A TRAVEL PLAN FOR THE ISMAILI JAMATKHANA AND CENTRE

Transcription

TRAVEL PLAN FOR
BERKSHIRE COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE,
MAIDENHEAD
30 November 2009
Travel Plan for Berkshire College of Agriculture, Maidenhead
CONTENTS
page
FOREWORD
3
1
INTRODUCTION
4
2
BACKGROUND
The College
Outcomes
Benefits
Scope of the plan
Conclusions
6
6
8
8
9
9
3
OBJECTIVES
Policy context
Objectives
Why we are doing a Travel Plan
10
10
10
12
4
SITE AUDIT
Introduction
Location
Road access and car use
Motorcycling
Bus services
Train services
Cycling and walking
Transport policy audit
Conclusions
16
16
16
17
18
18
23
24
26
28
5
TARGETS
Targets for staff, student and visitor travel
Links with objectives
29
29
31
6
MEASURES
Introduction
Walking
Cycling and motorcycling
Public transport
Car use and parking
Other measures
Examples of ‘quick wins’
32
32
32
32
34
36
39
39
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7
TRAVEL PLAN CO-ORDINATOR
Introduction
Travel Plan Co-ordinator
Steering and Working Groups
Working in partnership
40
40
40
40
40
8
MARKETING AND PROMOTION STRATEGY
Introduction
Actions
41
41
41
9
MONITORING
Surveys
Postcode plotting
Review
Actions
Timetable
43
43
44
45
45
45
10
ONGOING MANAGEMENT
Financing
Links with other corporate policies
Networking
46
46
46
46
APPENDICES
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
EXTERNAL HOSPITALITY EVENTS 2009
STAFF SURVEY FORM
STUDENT SURVEY FORM
BUSY BEES NURSERY SURVEY FORM
VISITOR SURVEY FORM
SURVEY RESULTS
SAMPLE WALKING LEAFLET
SAMPLE CYCLING LEAFLET
DRIVING TIPS
47
54
57
60
61
62
68
70
72
TABLES
1
2
3
4
MODAL SHARE TARGETS FOR STAFF TRAVEL
MODAL SHARE TARGETS FOR STUDENT TRAVEL
MODAL SHARE TARGETS FOR BUSY BEES/VISITOR TRAVEL
LINKS BETWEEN OBJECTIVES, TARGETS AND ACTIONS
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31
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2
FOREWORD
We can’t go on as we are. Travel has to change. There is too much traffic, but people
need to realise that they are the traffic! The College is very concerned about the
congestion, air pollution, carbon dioxide, ill health and other impacts of too much traffic
and is keen to do its bit.
This Travel Plan sets out our approach to minimising traffic and increasing the travel
choices available to staff, students and visitors. People will be encouraged to car share
and use public transport as much as possible, also to cycle if that is realistic for them.
Many will still need to use cars but alternatives will be possible for some so long as there
are encouragements, improvements and more information.
It can take time to change travel habits. People need to be supported. The Travel Plan
does that with a set of costed actions and a Co-ordinator to develop, implement,
promote and monitor the plan.
The College recognises the importance of the Travel Plan. It supports the initiatives of
the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead to reduce traffic and improve the quality
of life in the community. The College will work in partnership with the council, also with
public transport operators, and is committed to the Travel Plan’s success.
Peter Thorn, Principal and Chief Executive
John Wilder, Chair of Corporation
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1
INTRODUCTION
1.1
This is a Travel Plan for the Berkshire College of Agriculture (BCA), a Further
Education college at Burchett’s Green, near Maidenhead. It will fulfill planning conditions
for Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the College’s expansion. Phase 1 was completed in 2006,
so compliance with the condition is overdue; and Phase 2 received planning permission
in 2007 and is largely completed. The condition for this phase requires a Travel Plan
prior to occupation.
1.2
An existing Travel Plan that has been updated in draft to 2008 has been drawn
upon, along with comments from the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead
(RBWM), and relevant council policies and guidance. This Travel Plan shows the
considerable number of actions already being undertaken and the high expenditure
involved, not least in subsidising bus services and fares, and operating minibuses.
1.3
Travel Plans are a package of measures for reducing ‘drive alone’ car use and
extending travel choice. But they are increasingly being done not just to minimise traffic
levels but also to minimise levels of air pollution and carbon dioxide emissions, and to
improve health/exercise, principally through ‘active travel’ (cycling and walking). The
challenge at BCA is that the site is out-of-town, in the Green Belt. Nevertheless, surveys
have shown scope for some changes in travel, if encouragements and support are
provided.
1.4
The plan is set out as follows:
Chapter 2 – Background, the context for doing the plan
Chapter 3 – Objectives, to focus the plan
Chapter 4 – A transport audit of the site, also an audit of the College’s transport
policies
Chapter 5 – Targets, that develop the objectives and enable monitoring
Chapter 6 – Measures, the all-important Action Plan
Chapter 7– Travel Plan Co-ordinator, the person to take charge of the plan
Chapter 8 – A marketing and promotion strategy, for raising awareness
Chapter 9 – Monitoring, the arrangements for measuring progress and success
Chapter 10 – Ongoing management, future resourcing of the plan
1.5
The plan has been prepared with the aid of Transport Planning Consultant David
Hurdle, a Chartered Transport Planner and Town Planner. As well as his Travel Plan
experience, including in the education sector, it draws upon:
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Department for Transport (DfT) guidance and research, e.g. The Essential Guide
to Travel Planning, 2008; and DfT/Department of Health’s ‘Delivering Sustainable
Low Carbon Travel: An Essential Guide for Local Authorities’, 2009.
RBWM documents including the Local Transport Plan 2006-2011; and Travel
Plan guidance in Supplementary Planning Documents.
Higher Education Partnership for Sustainability’s ‘Travel Planning for
Sustainability’, 2003.
SUSTRANS ‘Active Travel’ material.
Other relevant good practice, and research and evidence of actual activity
elsewhere.
Information about tax concessions on www.hmrc.gov.uk/green-transport/travelplans.htm
1.6
The College would like to thank RBWM for their assistance and comments so
far and looks forward to working with them on the plan’s development and
implementation.
1.7
Staff, students and unions are being fully involved in this plan’s development,
and consultations are ongoing.
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2
BACKGROUND
The College
2.1
BCA is a Regional College of Further and Higher Education with a 400 acre
campus, providing specialist training, education and development. It offers full time and
part time courses in vocational skills and lifelong learning. It operates from a single
campus at Burchetts Green, four miles west of Maidenhead, and serves urban and rural
areas of Berkshire, Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and West London. Higher Education
programmes are offered in partnership with university colleges, the Buckinghamshire
New University and the University of Reading. As an Action for Business College it
works closely with employers, meeting training needs and developing staff.
2.2
There are 225 staff (150 full time equivalents) and over 2,000 students. As well
as 16-18 year olds and adults of all ages it provides vocational courses for 14-16 year
olds from local schools. 26 staff and 85 students live in residential accommodation on
the site. This obviously helps in reducing travel to the site. There are wide attendance
variations between days. Wednesdays and Fridays are quietest, with the latter being a
half day for most students. The facilities include – Animal Centre, Construction Centre,
Learning Centre, Equestrian Centre, Floristry Workshops, and Motor Vehicle Workshop.
2.3
But the campus comprises much more than a college:
Hall Place is a Grade One listed Georgian mansion house. It comprises function
rooms and a purpose built conference centre for courses, conferences and
weddings. There is the option of a marquee on the back lawn to cater for up to
300 guests.
Hall Place
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Hall Place Business Solutions is operated by the College and provides training
events for businesses.
Events are held for the public ranging from school visits - an average of 50 11-16
year olds visit the college every day; ‘family days out’, e.g. a Lambing and Open
Day weekend’ each year in April; to indoor and outdoor equestrian events such
as dressage, show jumping and horse trials. Appendix A lists 212 such ‘External
Hospitality’ events in the current year, some lasting more than one day, and
numbers attending where known.
The annual open weekend in April 2009 attracted about 12,000 visitors
Busy Bees is a 60-place, privately run, nursery, providing care and education for
children aged 3 months – 5 years and also on site training facilities for students
undertaking childcare courses at the College. A 2006 planning approval required
a Travel Plan.
2.4
From the above it can be seen that the site can generate not only significant
amounts of travel but considerable day-to-day variations in that travel. For example,
one day Hall Place might have a small gathering of 20 people for an evening celebration
but on another day have a dance or a wedding with 300 guests; and an outdoor event
could attract several thousand visitors over a weekend. Clearly this Travel Plan needs to
develop as a ‘Visitor Travel Plan’ as much as a ‘College Travel Plan’.
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2.5
As noted in 1.1 work is almost complete on a major capital investment
programme to upgrade the College’s facilities. Three new buildings, opened in
September 2009, now provide improved teaching and practical space for the number of
vocational courses. They comprise a Science Building, Skills Centre and an Exotics
Centre for Animal Care courses. A fourth building, a general teaching centre, will open in
2010.
2.6
The campus has 343 car parking spaces, located in several different places, see
chapter 4. An important point to note is that the above extensive redevelopment does
not result in any increase in car parking spaces.
