosted by around £5.9M per year and support an additional 105 jobs directly related to the tourism sector 3.

Table 6 - Economic impacts of modal change Mode Car replacement Spend by mode Total Equivalent spend Sustainable trips by car users of mode spend £8.34 - car spend Cycle 120,880 £20 £2,417,600 £1,008,139 £1,409,461 Bus 200,176 £13 £2,602,288 £1,669,468 £932,820 Rail 119,500 £26 £5,262,270 £1,687,974 £3,574,296 Total 440,556 £10,282,158 £4,365,581 £5,916,577

In the South Downs, the majority of visitors are day visitors from surrounding areas (67%), accounting for 63% of transport related CO 2 emissions. A key element of the bid is therefore to encourage visitors to stay within the National Park longer by developing car-free packages, themed itineraries and route guides, improving marketing and promotion and information on how to access the South Downs by public transport. These projects, together with similar offers in the New Forest will help to support the growing number of accommodation businesses and improve occupancy rates. It is estimated that actions within this bid will reduce car journeys by around 130,900 trips saving 8,785 tonnes of CO 2 emissions.

Policy alignment The schemes proposed in this bid have been developed to align with relevant existing and emerging local and national policies (see below). We have also taken into account proven successes of measures from the current LSTF programme, as well as those contained within the established research on sustainable transport, to develop a portfolio of services that will both maintain the attractiveness of existing and a shift towards new and improved services and infrastructure.

Local Economic Partnerships This bid is well aligned with all four of the LEPs’ emerging Strategic Economic Plans (SEPs). Together, the SEPs in the area stress the importance of the National Parks as a key driver for economic growth, and are accompanied by policies and transport programmes to both support sustainable tourism, and reduce congestion and emissions. The bid has been developed in partnerships with the LEPs and has their full support. References to sustainable transport within the Draft SEPs are included in Section A9 of this bid.

Examples of projects that fit SEP priorities are: – • South East : Cycle First (3O) Campaigns and events to promote use of new cycling infrastructure including the Egret’s Way from Newhaven to Lewes links to redevelopment of port and cycle improvements in the Newhaven area. • Coast 2 Capital (C2C): Improving Rail Gateways (1E) & South Downs Cycle Hubs (1F) links to improvements to Arun Valley Line in the C2C SEP. • Enterprise M3 (EM3): Training for transport operators and tourism businesses to ensure a first class visitor experience (1A, 3C) links to the emphasis of South Downs and New Forest National Parks as tourist destinations and value of visitor economy in EM3 area. • Swindon and Wiltshire : New Forest Cycling in National Parks promotion (3O) links to encouraging sustainable transport and promotion of active travel.

3 Calculations can be found in Appendix D Local Transport Plans The bid also takes into account the objectives of the Local Transport Plans (LTPs) that cover the National Parks. Relevant links include: • Encouraging sustainable transport whilst reducing emissions from the transport sector links to Theme 1 (key public transport gateways); • Improving access to services and tourist destinations links to Theme 2 (accessible attractions); and • Supporting economic growth links to Theme 3 (sustainable travel packages).

National Tourism Strategy The bid also accords with VisitEngland’s Strategic Framework for Tourism in England 2010- 2020, and in particular relevant actions within the Rural Tourism, Wise Growth, and Transport & Tourism Actions Plans. This Framework sets out ways in which the industry can work together to achieve a 5% growth in value, year-on-year, over the next decade. National Park Authorities are working closely with VisitEngland to ensure that they play their role in delivering on the tourism agenda, Cycle First (Scheme 3O) helps deliver this objective.

Door-to-Door Strategy Our programme supports the aims and objectives of the Door-to-Door Strategy. This strategy details key areas which need to be addressed in order that people can be confident in choosing to make more sustainable journeys. The schemes developed as part of this bid help to address the following key areas of the Door-to-Door strategy by: • Providing accurate, accessible and reliable information about the different transport options for their journey; e.g. website development (Scheme 3D); and • Regular and straightforward connections at all stages of the journey and between different modes of transport, e.g. rail and bus gateway improvements (Schemes 1E & 1G).