Outcomes
2.7
The Travel Plan will enable the College to:
Set a good example and be a ‘Good Corporate Citizen’, ‘employer of choice’ and
‘good neighbour’.
Complement the College’s environmental and carbon reduction work; an Ofsted
report this year noted the College’s commitment to sustainable development “in
its building programme: the construction of a bio-mass boiler and use of ecointelligent technologies in other buildings”.
Reduce pressure on car parking spaces.
Encourage more sustainable travel and widen travel choices.
Manage car parking effectively.
Complement the estates function to enhance the legibility and functionality of the
site, so creating an environment that provides a good first impression of a well
managed campus.
Feed into and support related corporate issues such as health and safety,
wellbeing and Corporate Social Responsibility.
Benefits
2.8
There are benefits to the College as an employer, to staff, students and users of
the site, and to the local community. Users will benefit from reduced stress and an
uncongested site. The local community will benefit from less traffic, from public transport
improvements, and from a generally better environment. Benefits to the College include
its image locally - ‘doing its bit’ to minimise traffic, air pollution and carbon dioxide.
Furthermore, a Travel Plan that offers a good package of travel choices and benefits
can aid staff recruitment, retention and productivity and reduce sickness absence, see
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‘Travel plan benefits for employers: Making the human resources links’ on
www.nbtn.org.uk/publications.aspx under ‘Research’.
Scope of the plan
2.9
The main travel addressed at this moment in time is commuting by staff and
students; also visitors to the College other than for special events. This accounts for
most of the regular travel to the campus. However, the Plan will be developed to cover
all the travel it generates:
Staff business travel, albeit this is fairly limited
Travel by visitors to special events – initially this is largely being addressed
through the marketing and promotion strategy, see chapter 8
Travel by contractors, and deliveries
The College’s vehicle fleet
Staff of Busy Bees
Conclusions
2.10
There are several points to note in relation to travel to the site:
1. As well as travel by staff and students, and this varies in amount from day to day,
there are many other activities that generate travel, such as training, functions
and equestrian events, which vary even more in their occurrence and magnitude.
2. The out-of-town location makes access by (public) bus services, and by bike
problematic.
3. 4% of students and 7% of staff live on the site thereby reducing travel to it.
4. The current redevelopment will not result in any increase in car parking provision.
5. The College heavily subsidises bus operation and fares for students.
6. The College plays an important role in the local community, working with schools
and employers. This Plan will help to enhance this role and set an example.
The College’s out-of-town location makes bus and cycle access difficult
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3
OBJECTIVES
Policy context
3.1
The Travel Plan takes account of relevant national and local government issues,
policies and actions. These reflect:
Encouraging sustainable travel
Reducing the need to travel
Reducing car use
Expanding travel choice
Reducing carbon emissions
and are summarised in the box overleaf.
Objectives
3.2
These are essential in a Travel Plan to provide a direction and a focus. One of
the main reasons for doing the plan, reflecting the above policies, is to minimise car use.
The Borough needs less traffic! So, the following seven objectives reflect this overall aim
and support the RBWM’s local transport objectives. They seek not just to reduce traffic
but to minimise it. They also seek to widen travel choice. And then not only to publicise
the alternatives but to promote them:
1. To minimise car use to the site, whilst recognising that car use will remain an
important form of travel for many people.
2. To make the most efficient use of the car parking, and achieve the right balance
between staff, student and public parking.
3. To widen the travel choices to the site.
4. To improve access for those whose mobility is impaired.
5. To promote actively the non-car choices, and set an example.
6. To ensure that everyone using the site is aware of the Travel Plan and its
purpose, and that staff and students are involved in it.
7. Tie in the Travel Plan with other College-wide policies and ensure that awareness
of sustainability issues is included in the College curriculum.
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SUMMARY OF RELEVANT NATIONAL AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT POLICIES
Central Government
Planning Policy Guidance on Transport in 2001 (PPG13) urges the “widespread use” of Travel Plans, with local
authorities expected to set “local targets for the adoption of travel plans by local businesses and other organisations
and to set an example by adopting their own plans”. The Transport White Paper of 2004 reiterates the view in the
1998 White Paper that Travel Plans can be very effective in reducing traffic levels. It continues to promote the (Travel
Plan) approach, “making sure that the public sector leads by example”. The Department for Transport’s (DfT’s)
‘Smarter Choices – changing the way we travel’, also in 2004, outlines the “considerable potential for behavioural
interventions such as school and workplace travel plans”.
The Equality Act 2006, operative from April 2007, requires all public bodies to eliminate unlawful discrimination and to
promote equality between men and women. These duties have implications for transport accessibility and provision.
For example, women tend to travel shorter distances, walk more, travel with children and feel a greater risk of attack
than men.
The Planning White Paper in 2007, ‘Planning for a Sustainable Future’, states “We have put climate change at the
centre of what is expected from good planning”.
A Planning Policy Statement on Planning and Climate Change, published in December 2007, singles out cycling,
walking and car parking management. It urges planning authorities to “create and secure opportunities for sustainable
transport in line with PPG13 including through the preparation and submission of travel plans; providing for safe and
attractive walking and cycling opportunities including, where appropriate, secure cycle parking and changing facilities;
and an appropriate approach to the provision and management of car parking”.
The Climate Change Act 2008 and the 2009 Budget set very challenging targets for reducing greenhouse gas
emissions - by at least 22% by 2012, 34% by 2020 and 80% by 2050 - compared with 1990 levels. This legislation
has been followed up by a Carbon Reduction Strategy for Transport, July 2009; and, due by the end of 2009, a
National Cycle Plan for “delivering a cycling revolution across the country”; and a Department for Transport (DfT) and
Department of Health (DH) Active Transport Strategy to “encourage low carbon transport options that also promote
personal health and wellbeing”. The DfT/DH’s ‘Delivering Sustainable Low Carbon Travel: An Essential Guide for
Local Authorities’, November 2009, reaffirms the importance of sustainable, low carbon travel and the need to target
FE and HE establishments.
South East Region
One of the principles of the Regional Transport Strategy for the South East is “rebalancing the structure and use of
the transport system in favour of more sustainable modes”. Travel Plans are seen as “an integral element of the
mobility management approach” with local authorities taking a “leading role in engaging the public, business
community, health sector, education sector and transport industry in a meaningful partnership that promotes the coordinated development and implementation of travel plans”.
Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead
The council’s Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 acknowledges that “Realistically, the car will continue to play a
significant role in catering for the area's transport needs for the foreseeable future, but we aim to gradually achieve a
reduced dependence on the car”. It aims to reduce the growth in road traffic and to widen travel choice.
Travel Plans are a key feature in the above approach and the Supplementary Planning Documents ‘Planning
Obligations and Developer Contributions, A Developers’ Guide’, Part 1, 2005, along with Part2, 2008, explain when a
Travel Plan will be required and what they should contain.
The council’s Sustainable Modes of Travel Strategy, 2009, arises from the Education and Inspections Act 2006 and
aims to make education related travel more sustainable; its remit includes the College. Actions include working with
the College “and the East Berkshire Skills Centre to develop travel plans for their sites and link with existing STPs for
secondary schools” and to “Explore the potential for use of ICT to minimise the need to travel to campus”.
The Community Strategy 2007-2013 wants “a wider choice of ways of getting about including car sharing ....”;
supports Travel Plans, and wants the National Cycle Network developed in the Borough.
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3.3
These objectives are developed by:
The setting of targets, in Chapter 5
The measures comprising the Action Plan, in Chapter 6
Through the Travel Plan Co-ordinator’s work, Chapter 7 and
Through raising awareness with a Marketing and Promotion Strategy, Chapter 8
Why we are doing a Travel Plan
Traffic reduction
3.4
Traffic will continue to grow unless preventative actions are taken. The rate of
traffic growth clearly needs to be reduced and the policies of national and local
government support this. Indeed the RBWM has a specific target for new developments:
“The daily car/employee ratio should not exceed 70% at any time during the first
year of occupation of the site and shall be reduced a further 5% each year for the
next two years. The target will be renegotiated with the Council every three years.
This means that not more than 70 employees should drive cars to the site (or
vicinity of the site) per day for every 100 people in the first year and will reduce to
60 employee cars per day for every 100 people for the third year”.
3.5
There are environmental, health and many other benefits from less traffic. The
Travel Plan itself is a process, so this document is just the start of it. Travel has to
change and the College wants to do its bit and set an example. Nevertheless given its
out-of-town location and poor public transport there are still many journeys to the site
that will need to be made by car.
3.6
Car parking at the site is generally sufficient for day to day requirements but
demand can exceed supply when a large function during the week clashes with a busy
student day. Car parking problems are a common prompt for doing a Travel Plan.
Inconsiderate and over-parking can delay and demotivate staff, inconvenience visitors,
convey a bad impression, as well as raise health and safety issues with emergency
access, escape routes and assembly points hindered.
Air pollution
3.7
Travel Plans are now a proven way to reduce ‘drive alone’ car use and extend
travel choice. But they are increasingly being done not just to minimise traffic levels but
also to minimise levels of air pollution. 225 local authorities have had to declare Air
Quality Management Areas (AQMAs) because levels of certain pollutants are
exceeding, or are likely to exceed, government/EU standards, and have, legally, to be
reduced. RBWM’s Air Quality Action Plan identified Maidenhead town centre as an
AQMA in 2005 and that Travel Plans are a ‘high impact, low cost’ action in reducing
pollution.
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3.8
The UK has the highest incidence of asthma in Europe and traffic pollution can
trigger attacks. Air pollution is currently estimated as reducing the life expectancy of
every UK citizen by an average of 7-8 months. Travel Plans have a major role to play.
The government’s latest national air quality strategy, published in July 2007, notes that:
“Recent research has shown that some pollutants are more dangerous than
previously thought and we need to act faster and take further measures ….”.
“Pollutants from sources such as cars …. are still having a marked effect on our
health ….”.
“We are expected to miss objectives on three of our nine pollutants”.
3.9
The government’s latest strategy includes a new target and this will affect all local
authorities, not just those who have declared AQMAs. It is to reduce exposure to the
smallest particulates, PM2.5, by reducing their concentration at urban background
monitoring sites across the UK by 15% between 2010 and 2020. The government’s
latest ‘Local Air Quality Management Policy Guidance’, published in February 2009, is
very supportive of so-called ‘Smarter Choices’ (which include Travel Plans) in reducing
air pollution - “Where Smarter Choice measures are implemented within a supportive
policy context (for example, re-allocation of road capacity, improvements to public
transport service levels or cycle networks), they can be effective in facilitating choices to
reduce car use .....”. Thus complementary action by local transport authorities is vital,
reflecting the fact that Travel Plans are indeed partnerships.
Carbon dioxide
3.10 The climate change debate took off in a big way in 2007 with many organisations
taking action to reduce their ‘carbon footprint’. Transport accounts for a significant
proportion of emissions and the trend is worrying. It is the only sector where emissions
are increasing, as the graph overleaf shows. The facts speak for themselves:
Travelling one mile by car produces 296g of CO2
Travelling one mile by bus produces 133g of CO2
Travelling one mile by bike produces 0g of CO2
Travelling one mile on foot produces 0g of CO2
3.11 The Climate Change Act 2008 highlights the urgency of reducing CO2 emissions
and sets challenging targets, subsequently tightened by the 2009 Budget. The current
target for 2020 is for greenhouse gas emissions to be down by at least 34% from 1990,
though this may increase to 42% if an international agreement is reached later this year.
It is clearly now incumbent upon any organisation that generates travel to play its part.
3.12 The FE/HE sector is actively pursuing carbon reduction and the link with Travel
Plans:
A report for the Learning Skills Council in 2008 advised on a ‘route to zero carbon
for FE colleges’.
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The Environmental Association of Universities and Colleges (EAUC) sees Travel
Plans as an important part of carbon reduction.
Recent draft guidance on carbon management strategies and plans from the
Higher Education Funding Council for England acknowledges the role of Travel
Plans and advises on how to calculate carbon emissions from travel.
The College commits to embodying carbon reduction in this Travel Plan.
CO2 emissions from industry, domestic, transport sectors (excluding
international aviation and shipping), 1990 to 20051
Health
3.13 Increasingly the health/exercise debate is featuring in Travel Plans with the Chief
Medical Officer noting in his 2002 Annual Report that “The Government has recently set
a challenging target for 70% of the population to be active by 2020. The target - at least
30 minutes a day of a moderate activity, such as brisk walking - will only be achieved by
helping people to build activity into their daily lives, in addition to encouraging
participation in sports. Therefore, addressing transport to ensure that walking and
cycling can be built into daily life will be key."
3.14 The Public Health White Paper in November 2004 stressed the importance of
cycling and walking for good health and fitness. Nearly two-thirds of men and over half
of women in England are overweight or obese, and most people do not take enough
1
Extracted from www.sustainable-development.gov.uk/progress/national/2.htm
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exercise to provide cardiac benefit. Spending too much time in cars is part of the
problem.
3.15 The Government’s ‘Healthy Weight, Healthy Lives: A Cross-Government Strategy
for England’ published in January 2008, refers to an epidemic, with 9 in 10 adults and
two-thirds of children being overweight or obese by 2050 unless clear action is taken.
Such action includes a ‘Walking into Health’ campaign, “e.g. encouraging walking to and
from work”, and ‘Healthy Towns’. ‘Be Active, Be Healthy: A Plan for Getting the Nation
Moving’, published by the government in February 2009, sets out a new framework for
delivering physical activity; estimates the cost of inactivity as about £8.3 billion every
year; and pilots a campaign for employers to incentivise active commuting - cycling and
walking. A particular aim of the Plan is to transfer car trips of under two miles to cycling
and walking.
3.16 Given the rural location of the College cycling and walking is not going to be a
realistic option for many people. However, there are cycle routes in the area and public
footpaths to/from and across the campus. Therefore, so-called ‘active travel’ may be an
option for some, even if only one or two days a week, or walking/jogging at lunchtimes.
This is discussed further in chapter 4.
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4
SITE AUDIT
Introduction
4.1
This chapter describes the site and its transport features – the good and the bad
– regarding access, car parking, walking, cycling and bus routes/facilities. It also
describes College policies that affect how people travel.
Location
4.2
The map below shows the site’s location, west of the A4130 and A404.
1 square = 1000m
The following should be noted:
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Buildings do not front onto public roads, making access by bus difficult; the
nearest stops are in Burchetts Green Road immediately south of the roundabout,
necessitating a three quarter mile walk up the drive.
There is a public footpath across the site.
There is an on-road cycle route nearby.
4.3
The next map, on page 19, which the College has on its website and in
prospectuses, shows the wider context, and provides directions for reaching the site by
road. On the website information is also given about rail and air travel, including the
National Rail Enquiries telephone number and how long (10 minutes) a taxi journey from
Maidenhead or Marlow station takes.
Road access and car use
4.4
Vehicle access is only from Burchetts Green Road. The College has been
required to limit car and delivery access to only come from the A404 direction and not
through Burchetts Green village due to lobbying by local residents. The driveway and
the rest of the site has a speed limit of 15 mph, albeit there are few repeater signs.
However, some road humps help to reinforce the limit. The driveway is unlit and does
not have any paths for pedestrians or cyclists. There is an additional vehicle access to
the west at Honey Lane near Top Farm. However this is only open until 7.30pm in term
time. Finally, there is an access to the south onto Honey Lane but this is kept
permanently closed for security purposes.
The drive has a low speed limit, but is unlit, with no paths for pedestrians or cyclists
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4.5
On site there are plentiful double yellow lines, mostly respected. There are four
main car parks, see map on page 20, some covered by CCTV. Dedicated student ones
are at the southern and western ends of the site, although no doubt because of the
distance from the former some students use visitors’ spaces. A staff car park is at the
western end and a visitors’ one near the Learning Centre and main reception. There are
other smaller car parking areas. There is some ‘overspilling’ within the site. Total car
parking spaces amount to 343 of which 9 are for disabled people, see map on page 20.
4.6
As already noted the current development does not increase car parking
provision.
4.7
Most car parks are not metalled. All car parks anywhere require to be maintained,
whether it be surfacing, signing, white lining, lighting and so on. Any reduction in the
number of spaces due to the effects of the Travel Plan could save money, that could be
ploughed back into financing the Plan.
4.8
All staff and students can apply for a free, voluntary permit to park. This is mainly
for identification purposes, has to be displayed in vehicles, but does not entitle the user
to a parking space. Visitors park free. There are no car parking barriers.
4.9
There is some informal car sharing but no formal scheme. And RBWM does not
operate a scheme.
4.10 The College has a vehicle fleet that includes 6 minibuses, see below, and three
leased cars. Staff can use the latter on business trips, so the number of business
mileage claims is negligible.
Motorcycling
4.11 Motorcycles park in the car parks, there being no motorcycle shelters. RBWM’s
parking standards state that “Travel Plans should indicate the expected level of demand
for motorcycle parking and make provision for safe and secure motorcycle parking
where appropriate”.
Bus services
4.12 The out-of-town location means the college is at a major disadvantage when it
comes to bus services. The only service is the 239, Maidenhead – Henley, operated by
Courtney Coaches. There are only five journeys in each direction on Mondays to
Saturdays, see timetable on page 21. Thus there is no public transport in the evenings
or on Sundays for residential staff and students. Furthermore, the first bus from
Maidenhead leaves there at 9.00am, too late for most staff (see survey results, page 62,
for arrival times), whereas before February 2009 there was a bus at 7.55am. However,
the 239 is subsidised by RBWM so there may be the opportunity to revise it. No season
tickets are offered on the 239 for regular users other than a weekly ticket between
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Hurley and Maidenhead for £15-40. There are also daily and weekly Network tickets
available on all Courtney services for £5-60 and £21-80 respectively.
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4.13 The 239 stops outside the site in Burchett’s Green Road. The stops are in lay-bys
and have no shelters or seating. When observed, the stop towards Maidenhead had a
timetable frame on the stop but no timetable displayed in it, and the stop from town had
no timetable frame.
4.14 The College secures the provision of extensive bus services to enable students
from a wide area to reach the college. Towns served are shown on the following extracts
from leaflets. There are eight routes in all, each of which serves railway stations, thus
enabling students to get to a station for catching a bus. Some routes are provided
directly by the college using its minibuses, others are contracted from operators. The
annual cost to the College of procuring services from operators is currently £231,587 a
year. The College’s minibuses cost it £55,152 a year to operate and £19,854 a year to
lease. So it can be seen that £306,593 a year is spent on bus services.