Hampshire Public Health Physical Activity Plan 2013 – 2015 (Draft version 1.2) The bid directly supports the active travel elements of Hampshire’s Public Health Physical Activity Plan by increasing levels of walking and cycling for utility and recreational purposes. Initiatives within the bid address barriers to active travel and encourage more people to start walking or cycling. Among the key objectives supported by the bid are: • Promoting the local network of paths for walking and cycling between places locally - the South Downs National Park Authority focus on this aspect under Scheme 3O • Reducing road danger and perception of danger – Share the Road (Scheme 3E) • Using local data, communication and evaluation to develop programmes such as the Wightlink Partnership (Scheme 1D) • Including practical support and information about options (including public transport), e.g. Your Travel, Your Future (Scheme 3P)

Cycle Ambition The bid links closely with the government’s ambition for cycling. As well as being good for the health of the participating individuals, recreational cycling can improve the health of the local economy and wider community. This can be through the relief of congestion or an increase in the number of people who take up more cycling for utility purposes after enjoying the experience of a leisure ride. A number of schemes detailed in this bid build on work funded through the Cycle Ambition Grants which include a cycle docking station network in the New Forest (Scheme 2A), and improved cycle access to rail stations and cycle routes in the South Downs (Scheme 1E).

National Park Management Plans Both National Park Management Plans have policies and objectives aimed at reducing car travel across the National Parks. Policies aim to both provide and increase the use of an integrated public transport network, and encouraging active modes of travel by providing walking and cycling routes that meet the needs of both residents and visitors. The National Parks’ policies seek to strengthen their roles as sustainable tourism destinations developing distinctive and high quality experiences for visitors. This, in turn, will maximise economic benefits to the area whilst minimising environmental impacts of visitors.

Other LSTF Bids The bid has been developed to ensure that it aligns with and compliments LSTF bids in the neighbouring areas. Relevant bids include: ‘Supporting the economy by transforming travel connectivity in Rural Hampshire’ project, Valley Gardens East (Brighton & Hove City Council) and ‘East Sussex Growth Corridors – better ways to work and education’ (East Sussex County Council). Close cooperation with LSTF programmes being run in other National Parks will ensure that we can exchange experience and benefit from best practice elsewhere.

Behavioural change and identification of target populations The ‘Enabling behaviour change’ information pack provides helpful guidance to best understand what makes people change their behaviour. By understanding and embedding this theory into the sustainable travel schemes in this bid, the ability to change behaviour and ensure value for money (through targeted interventions) is maximised. The following issues have informed development of the schemes.

Table 7 - Issues and solutions

Issues Solutions in the bid The programme is geared towards Car travel within the National Parks is influenced comprehensive mode shift, with improvements to by a high car mode share of travel to the National rail gateways, cycle hire, bus route extensions Parks and service enhancements Proposals for improving information at bus Multi modal public transport journeys can be gateways, including Chichester, Lewes, difficult to plan due to a myriad of different Newhaven and Eastbourne; and marketing of operators and information sources bus services (e.g. Breeze); route guides for public transport and active modes Public transport services are less frequent, or do Proposals to extend the frequency and routes of not operate on Sundays and Bank Holidays, when certain bus services (e.g. Bluestar 6), particularly visitor numbers are high during the popular visitor periods

Proposals for new cycling hubs and cycle hire, Cycling is limited by lack of availability of cycle and the cycling navigation project, accompanied hire bikes at a wide range of locations by information such as route guides

Proposals to extend bus frequency during busy Many existing bus services are designed for the tourism periods, offer better information, and needs of the residential population and may not provide tourism training for public transport best meet the needs of visitors operators

We have analysed a significant number of visitor survey responses 4 to identify key visitor market segments. This information will allow us to tailor initiatives to specific target groups hence increasing the likelihood of real and sustained modal shift. Table 8 details three key groups which make up over a third of all visitors to the National Parks and describes

4 Customer Profile Report, Sustainable Travellers 2013 relevant characteristics and the most appropriate measures to encourage more sustainable travel.