30 November 2009
21
The College has its own minibuses
An extract from the ‘Rough Guide to our college’
4.15 The College also uses its minibuses for study trips, to collect and transport
secondary school pupils to and from the site, and to convey visitors to/from the railway
station.
4.16 In addition to the above operations fares are discounted for students to
encourage take-up. Students are charged £5 for a return journey, £120 per term for
terms 1 and 2, £80 for term 3, or £280 for an annual pass. Some students are entitled to
bus passes from RBWM. Staff are able to travel at student rates. To further encourage
take-up participating students qualify for a free breakfast. Fares subsidy costs the
College £78,000 a year.
30 November 2009
22
4.17 Maidenhead station is part of a national PLUSBUS scheme covering 260 railserved towns and cities nationally whereby a local bus fare (for either of both ends of a
train journey) can be added when buying a train ticket, see www.plusbus.info The bus
travel is valid within a Maidenhead zone that includes the College – see map overleaf.
So someone can travel by train then board a bus to the College without buying a
separate bus ticket. The bus add-on element costs £2-00 a day, but can also be added
to seasons - £9 for seven days, £35 for a month, £105 for three months and £420 for a
year.
4.18 The College does not currently display the Courtney Coaches timetable, and
there is no ‘how to get here’ leaflet produced, other than the above leaflet of buses
provided for students.
Train services
4.19 Train services are 4 miles away at Maidenhead and Marlow stations. The former
is on the main line from London Paddington and has direct services from many places
30 November 2009
23
including Slough, Burnham, Taplow, Marlow, Twyford, Henley-on-Thames, Reading,
Oxford and Newbury. Maidenhead has four trains an hour in each direction; this more
than doubles during peak periods. Marlow is the terminus of a branch from Maidenhead.
The PLUSBUS area
4.20 Real time train information for any UK station is available at
www.nationalrail.co.uk Journey planning is available from Traveline South East - 0871
200 22 33 or www.travelinesoutheast.org.uk
4.21 The College does not offer interest-free season ticket loans which HMRC allows
(up to £5,000 p.a.) as a non-taxable benefit.
Cycling and walking
4.22 There is huge potential nationally for more ‘active travel’ – walking and cycling with 55% of car trips under 5 miles and 25% under 2 miles; and most households
owning at least one bike. Yet only 1% of all journeys are cycled. This compares with
27% in The Netherlands. Cycling reduces motorised journeys, reduces air pollution, is
carbon-free and is good for health/exercise. The potential is definitely there, if there are
sufficient encouragements and they are promoted. The College’s travel surveys
confirmed this, see chapter 9.
4.23 However, the College’s remoteness and lack of safe cycle routes clearly inhibits
more cycling. And walking is only going to be an option, again because of its out-of-town
location, for a few ‘locals’. Some internal roads have pavements but not all. Warning
signs and low speed limits on these, also in car parks, alert drivers to pedestrians.
30 November 2009
24
Warning signs in car parks
4.24 A public footpath across the site has already been mentioned. The first map in
this chapter, on page 16, shows other footpaths nearby. A cycle route along Honey Lane
and Burchetts Green Road (depicted on the above map on page 16 by green circles)
serves the outskirts of Maidenhead and then Cookham and Knowl Hill in the other
direction, amongst other small settlements. National Cycle Route 4 is further south, see
the next map, on page 27, from www.sustrans.org.uk Both routes, and others, are
shown on the second map below, page 28, produced by RBWM, and available as a
leaflet or on their website, see www.rbwm.gov.uk/web/transport_cycleways.htm
However, it can be seen that of the Local Cycle Network (in orange), the National Cycle
Route (in green) and the Round the Borough cycle route (in blue), only the last
mentioned serves the college, which is not in fact depicted on the map.
4.25 The College can support people to cycle but is dependent on RBWM providing a
comprehensive network of safe cycle routes in the area. Some have already been
provided, but more are needed. In this regard the RBWM has a Cycling Strategy that
sets out the cycling issues that need addressing. It acknowledges that its “current cycle
network is fragmented and disjointed” and aims to work with organisations to promote
cycling through Travel Plans. RBWM’s capital programme of schemes is derived partly
from Travel Plans so it is important that the College identifies appropriate schemes and
‘makes the case’. A Cycle Forum has been set up to work with local people and
organisations and progress ideas. It would make sense for the College to become a
member. RBWM has set a target to increase cycling by 10% between 2006/07 and
2010/11. Initial progress has been poor as for 2007/08 cycling had reduced by 3%.
4.26 Cycle parking at the college has been under review with the new buildings. Some
racks are provided but bikes often get parked elsewhere. Cycle racks currently provide
parking for 10 bikes. Racks will be provided at most buildings partly based on where
30 November 2009
25
bikes currently get parked. When the final new building is open there will be parking for
32 bikes across the site.
Not all bikes currently get parked at racks
4.27 The College does not pay a cycle business mileage allowance. As HM Revenue
& Customs (HMRC) permit 20p/mile before it is taxable, staff are entitled to claim this
rate on their tax returns. There are showers and changing facilities for cyclists to use in
the sports building, the animal management centre and (recently incorporated) in the
new Skills building, both male and female; so there are ample facilities, which include
security lockers, at both ends of the site. There is no Bicycle Users Group; nor any cycle
training offered; nor any loan/purchase schemes to buy bikes at a discount.
Transport policy audit
4.28 There are numerous policies that can affect how staff travel. The following are
examples of how travel to the college can be affected:
Free car parking
Extensive network of subsidised bus services
No encouragements to cycle
30 November 2009
26
SUSTRANS National Cycle Route 4
4.29 The Employment Act 2002 facilitates worklife balance. It provided new rights to
employed parents with children under 6, or disabled children under 18. From April 2003
they have been able to apply to work flexibly and their employer has a duty to consider
their requests seriously. From April 2007 carers of adults have been able to apply and
the government extended rights further in April 2009 to people with children under 16 or
with caring duties.
4.30 Homeworking and more flexible and compressed hours all affect travel, e.g.
reducing the overall amount of travel and peak period travel, and so should be part of a
Travel Plan. Clearly it is difficult for educational institutions to have such policies as most
staff need to be there for students. Thus the College does not currently have any formal
policies on homeworking and flexible hours. However, staff can work flexibly from home
when appropriate as they can access their emails remotely. Also most staff do not have
a regular work pattern so there tends to be more flexibility in working hours anyway.
30 November 2009
27
Extract from RBWM’s ‘Cycling in Windsor and Maidenhead’
Conclusions
4.31 It can be seen that there are some things that already encourage sustainable
travel, such as the extensive subsidised bus network. However, there is no Boroughwide car share scheme, only one very limited public bus service past the site, and not
enough cycle routes/facilities. Certain things are clearly discouraging sustainable travel
or constraining their encouragement. These include no season ticket loans, no bike
loans and gaps in the local cycle route network.
30 November 2009
28
5
TARGETS
Targets for staff, student and visitor travel
5.1
With the objectives, see Chapter 3, as the context, targets can then be set.
Targets are essential for monitoring progress and success against, and should be
‘SMART’ - specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time-related. Accordingly,
targets for each form of travel have been set. They are short, medium and long term, i.e.
2, 4 and 6 years ahead, currently based on the June 2009 survey results. Tables 1 and
2 set them out for staff and students respectively. Target setting enables good, regular
monitoring of progress towards the plan’s objectives.
5.2
It should be noted that it is somewhat problematic setting targets for students:
There is obviously an annual turnover of students, so their number, where they
live, and hence how they choose to travel, is regularly changing.
Some live on the site and this number can change year on year.
There is a steady increase in student numbers at the College.
The numbers and proportions who are full or part time fluctuates.
The numbers attending College varies from day to day. (This also applies to
staff).
5.3
Other factors affecting the setting of targets are, of course, the site’s remote, outof-town location, with its limited conventional bus services and limited provision of cycle
routes. These make it difficult, if not impossible, to reflect RBWM’s target of “not more
than 70 employees should drive their cars to the site per day for every 100 people ....”
(see 3.4). Given that this target is for new developments and largely based on
workplaces, and also given the college’s location, the following targets are considered
reasonable and challenging, but achievable.
5.4
Target setting is even more difficult for visitors given the varied type of events
held. Nevertheless it is essential to have some targets in order to monitor progress. For
college and nursery visitors some targets have been set, see Table 3. But for the major
events held it is really impossible given the many different types of event, from school
visits and horse trials to weddings and conferences. For these it is proposed to adopt
certain principles, e.g. encouraging sustainable travel in promotional material, and to
use appropriate elements of the Marketing and Promotion Strategy, see Chapter 8.
5.5
Regarding the June 2009 travel surveys, pre-survey publicity included the
following actions:
Widespread publicity on 'MOODLE' for two weeks prior to the survey going online
The incentive of cash prizes for students who completed the survey:
o £100 for first name drawn
o £50 for second name drawn
Encouragement from Team Leaders
A number of emails to all staff asking them to complete the questionnaire and
also to encourage students to do likewise
30 November 2009
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5.6
Survey forms were posted on MOODLE to be completed online. Separate forms
were used for staff and students, see Appendices B and C. Survey forms were also
completed by users of Busy Bees Nursery, see Appendix D. Visitors signing in at BCA
Reception were also invited to complete the Survey, see Appendix E, but the response
was poor.
5.7
The survey forms were available to 225 staff and 860 students. The results do
provide useful information both on current travel and what encouragements might
induce different travel. However, the response rates were not as high as hoped:
Staff
Students
Busy Bees & Visitors
46%
20%
60 (fixed response)
5.8
The uptake on the survey is disappointing; and nearly all the students surveyed
were full time. For future surveys more advance warning will be given and information
drip-fed, more incentives offered, part time students targeted, and more commitment
sought from staff to urge students; and in any case the Travel Plan will be higher profile
by the next survey. However, there are two factors which need to be taken into
consideration. These are:
The number of students who travel by BCA 'Transport to College' (Buses and
minibuses) and cannot really alter their travel arrangements, indeed this form of
travel is to be encouraged.
The number of residential staff and students (26 and 85 respectively).
5.9
If the above mentioned categories are factored into the equation the response
rates are 55% for staff and 52% for students.
5.10
The survey results are reported in chapter 9 and in more detail in Appendix F.
TABLE 1: MODAL SHARE TARGETS FOR STAFF TRAVEL
Proportions by different forms of travel, %s
Mode
2009
survey
2011
target
2013
target
2015
target
Walk
Cycle
Bus
Car alone
Car share
Other
7
2
0
86
3
1
7
3
2
83
4
1
7
5
4
78
5
1
7
7
6
72
7
1
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30
TABLE 2: MODAL SHARE TARGETS FOR STUDENT TRAVEL
Mode
2009
survey
2011
target
2013
target
2015
target
Walk
Cycle
Bus
Car alone
Car share
Motorcycle/scooter
Other
3
2
50
16
21
1
6
4
3
52
11
23
1
6
4
5
53
7
24
1
6
5
6
53
5
24
1
6
TABLE 3: MODAL SHARE TARGETS FOR BUSY BEES/VISITOR TRAVEL
Mode
2009
survey
2011
target
2013
target
2015
target
Walk
Cycle
Bus
Car alone
Car share
Other
0
0
0
92
5
3
0
0
0
91
6
3
0
1
1
88
7
3
0
2
1
86
8
3
Links with objectives
5.11 The above targets are clearly related to the objectives, see Chapter 3. The links
to the targets and to other actions are shown in Table 4 below:
TABLE 4: LINKS BETWEEN OBJECTIVES, TARGETS AND ACTIONS
Objective
1. To minimise car use to the site, whilst
recognising that car use will remain an
important form of travel for many people.
2. To achieve the right balance between
staff and student car parking.
3. To widen the travel choices to the site.
4. To improve access for those whose
mobility is impaired.
5. To promote actively the non-car
choices, and set an example.
6. To ensure that everyone using the site
is aware of the Travel Plan and its
purpose, and that staff and students are
involved in it.
7. Tie in the Travel Plan with other
College-wide policies and ensure that
awareness of sustainability issues is
included in the College curriculum.
Links with targets and actions
Targets for increasing walking, cycling, bus,
car share.
‘Drive alone’ targets. Also action on car
parking management.
Marketing and promotion strategy.
Widening of travel choices.
Marketing and promotion strategy and
targets for increased walking, cycling, bus.
Marketing and promotion strategy.
A robust and high profile Travel Plan, with
targets stretching many years ahead, will
raise the status of the plan and help to
embed it in the College’s culture and policies.
30 November 2009
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6
MEASURES
Introduction
6.1
This chapter is an Action Plan, discussing and listing the actions/measures being
taken and proposed. The person responsible for implementation in all cases is the
Travel Plan Co-ordinator, see chapter 7, unless it is the responsibility of RBWM. Some
things will obviously take longer than others to do, and some will require discussion
before finalising. All items link back to the targets and objectives but may change as the
plan evolves and surveys and monitoring indicate different actions or changing their
priority.
6.2
It is clearest to list the actions by form of travel, and with an indication of their
timescale. A cost is given after each action. Actions that can be absorbed easily into
day-to-day work of existing staff are shown as £0. Some costs are obviously estimates
until explored further, and others cannot yet be estimated but will be as the plan is
developed and reviewed.
Walking
6.3
As already noted, walking is on the decrease nationally yet improves health and
well-being. However, because of its location the site is ‘walkable’ for only very few users.
There are significant planning restrictions on the site relating to lighting levels and hard
landscaping within areas of trees; and although there is CCTV coverage of the drive
students are discouraged from walking down it as there have been two accidents.
Nevertheless the travel surveys showed some interest in walking, particular concern
being expressed about the state of the drive, and its lack of lighting and footpaths, so
this particular issue clearly needs study.
By April 2010
a. Promote health benefits of walking. A draft leaflet is attached as Appendix G. £0.
b. Do a walking audit within the site, to include a review of footways, signage,
lighting, CCTV, inconsiderate parking and the walking route from the bus stops.
£0.
c. Provide an emergency ride home for anyone who has walked to the College and
subsequently needs to go home in an emergency. £ negligible.
By October 2010
d. Show walking routes on site maps. £0
e. Do walking audits outside the site with RBWM to identify any problems. £0.
f. Promote ‘lunchtime walking/jogging routes’ within the site/local area. £0.
Cycling and motorcycling
6.4
Cycling is also very good for health and well-being, and is also carbon-free; and
there are many ways the College can influence it. The travel surveys in June 2009
showed considerable interest - 30% of staff and 24% of students live within four miles, a
reasonable cycling distance, and 64% of staff, and 57% of students, own a bike.
30 November 2009
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However, one of the main encouragements required was improved cycle paths, a matter
for RBWM. Given the much greater emphasis currently emerging in national policy on
cycling, see the box in 3.2, it is hoped that significant progress can be made to put the
College on a comprehensive cycle network. As already noted RBWM indeed
acknowledges in its Cycling Strategy that “The current cycle network is fragmented and
disjointed”; and in its Sustainable Modes of Travel Strategy that “Where cycle facilities
and cycle parking has been introduced, significant increases in cycling have been
achieved, particularly at secondary schools”.
By April 2010
a. Make contact with the cycling group Maidenhead Cyclists ( 01628 789567) and
seek their advice and assistance in developing cycling initiatives and facilities. £0.
b. Undertake cycle audits with RBWM and the Bicycle Users Group (see h. below),
to develop a programme of cycle route provision/improvement; the audit to
include comparing where people want cycle routes with the council’s current
proposals. £0.
c. Join the RBWM Cycle Forum. £0.
d. Provide an emergency ride home for anyone who has cycled to the College and
subsequently needs to go home in an emergency. £ negligible.
e. Promote the health benefits of cycling. See Appendix H for a draft. £0.
f. Negotiate discounts at cycle dealers. The College will approach:
DNA Cycles ( 01628 780026) and Halfords ( 01628 644050)
£0 (if dealers bear cost).
g. Urge RBWM to show the College on their ‘Cycling in Windsor and Maidenhead’
publication when next reprinted. £0.
h. Set up a Bicycle Users Group (BUG) whereby potential cyclists lacking
confidence are accompanied; also feedback and ideas obtained. £0.
Example of a leaflet promoting cycling
30 November 2009
33
By October 2010
Participate in the government’s scheme of bike purchase which has tax benefits
for employers and employees – see
http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/sustainable/cycling/cycletoworkschemeimplementat573
2 £0.
j. Ensure adequate provision, and room for expansion, of secure parking, including
at Busy Bees. £10,000 but check with RBWM for any match funding
opportunities.
k. Pay a cycle business mileage allowance at 20p/mile to staff and promote to staff.
HMRC permit this amount before it becomes a taxable benefit. £ negligible.
l. Publicise cycle routes, with RBWM’s ‘Cycling in Windsor and Maidenhead’, see
www.rbwm.gov.uk/web/transport_cycleways.htm £0.
m. Show routes and parking on site plans. £0.
n. Organise occasional ‘Dr Bike’ clinics, with local cycle dealers, Maidenhead
Cyclists and BUG members, offering advice, checks and simple repairs. £0.
i.
6.5
Whether to encourage ‘powered two-wheelers’ (PTWs) or not is a difficult issue.
PTWs take up less road and parking space than cars, and are becoming more popular.
But any advantages over cars in terms of fuel use and pollution are not clear cut
(depending on number of passengers, fuel type, engine size and which pollutant), and
they are a relatively dangerous form of travel (1% of traffic but 20% of fatalities), with
casualties rising significantly in recent years. Whereas encouraging car users to
motorcycle might be beneficial, public transport users transferring would not be. In any
event the travel surveys showed very little use of PTWs. It is probably best to stay fairly
neutral and not particularly encourage motorcycling; but low power scooters may be a
better option. So, subject to consultation, the College proposes to adopt a fairly neutral
stance, encouraging safe riding, low power machines and designating appropriate
parking space.
By October 2010
o. Encourage low power scooters. £0.
p. Assess the demand for, and install, convenient anchor points for parking
motorcycles/scooters, for staff, students and visitors, and provide signing to it
and at it. £?.