Table 8 – Target populations to encourage more sustainable travel

% Mosaic Visitor % UK Attitudes towards Group pop’n pop’n Key characteristics sustainable travel Related schemes

New Forest Bike Docking Station Customer service Network and cycle has a high hire businesses; New Successful couples with importance. Likely to Forest Freedom of older children, Relative be more receptive to the Forest ticket conservative targeted ‘experience discount on cycle consumers, they will led’ sustainable hire; Cycling Professional pay a premium for high 15.8% 8.2% travel, such as cycle navigation project; Rewards quality services. Tend hire or bus tours New Forest guided to live in outer within the National experience; South suburban areas and Parks, rather than to Downs Cycle Hubs, rely on car travel for National Parks, as including cycle hire; non-commuting trips. likely to be car route guides and dependent. themed itineraries; Forest Bus and Beach Bus

Make decisions on a Both National Parks: Middle income families practical rather than Your travel, your with children living at emotional level. future - to encourage home. Relatively Likely to be attracted rail use, targeting Suburban 12.6% 11.0% mainstream tastes. to visitor packages children; cycling Mindsets Leisure time is likely to which facilitate promotion; events be led by children’s sustainable travel as and information activities. part of a wider leisure programme; cycle offer. hire and Cycle Hubs

Both National Parks: Bus route Keen to try new Young professional and improvements and products and educated living in inner information provision, services, already use cities. Adventurous including the Forest public transport travellers in their spare Bus, Beach Bus, and Liberal extensively and enjoy 10.8% 9.4% time with a keen Breeze services; Opinions active travel (walking interest in the cycling education and and cycling). Key environment. Frequent promotion in the target group for non- user of public transport, National Parks, rural car travel to the lower car use. Hampshire & Dorset; National Parks. car-free packages/holidays

Continuing to promote sustainable travel The current LSTF and Cycle Ambition grant funding programmes have included a full range of schemes that link in well with our proposed programme, in particular:

• Improving cycling and walking provision at rail stations, improving bus travel from stations, improving information about sustainable travel; • Linking to key destinations by bus, improving information about what the public transport network has to offer, and high quality walking and cycling routes; and • Partnerships with attractions and accommodation providers and travel awareness.

The schemes detailed in this bid take those aspirations one step further, building on the success of the existing schemes to further reduce car dependency through enhancing and promoting use of public transport, walking and cycling in and to the National Parks and to reduce the adverse effects of car travel such as peak period congestion, parking and air quality issues.

The existing programmes have been successful in growing cycle trips by almost 10% across both National Parks, in maintaining and in places increasing bus and rail use, and in decelerating the growth in car trips. This bid continues to focus on increasing public and active travel journeys and a reduction in car trips.

The seasonal nature of many visitor trips means that the summer months and certain school holiday periods see a peak of visitor arrivals in the National Parks, whilst there are also peaks at weekends. The majority of our interventions therefore take place during these busy periods in order to enable us to reach the largest possible audience and alleviate some of the problems caused by large numbers of car-borne visitors.

Measuring the success of the programme Table 9 details key measures of success. This highlights what outcomes will be achieved, given the successful implementation of the schemes detailed in this bid.

Table 9 – Measuring the success of the Programme Bid Outcome Element More visitors will make local transport journeys around the National Parks by sustainable modes instead of car. Also, a higher share of visitors will make trips to the National Parks by public transport, providing for an entirely sustainable travel visit.

A truly integrated sustainable transport experience for visitors will be possible through enabling simple interchanges between train, ferry, bus, cycling and cycle hire. Visitors feel able to make informed choices about their travel to and within the National Parks and are inspired to make more cycling and walking trips. The benefit to the local economy will increase as a result of higher spending by those travelling by sustainable modes. This in turn will help to support a greater number of jobs. Positive leisure experiences created in the National Parks will lead to new healthy travel habits when

Keygateways public transport visitors return home. Visitors are able to travel between attractions in the National Parks easily by public transport with high quality information supporting services between main visitor destinations and at times of high visitor demand. Improved ticketing and packages provide an incentive to travel more sustainably, rather than a barrier to use. Generates more ticket sales and makes attractions more accessible to those on low incomes. A wide range of visitor attractions are accessible without a car, with good links to key public transport gateways. Better access to attractions increases number of visitors and economic benefit. Improved services make it easier and more convenient to travel by public transport. Young travellers are inspired to travel more sustainably throughout their adult lives though positive experiences of sustainable travel whilst in the National Parks. Accessible Attractions Visitors to the National Parks are better informed about sustainable travel options before they leave home, encouraging an increasing number of visitors to travel to the National Parks by non-car modes. Visitors to the National Parks are better informed about sustainable travel options within the National Parks. Encouraging an increasing number of visitors to travel within the National Parks by non-car modes. Local economies within the National Parks will benefit from greater proportion of visitors staying overnight and by increased spend of those visitors coming to the National Parks by sustainable travel modes Existing jobs will be supported and around 100 new jobs created Packages Packages More visitors to the National Parks will use a combination of sustainable modes, e.g. rail and cycle.