Public transport
6.6
There is a variety of actions to take to maximise use and maintain it.
By April 2010
a. Negotiate the times of the 239 bus with RBWM to suit better the working hours
of staff. Or investigate a shuttle bus service from Maidenhead using a college
minibus or in conjunction with any existing ‘staff buses’ that local employers
operate or secure, such as Foundation Park’s (whose all-day shuttle to/from the
town centre and railway station runs on pure plant oil). £?.
30 November 2009
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b. Investigate with major event holders a shuttle bus service from Maidenhead
station. £0.
c. Negotiate a discount scheme for staff on the local bus service, including ‘taster
vouchers’; also season tickets. £0 (if operator/RBWM bear cost).
An example of £5 worth of bus travel sold for £4 to employees of a council
at no cost to the council
d. Promote the PLUSBUS scheme, see 4.17, and get the College shown on the
zone map (see page 24). £0.
e. Urge RBWM to ensure timetables for the 239 get displayed at the two bus stops
outside the site, and shelters with seating provided. £0.
f. Obtain timetables and other information about the 239 bus www.courtneycoaches.com/?page=services and Maidenhead’s train services,
e.g. fares and ticketing leaflets, display prominently on notice boards and leaflet
racks, in reception areas, building exits, café, and staff rest areas, and ensure it
is all kept up to date. £0.
g. Provide travel information, including links to operators, on the College’s website.
Make persuasive as well as informative. £0.
h. Publicise that fold-up bikes can be conveyed on buses and trains. £0.
i. Provide telephone enquiry numbers and websites in all correspondence. £0.
j. Encourage staff to arrange meetings to avoid peak hour travel and to fit in, if
necessary, with bus and train times. £0.
By October 2010
k. If season tickets become available on the 239 bus service, introduce and
promote an interest-free annual season ticket loan scheme by investigating the
‘greenertravel2work’ bus scheme whereby staff could buy an annual bus
season by ‘salary sacrifice’ and save on tax and National Insurance
contributions, see www.pmmemployeebenefits.co.uk/green.html £0.
30 November 2009
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An example of an eye-catching leaflet rack with bus timetables
Car use and parking
6.7
With very limited conventional bus services and local cycle routes, car travel is
likely to remain the dominant form of travel for staff and visitors. However, car sharing
may be an option for some, and the staff travel survey clearly demonstrated strong
interest if certain encouragements were put in place, see chapter 9. Whereas 86% of
staff currently drive a car on their own to the college, and just 3% car share, only 16% of
students drive on their own, 50% arrive by bus and 21% car share. These are huge
differences. Although many students already car share the survey still demonstrated
strong interest in doing so, and both staff and student surveys showed interest in cycling
and buses.
6.8
So, clearly car use is going to remain important for staff, and car sharing could
well increase by staff and students. As well as promoting sharing, cycling and buses,
more effective car parking management will help to reduce demand and increase the
relative attractiveness of the more sustainable forms of travel.
By April 2010
a. Enforce use of the car parks to ensure students park only in their car parks. £?
(staffing level to be determined).
b. Enforce ‘overspilling’. Count, on the busiest days, the number of cars parked
and compare with the number of spaces to check for any ‘over-parking’. Annual
‘health and safety’ checks by the Fire Brigade will be requested to ensure
emergency exits, escape routes and assembly points are not hindered by
thoughtless parking. £0.
c. Urge RBWM to set up an internet-based Borough-wide car share scheme.
Otherwise the College will set up a private scheme through a company such as
www.liftshare.com and explore whether RBWM could help to fund start-up
costs. It will promote using guidance from the Department for Transport -
30 November 2009
36
www.dft.gov.uk/stellent/groups/dft_susttravel/documents/page/dft_susttravel_03
2631.pdf. It will be stressed that sharers may be able to share with people living
‘on the way’ as well as those living near them; also that it is not necessary to
own a car in order to car share. The benefits, e.g. financial savings, will be
stressed. £?.
Many local authorities have set up car share schemes and promote them
by highlighting the money that can be saved
d. Offer emergency free rides home by taxi if a sharing arrangement breaks down
at the last minute. The cost is likely to be negligible as experience elsewhere
suggests such arrangements are rarely if ever used; but it offers reassurance
and support. £ negligible.
e. Offer incentives for car sharers actually sharing, such as monthly prize draws
and discounts at local retail/leisure outlets, as experience elsewhere shows that
car sharing soon plateaus and tails off unless people are actively and regularly
supported and incentivised. £0 if retailers bear costs.
f. Provide guaranteed priority spaces for car sharers, closest to building
entrances. £ - to be determined.
g. Produce a leaflet about tips for better driving, see a sample in Appendix I. £0.
By October 2010
h. Review the current permit scheme and investigate replacing it with ‘needsbased’ criteria to determine priority for the allocation of permits.
i. Expand the installation of CCTV and work towards all car parks being to Secure
Car Park Standards, see www.securedcarparks.com/
30 November 2009
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Car sharing needs lots of promotion
Car users mustn’t be ignored
j.
Review staff, student and visitor parking spaces and assess what the optimum
amount for each should be. £ - to be determined.
30 November 2009
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Other measures
6.9
Travel Plans should ideally address all the travel generated by a site. As
explained in 2.9 this plan will be developed to do so, though priority is currently being
given to staff and students, and visitors to the College.
6.10
Actions:
By October 2010
a.
b.
Although impractical for most staff, support flexible and home working where
feasible. £0.
Secure ‘buy-in’ to the Travel Plan from Busy Bees Nursery; indeed it was part
of the planning approval for the nursery building in 2006. £0.
Ongoing
c.
Comment on RBWM consultation planning and transport documents.
Particularly urge improved public transport and more cycle routes. £0.
Examples of ‘quick wins’
6.11 See also chapter 8. These help to raise interest at an early stage, and ‘cushion’
any unpopular measures:











Travel Plan Newsletter
Walking promotion leaflet
Notice boards/leaflet racks
Bicycle Users Group
Cycling promotion leaflet
Bike discounts at cycle dealers
Cycle business mileage allowance
Public transport information
PLUSBUS scheme
Season ticket loans
‘How to get here’ leaflet
30 November 2009
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7
TRAVEL PLAN CO-ORDINATOR
Introduction
7.1
This chapter identifies the College’s Travel Plan Co-ordinator and explains his
role. It then describes the support groups in place.
7.2
As explained in the foreword the College is committed to the plan. And it
recognises that it is essential to have someone designated to develop, implement and
monitor it. The most successful Travel Plans always have a co-ordinator ‘at the helm’.
So, it is recommended that a senior-level appointment be made as soon as possible.
This could be part time and the work would reduce over time. Details of the person
appointed will be reported to RBWM. Their main duties will be:
a. Promotion of the plan through the Marketing and Promotion Strategy.
b. The point of contact for all staff, students and external organisations.
c. Provision of all relevant information to staff, students and visitors, if necessary in
advance; displays on notice boards, in leaflet racks and on the website; and that
sufficient stocks are kept, and are up-to-date.
d. Organisation of a formal car sharing scheme, with priority parking spaces,
publicity and incentives.
e. Ensure new staff and students understand the Travel Plan, and receive
information about the travel choices available.
f. Monitoring through surveys and provision and take-up of facilities.
Steering and Working Groups
7.3
These are essential to manage and implement the plan, and will ensure
departmental-wide support. Membership will include RBWM and public transport
operators. A Steering Group will steer work on the Travel Plan, and consider finance
and any changes in College policies. A Working Group will support the Co-ordinator on
day-to-day work, and comprise site ‘champions’; there was strong interest expressed in
the surveys, see 9.3 and 9.4.
Working in partnership
7.4
Travel Plans are partnerships. The College will implement various initiatives, and
will work with RBWM, public transport operators and others to make the case for
measures that are not its responsibility.
30 November 2009
40
8
MARKETING AND PROMOTION STRATEGY
Introduction
8.1
Such a strategy is vital. Information about the Plan will continue to be ‘drip-fed’ in
order to raise awareness. The overall aim is to make clear the benefits of alternative
forms of travel to ‘drive alone’ car use, so that choice is widened and people can make
informed decisions. Visitors will also be targeted, also the local community. Regarding
visitors to the major events on the site, this chapter should be regarded as the main
‘action’ chapter for the time being.
8.2
This current strategy must be seen as an interim one, pending consultation with
staff and students on the Travel Plan as a whole. However, actions will be drawn from
the following list, and new ones may well be added. Some can start now, others can
only be done following consultation and discussion. For now, a budget of £5,000 a year
is being allowed for.
Actions
a. Prepare and distribute a leaflet about the Travel Plan.
b. Make holders of all types of event aware well in advance of the Travel Plan and
the need to encourage sustainable travel whenever possible; and that they have
copies of all the College’s relevant material, again well in advance.
c. Participate in any RBWM/PCT-run action days/weeks, promotional events, e.g.
National Bike Week held every June.
Cyclists’ breakfasts are a popular way to promote cycling and there is
no tax liability for providing this benefit
d. Ensure staff, students and visitors are aware of public transport telephone
enquiry numbers and websites. For example:
www.nationalrail.co.uk (This includes real time information at any UK rail station)
www.traintaxi.co.uk (This includes phone numbers for taxis at all UK stations)
www.travelinesoutheast.org.uk or 0871 200 22 33.
www.rbwm.gov.uk/web/tdbus_timetables_of_buses_that_serve_rbwm.htm
www.courtneycoaches.com/?page=services
www.plusbus.info
30 November 2009
41
e. Issue ‘ready reckoners’ for calculating the true cost of running a car and carbon
emissions. See - http://actonco2.direct.gov.uk/index.html and
http://www.transportdirect.info/Web2/JourneyPlanning/JourneyEmissionsCompar
e.aspx - useful for comparing emissions by form of travel.
f. Produce a regular newsletter (preferably in hard copy, so it is retained - internal
e-mails can so easily be deleted before read, and some people may not have
direct access) to raise and maintain awareness, and publicise stages of the Plan.
Example of a Travel Plan Newsletter for staff
g. Produce briefing sheets on particular topics, e.g. why walking and cycling are
good for people, see samples in Appendices G and H. It is important that car
use is not ignored. Many people will still have to use cars. So a leaflet about
driving tips would be useful, see 6.8g and Appendix I. The Plan should not be
seen as anti-car, rather as anti-too much traffic. An anti-car stance could alienate
some people.
h. Publicise via the local media, including RBWM’s ‘Around the Royal Borough’ free
newspaper. When people also read in the local press about what is happening it
helps them realise the College means business.
i. Develop a personal pledge scheme so people confirm their intention to car share,
cycle, bus etc.
j. Give new recruits and students information packs covering all forms of travel, also
the Travel Plan leaflet, and feature the Travel Plan in job application packs,
prospectuses, guides, interviews and induction training. ‘Launch’ the Travel Plan
to new staff and students early in each Autumn term.
k. Provide ‘Travel Choices’ notice boards with accompanying leaflet racks for public
transport, cycling, walking and car sharing information. Travel information
telephone enquiry numbers and websites will be publicised here. Posters will
highlight changes to services and facilities.
l. Continue to use the information screen in Costa Coffee for publicising up-to-theminute transport news and information as well as general promotion of aspects of
the Travel Plan.
m. Provide clear signage to local walking and cycling routes and to the bus stops.
n. Depict footpaths, bus stops, cycle parking and cycle routes on site plans.
o. Provide a ‘How to get here’ leaflet, and similar information on the website.
p. Feature PLUSBUS in the ‘How to get here’ leaflet and on the website.
q. Offer personalised journey planning.
r. Ensure receptionists know about the Travel Plan, and have stocks of bus and
train timetables and the College’s ‘How to get here’ leaflet.
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9
MONITORING
Surveys
9.1
When embarking on a Travel Plan it is vital to have base information about
current travel, and, more importantly, what would induce different travel. The potential
for change can then be assessed, actions prioritised and progress monitored.
9.2
The survey forms are in Appendices B, C, D and E. RBWM were consulted on
drafts and the College will seek its approval to future survey forms. The survey
arrangements and the response rates are discussed in chapter 5. The main results are
shown in Appendix F and summarised below. The targets in chapter 5 are based on
them.
9.3
A key point from the staff survey was that 86% drive a car on their own to the
College. However, there is considerable potential for reducing this:
30% live within 4 miles, a reasonable cycling distance.
62% of respondents own a bike.
There was interest in cycling if better/safer paths, and facilities – parking,
showers/changing, lockers – were provided/improved.
With 10% living within 2 miles, 7% walking is a good result; however, some of
these may well live on the site.
Nearly half, 46%, are prepared to consider car sharing.
There was strong interest in more direct, frequent and cheaper bus services.
Most staff, 78%, do not go out on business trips during the day. Those that do
only do so an average of 1.7 times a week.
12% were interested in joining a small working group to progress the Travel Plan;
this would be more than enough, and certainly demonstrates the interest in the
subject.
9.4
In contrast 50% of students arrive by bus and only 16% drive a car on their own.
Nevertheless there was still interest in more bus use; also cycling, currently only 2%,
and car sharing.
24% live within 4 miles and 57% own a bike.
Students were more interested in cycling than staff; showers/changing and
parking facilities were less important than for staff, and a free taxi home and
lockers for clobber more important. Improved cycle paths were important for both.
Only 3% walk but there was interest, no doubt due to 9% living within 2 miles,
albeit some on the site.
As with staff there was very strong interest in car sharing – 44%, with 15%
already claiming to be doing so; this tallies broadly with the 21% who arrive as a
‘driver with passenger’ or ‘car passenger’.
Public transport encouragements attracted more interest than from staff, although
the top 3 were the same – more direct, frequent and cheaper buses.
30 November 2009
43
24% were interested in joining a small working group to progress the Travel Plan,
well-beating the staff’s interest, and is very encouraging. This strong interest will
be harnessed.
9.5
Additional comments by both staff and students were about more and secure
cycle parking, a path for pedestrians and cyclists alongside the drive, and repairing the
drive (now done). Comments by just staff related to changing facilities for cyclists,
lighting the drive and enforcing the speed limit, a bus leaving Maidenhead at about
8.00am (until February 2009 the first bus was at 7.55am but since then has been at
9.00am) and a shuttle bus or subsidised taxi from the town’s station. Comments by just
students related to some buses arriving at the college too early, and better lighting in car
parks and re-marking of white lines. They were many other comments but the above are
considered the most relevant.
9.6
The time staff and students arrive and depart varies from day to day. For staff the
variation is not very much, except on Fridays when slightly fewer staff work and more go
home earlier in the afternoon – 31% before 4.30pm compared with 20% on a Monday.
For students, nearly all of whom were full time, 66% leave before 4.30pm on a Friday
compared with only 10% on Mondays. Wednesday is also an ‘early’ day for students
with 40% gone by 4.30pm.
9.7
The survey of College visitors and users of Busy Bees Nursery attracted 8 and 52
responses respectively, the former just being visitors at the College’s reception. Out of
the total of 60, 55 were ‘drive alone’ car drivers. Two nursery respondents said, without
there being any prompting on the questionnaire, that they would be prepared to consider
car sharing, two suggested a bus service and one wanted cycle parking at the nursery.
There was a fair amount of comment about the state of the driveway, in particular large
pot holes. This was largely down to construction traffic and they have now been
repaired.
9.8
There would appear to be some scope for car sharing by nursery users if parents
were able to get to know other parents who they could trust with their children. Also for
cycling, given that 60% of respondents (visitors and nursery users) live within 4 miles,
though no doubt a comprehensive network of safe cycle routes would be a prerequisite.
Postcode plotting
9.9
It is valuable to plot home postcodes on a map to inform travel opportunities. Bus
operators find this particularly valuable. Plotting can show people living:
Within walking and cycling distances
Near direct bus services
In clusters - for possible car sharing and bespoke bus services
Along corridors - again for car sharing
9.10 It is understood that RBWM does not offer this service but the College hopes to
be able to. Rather than just plot the postcodes of survey respondents, the postcodes of
all staff and students will be plotted using personnel records, so that a complete picture
is obtained. The College expects to be able to do this exercise in early 2010.
30 November 2009
44
Review
9.11 It is vital to review the Plan by monitoring progress. The targets will help to do this
and to demonstrate the impact of measures. In due course new/refined targets may
need to be set, additional measures considered, and priorities and timescales reviewed.
Monitoring will also help to maintain/raise the status of the Travel Plan in the College
and in the local community. A thorough review will be done every two years, see below,
and the College commits to budgeting for the costs.
Actions
a. Monitoring will include:
o Maintaining publicity/information/promotion.
o Full surveys of staff, students (full and part time) and visitors every two
years, the next being 2011. These will prompt a thorough review of the
Plan, including its targets, every two years.
o Snapshot surveys in between just asking everyone as they enter a building
how they arrived.
o Annual surveys of the take-up of specific measures, e.g. loans, discounts,
cycle parking.
o Annual monitoring reports to RBWM by an independent transport
consultant. These will contain information on how measures have been
implemented, whether targets have been met or not, proposed changes
and improvements to, and re-prioritising of, actions, and copies of all
material produced for encouraging people to use sustainable transport.
b. Survey results will be written up and feedback provided to staff and students.
Focus groups will be held after each survey to discuss results and ideas.
c. Any revisions to modal share targets and/or measures will be incorporated in a
revised Travel Plan, in discussion with RBWM and public transport operators.
Timetable
9.12
The key steps envisaged for the next year or so are:
Step
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
By
Travel surveys
Completion of Travel Plan and submission to RBWM
Steering Group
Travel Plan Working Group
Postcode plotting
First stage measures implemented
Snapshot surveys
Travel Plan review
Second stage measures implemented
First monitoring report to RBWM
30 November 2009
Done June 2009
January 2010
January 2010
January 2010
February 2010
April 2010
April 2010
June 2010
October 2010
October 2010
January 2011
45
10
ONGOING MANAGEMENT
Financing
10.1 Chapter 7 has explained the role of the Travel Plan Co-ordinator, Steering and
Working Groups; 9 the monitoring arrangements; and 6, where possible, the amounts of
money committed to specific actions. The complete picture on finance is:
Commitment of about £10,000 in 2009-2010 for implementation measures.