Sustainable Travel CO 2 emissions will be reduced. Visitors will be introduced to healthy travel habits which last a lifetime. Consequences of the proposed project not being delivered If the schemes and initiative contained in this bid cannot be implemented, the potential for the National Parks as a leading sustainable tourism destination will not be realised to the same extent. In particular: • The benefits set out in Tables 10 and 11 will not be realised. • Visitors will have fewer sustainable transport options. As a result, planned reductions in car congestion during peak visitor periods will not be achieved, resulting in increased congestion and air quality issues, particularly during school holidays and at weekends when fewer public transport services would be available. • Economic growth within the visitor economy will not be fully realised as high car use affects the attractiveness of the National Parks to visitors (and reduces the potential increase in non-car based travellers who spend more). • Integration between sustainable transport modes and seamless interchange between improved train, ferry, bus, cycling and cycle hire options will not be fully realised, compromising opportunities for visitors seeking to arrive and continue their travel without a car. • Attempts to jointly enhance the leisure experience and health from increasing physical activity levels will not be fully realised, undermining efforts to improve public health and reduce obesity levels; which currently stands at 68.6% for people living in the New Forest 5. • Current investment in sustainable transport infrastructure and services will not see the same rate of return due to fewer people using them.

B3. The Economic Case – Value for Money Economic To estimate value for money, we have assessed the benefits of the bid based on decongestion, value of reduced carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, value of improved health through physical activity, and contribution to the visitor economy. Based on our calculations, as set out in Appendix D, the headline impacts of the package of measures are shown in the info graphic below:

To make this assessment, the following tools and guidance, recognised and recommended by the DfT, have been applied: • The World Health Organisation’s Health Economic Assessment Tool (HEAT)

5 Active People Survey, Public Health England, 2012 • Decongestion benefits using standard methods recommended by DfT • Carbon calculations carried forward from previous bids for consistency

Table 10 provides an outline of the extensive non-monetised benefits across this proposed programme, showing significant reductions in number and distance of car journeys, whilst simultaneously showing an impressive increase in cycling levels.

Table 10 - Summary of non-monetary benefits across the programme

Factor Metric Expected decrease in number of annual car journeys 130,600 Expected decrease in number of annual car km’s 8,995,190

Reduced CO 2 emissions (t) 8,785 Visitors who cycle 356,801

Benefits from the proposed programme have been monetised across a number of themes, shown in Table 11. Table 11 - Summary of estimated monetary benefits

At end of 2015/16 (£) Factor Based on 6p/km Based on 12p/km User benefits 2,838,000 2,838,000 Decongestion 3,520,000 7,040,000 Infrastructure 59,000 59,000 Reduction in accidents 2,021,000 2,021,000 Local air quality and noise 147,000 147,000 Reduced greenhouse gases 6 473,000 473,000 Health and reduced absenteeism benefits - 2,648,000 - 2,648,000 Bus revenue benefits 14,710,000 14,710,000 21,120,000 24,641,000 Total (BCR 7.0:1) (BCR 8.1:1) Visitor Economy benefit 5,916,600 5,916,600

The appraisal period considered is ten years. The forecast year is 2015/16. The calculations include 20% optimism bias at this stage.

Key Assumptions • The average car trip distance is 52 miles 7 • The average car occupancy is 1.6 people • The user benefit per passenger is 5.2 generalised minutes 8 • The proportion of new cyclists who would not otherwise been physically active is 25% 9 • The price per tonne of CO 2 emissions is valued at £29 • The cost of congestion is estimated to be between 6p and 12p per km 10

6 Includes CO2 and other greenhouse gases 7 Visitor Travel Case Study: Sustainable Travel Choices User Survey 2013, 8 Based on an average generalised cost of 79 minutes per trip, a 25% change in demand from car and a demand elasticity with respect to change in generalised cost of -1 9 See https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/48184/3136-guide-carbon-valuation- methodology.pdf 10 See https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/4428/chap21.pdf

• Visitor economy contribution is based on a conservative value using day visitor spend data

The Health and Economic Assessment Tool (HEAT) estimates the value of reduced mortality that results from regular walking or cycling. The results from this programme are shown below, reinforcing the additional cycling and walking kilometres and trips that arise from our proposals. Table 12 - HEAT model Outputs

As a result As a result Current of the Current of the Situation proposed Situation proposed programme programme Measure Cycling Walking

Average distance cycled / walked per person 14.4km 14.4km 7.5km 7.5km per year Reduction in the risk of mortality 1% 1% 0.50% 0.50%

Annual estimate of existing and projected 342,126 356,801 8,250,000 8,850,000 cycling/walking individuals Additional cyclists / walking - 14,675 600,000

We have examined the predicted changes in car mode share and resulting reduction in car km, applying this to existing carbon emissions (CO 2) figures to generate predicted CO 2 savings.

11 Table 13 - Forecast changes in car mode share and tonnes CO 2 saved

2011/12 2012/13 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 Total Car mode share Staying visitors: travel around New Forest 86% 85% 82% 77% 75% Staying visitors: travel to/from New Forest 96% 95% 93% 90% 89% Day visitors: travel to/from New Forest 97% 96% 94% 90% 88% Day visitors: travel to/from South Downs 88% 88% 87% 86% 85%

Tonnes CO 2 saved (net) Staying visitors: travel around New Forest 90 358 448 990 1,886 Staying visitors: travel to/from New Forest 0 128 513 642 896 2,179 Day visitors: travel to/from New Forest 0 318 1,274 1,592 2,862 6,046 Day visitors: travel to/from South Downs 538 2,153 2,691 4,037 9,419 Total 0 1,075 4,298 5,373 8,785 19,531

A description of the key risks and uncertainties are included in Appendix E. A completed Scheme Impacts Pro Forma for each scheme is included in as part of Appendix D .

11 Carbon calculations for 15/16 follow methodology used to calculate CO2 saving in original LSTF bid. This is based on a methodology developed by Alistair Kirkbride for the Lake District. B4. The Financial Case – Project Costs Table 14 - : Funding profile (Nominal terms) £000s 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21 Total DfT funding sought £2,053 - - - - - £2,053 Local Authority contribution* £338.1 £200 £200 £200 £200 £200 £1,338.1 Third Party contribution including £707.5 £250 £250 £250 £250 £250 £1,957.5 LGF** TOTAL £3,098.6 £5,348.6

*While local authority and NPA budgets beyond 2015 are not confirmed we envisage that a minimum spend of £200k on sustainable transport related initiatives drawn from Staff time, operational budgets, CIL and 106 contributions.

** We would envisage continued investment and maintenance of schemes initiated under the LSTF 1 & 2 programmes from operators and key stakeholders

B5. Management Case - Delivery See Gantt chart included in Appendix F.

B6. Management Case – Statutory Powers and Consents N/A B7. Management Case – Governance The Governance structure for the existing programme is set out as an organogram in Appendix G . This is structure has been proven to work effectively for the current programme and it is proposed to maintain this structure in 2015/16.

All Local Authority partners are represented on a Programme Board which meets regularly, and are kept informed by the Programme Manager. The Board is chaired by Hampshire County Council, as lead authority and accountable body. Underneath this are three Project Boards, a Joint Project Board, covering schemes of interest across both National Parks, and two individual Project Boards covering each National Park.

Representatives of the programme also attend wider stakeholder and community meetings, such as Community Rail Partnerships, in order to update and involve stakeholders in the programme management.

B8. Management Case - Risk Management The risk register in Appendix E summarises the key risks to delivery of this project and indicates planned measures for managing these risks. A full risk register covering the specific risks to each component of the project will be prepared once funding is secured.

B9. Management Case - Stakeholder Management Can the scheme be considered as controversial in any way? Yes No

Have there been any external campaigns either supporting or opposing the scheme?