A proportion of the estates budget for measures that could be seen to have a
dual purpose to the management of the site as a whole.
An annual payment to RBWM for its Travel Plan administration, as detailed in
RBWM’s Supplementary Planning Documents.
Already expenditure of £306,593 p.a. on provision of bus services and £78,000
p.a. on fares subsidy.
10.2 Most measures will be implemented over the year from April 2010 whenever
possible. Thereafter it is estimated that about £10,000 p.a., and tapering downwards
over time, will be sufficient. Some measures are the responsibility of others, e.g. the
College looks forward to working with RBWM on the early progression of additional offsite cycle routes. This would support the plan in its vital early stages; and help meet its
cycling targets, also RBWM’s. Similarly some of the cost of any bus discounts may be
born by the operator/RBWM; and cycle discounts by dealers. The College will regularly
check any further funding opportunities through RBWM and SUSTRANS. In terms of
risk, should the plan consistently fail to meet its targets, and aware of possible sanctions
by RBWM, the College will consider the following actions:
Stricter car park management and strengthening of the criteria for permits.
Procuring more of its own bus services, possibly as part of a network of other
town employers.
Allocating additional funds.
Links with other corporate policies
10.3 There are direct links between the Plan and many other College’s policies. The
College will manage the Plan so as to maintain these, in order to maintain the plan’s
status and embed it in corporate culture and policies.
Networking
10.4 As noted above some measures fall to other bodies and/or involve partnership
working. In addition the College will:
a. Aim to participate in, and encourage action for, national events such as National
Bike Week and European Car Free Day.
b. Network with other Colleges doing Plans, e.g. East Berkshire College and
secondary schools.
c. Consider joining www.acttravelwise.org
d. Ensure Busy Bees Nursery buy into the plan.
30 November 2009
46
APPENDIX A – EXTERNAL HOSPITALITY EVENTS 2009
[as at 3 June 2009]
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47
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48
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51
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52
30 November 2009
53
APPENDIX B – STAFF SURVEY FORM
BERKSHIRE COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE
TRAVEL PLAN - STAFF TRAVEL SURVEY
Please spend a few minutes completing this survey. All information collected will be kept
confidential and you may remain anonymous unless you wish to be entered into our prize draw or
be involved in a working group to progress our Travel Plan.
Thank you very much for you help.
PLEASE TICK  BOXES
1
On what basis are you employed?
2
When do you normally attend?



Full time
Part time
Contract
Day
Arrival time
Departure time
Monday
……………
…………….
Tuesday
……………
…………….
Wednesday
……………
…………….
Thursday
……………
…………….
Friday
……………
…………….
 Yes
 No
3
Do you have a disability that affects your travel?
4
How do you mostly travel to work? Tick the ONE that takes the longest:
 bus
 cycle
 car driver, on own
 train
 walk
 motorbike/scooter
 car driver with passenger(s)  car passenger
 other (specify) …………………………………………………………….
5
How far do you travel to work?
 up to 1 mile
 2 - 4 miles
 10 - 20 miles
6
How long does it usually take you to travel to work?
 up to 15 minutes
 61 - 90 minutes
7
 1 - 2 miles
 4 - 10 miles
 over 20 miles
 16- 30 minutes
 over 90 minutes
 31- 60 minutes
If you do not cycle now which of the following changes would encourage you to cycle to
work? Please tick NO MORE THAN THREE.
30 November 2009
54
 improved cycle paths
 general improvements in road safety (eg more traffic calming)
 improved cycle parking
 showers and changing facilities (should you need to change clothes)
 lockers for clobber (eg helmet, clothes)
 cycle training to improve confidence when cycling to work
 interest-free bike loan
 discount at cycle shop
 free taxi home in emergencies
 none of these
 other (please specify) ………………………………………………….
8
Do you own a bicycle?  yes  no
9
If you already cycle, what improvements would you most like to see?
……………………………………………………………………………………………….....................
……………………………………………………………………………………………........................
10
Which of the following changes would encourage you to use public transport for your
journey to work? (If you already use public transport which would you most like to see).
Please tick NO MORE THAN FOUR.
 more direct bus routes
 more frequent bus service
 more frequent train service
 better lighting at bus stops
 provision of bus shelters
 provision of seating at bus stops
 provision of public transport information at work
 interest-free season ticket loan
 discount fares
 none of these
 other (please specify) ……………………………………………………………
11
Which of the following changes would encourage you to walk to work? (If you already walk
which would you most like to see). Please tick NO MORE THAN TWO.
 better maintained pavements
 safer road crossings
 more street lighting
 none of these
PLEASE COMPLETE QUESTIONS 12 - 15 IF YOU DRIVE A CAR TO WORK
12
Do you have a college parking permit?
13
Where do you normally park?
Car parks by Learning Centre
Car park by the VMC/Tennis Court
Other
14
 yes  no



What are your main reasons for driving a car to work? Please tick NO MORE THAN THREE.
30 November 2009
55
 Need for business trips during the day
 Drop/collect children
 Provide a lift to another or others
 For personal security
 Lack of an alternative
 Other, please specify …………………………………………………..
15
Do you travel on business during the day?  yes  no
If ‘yes’, to where normally? ……………………………………………………………………………...
How many times a week on average? ……………….
16
Would you be prepared to car share to/from work?
 yes
17
 no
 I already car share
Which of the following would most encourage you to car share? (If you already car share
 help in finding car share partners with similar attendance patterns
 free taxi home if let down by car driver
 guaranteed parking closest to entrance for car sharers
 none of these
 other, please specify …………………………………………………………….
18
Would you be interested in joining a small working group to progress the Travel Plan?
 yes name and contact details ………………………………………………………
 no
19
Do you have any comments about your travel to work?
……………………………………………………………………………………………….........................
……………………………………………………………………………………………….........................
……………………………………………………………………………………………….........................
……………………………………………………………………………………………….........................
PERSONAL DETAILS
20
Full home postcode (this information will be treated as confidential) ………...........................
21
Gender
 male  female
22
Age
 under 25
 25-34
35-44  45-54
30 November 2009
 55+
56
APPENDIX C – STUDENT SURVEY FORM
TRAVEL PLAN - STUDENT TRAVEL SURVEY
Please spend a few minutes completing this survey. All information collected will be kept
confidential and you may remain anonymous unless you wish to be entered into our prize draw
or be involved in a working group to progress our Travel Plan.
Thank you very much for you help.
PLEASE TICK  BOXES
1
Are you a full or part time student?


2
Do you live on the site?
 Yes  No
3
When do you normally attend?
Full time
Part time
Day
Arrival time
Departure time
Monday
……………
…………….
Tuesday
……………
…………….
Wednesday
……………
…………….
Thursday
……………
…………….
Friday
……………
…………….
 Yes
4
Do you have a disability that affects your travel?
5
How do you mostly travel to college? Tick the ONE that takes the longest:
 bus
 cycle
 No
 train
 walk
 other (specify) …………………………………………………………….
6
How far do you travel to college?
 up to 1 mile
 2 - 4 miles
 10 - 20 miles
7
How long does it usually take you to travel to college?
 up to 15 minutes
 61 - 90 minutes
8
 1 - 2 miles
 4 - 10 miles
 over 20 miles
 16- 30 minutes
 over 90 minutes
 31- 60 minutes
If you do not cycle now which of the following changes would encourage you to cycle to
college? Please tick NO MORE THAN THREE.
30 November 2009
57
 improved cycle paths
 general improvements in road safety (eg more traffic calming)
 improved cycle parking
 showers and changing facilities (should you need to change clothes)
 lockers for clobber (eg helmet, clothes)
 cycle training to improve confidence when cycling to college
 interest-free bike loan
 discount at cycle shop
 none of these
 other (please specify) ………………………………………………….
 yes  no
9
Do you own a bicycle?
10
If you already cycle, what improvements would you most like to see?
……………………………………………………………………………………………….......................
……………………………………………………………………………………………….......................
11
Which of the following changes would encourage you to use public transport for your
journey to college? (If you already use public transport which would you most like to see).
Please tick NO MORE THAN FOUR.
 more direct bus routes
 more frequent bus service
 more frequent train service
 better lighting at bus stops
 provision of bus shelters
 provision of seating at bus stops
 provision of public transport information at college
 interest-free season ticket loan
 discount fares
 none of these
12
Which of the following changes would encourage you to walk to college? (If you already
walk which would you most like to see). Please tick NO MORE THAN TWO.
 better maintained pavements
 safer road crossings
 more street lighting
 none of these
PLEASE COMPLETE QUESTIONS 13 - 14 IF YOU DRIVE A CAR TO COLLEGE
13
Where do you normally park?
Car parks by Learning Centre
Car park by the VMC/Tennis Court
Other



30 November 2009
58
14
What are your main reasons for driving a car to college? Please tick NO MORE THAN
THREE.
 Need for other trips during the day
 Drop/collect children
 Provide a lift to another or others
 For personal security
 Lack of an alternative
 Other, please specify …………………………………………………..
15
Would you be prepared to car share?
 yes
16
 no
 I already car share
Which of the following would most encourage you to car share? (If you already car share
 help in finding car share partners with similar attendance patterns
 free taxi home if let down by car driver
 guaranteed parking closest to entrance