Yes No

Key stakeholders Influence and interests Communication mechanism Local Enterprise Partnerships Delivering economic growth Updates to LEP Boards Local Authority Partners Key role in programme governance and Core members of the LSTF Programme delivery Board. Formal committee reports to members and informal briefings as appropriate Key stakeholders Influence and interests Communication mechanism Tourism Business Community Support is critical to the success of the Updates via the of programme Commerce, tourism networks, and Destination Management Organisation channels Parish councils and local Local leadership role. Mechanism for Presentations to meetings as interest groups communicating with local residents at a appropriate grassroots level. Transport operators Key delivery bodies Regular meetings and updates

Residents and visitors Target audience Multi-channel media campaigns

Other key partners e.g. Key partner organisations Regular engagement through Community Rail Partnerships, stakeholder updates prepared by the Sustrans programme manager

B10. The Commercial Case Procurement Strategy Each scheme within our programme will be led by one of the local authority partners. Where the local authority partner is not the delivery body for the scheme, the local authority partner will follow its adopted ‘Standing orders as to contract’ procedures to engage the market to identify the most suitable supplier in line with best practice procurement standards. There are minor variations between the ‘Standing orders as to contract’ procedures across the local authority partners, but all allow for suppliers to be efficiently sourced in the time window between successful bid announcements and commencement of delivery. Partners are able to commence procurement immediately following the outcome of the competitive bidding process.

Role and procurement responsibilities are set out in the current MOU, which will be extended to cover 2015/16. It provides a proven approach which has worked well in the implementation of the current programme, and no significant procurement issues have arisen to date. Procurement features in our risk management strategy, and where issues are identified, mitigating measures will be introduced to ensure that delivery is unaffected.

Our highway authority programme partners are also part of ‘framework’ agreements, which can provide supply chain efficiencies.

Commercial Viability Through our current programme we have demonstrated how LSTF funding can be used to develop commercially viable transport solutions. The New Forest Tour is an excellent example of this, with the new Blue Route adopting a ‘phased withdrawal’ approach to subsidy i.e. initial LSTF support in 2013 will be reduced in 2014 with the product commercially viable in 2015. This approach has been proven to work with the New Forest Tour Red and Green routes (pre-LSTF). This approach was rolled out to other bus services across both National Parks such as the Metrobus 271, which is working towards becoming commercially viable, and to other LSTF programmes.

SECTION C – Monitoring, Evaluation and Benefits Realisation C1. Monitoring and Evaluation Out of approximately 50 projects that currently receive LSTF funding nationally only a small number focus on visitor travel. Visitor travel – and especially how to change visitor travel behaviour – is poorly understood in comparison to utility and urban travel. These LSTF programmes therefore provide a major opportunity to understand how visitor travel contributes to the rural economy, and learn how best to change visitor travel behaviour to maximise carbon reduction.

A bespoke Visitor Travel Case Study is being carried out for the current LSTF phase focusing on the Two National Parks and GoLakes programmes. Both programmes address the problems of car-borne visitor travel and are in the process of implementing a series of innovative schemes that preserve and enhance the economic viability of the National Parks while reducing the negative impact of visitor travel.

For 2015/16, we proposed to continue our monitoring and evaluation partnership with the Lake District and Appendix H provides an outline framework of our proposed approach.

There are also benefits from collaborating with other LSTF bids covering similar geography and/or target markets. This will provide a wider catchment for analysis and therefore a much more accurate picture of the outcomes of successful interventions and projects. Potential collaborative monitoring partnerships have already been identified with the Lake District National Parks, Transport for South Hampshire LSTF programme and the Isle of Wight LSTF programme.

SECTION D - Declarations

D1. Senior Responsible Owner Declaration As Senior Responsible Owner for The Two National Parks LSTF Programme (2015/16 extension) I hereby submit this request for approval to DfT on behalf of Hampshire County Council and confirm that I have the necessary authority to do so.

I confirm that Hampshire County Council will have all the necessary statutory powers in place to ensure the planned timescales in the application can be realised. Name: Keith Willcox Signed:

Position: Head of Strategic Transport

D2. Section 151 Officer Declaration

As Section 151 Officer for Hampshire County Council I declare that the scheme cost estimates quoted in this bid are accurate to the best of my knowledge and that Hampshire County Council has allocated sufficient budget to deliver this scheme on the basis of its proposed funding contribution; accepts responsibility for meeting any costs over and above the DfT contribution requested, including potential cost overruns and the underwriting of any funding contributions expected from third parties; accepts responsibility for meeting any ongoing revenue and capital requirements in relation to the scheme; accepts that no further increase in DfT funding will be considered beyond the maximum contribution requested and that no DfT funding will be provided after 2015/16; confirms that the authority has the necessary governance / assurance arrangements in place and the authority can provide, if required, evidence of a stakeholder analysis and communications plan in place. Name: Robert Carr Signed: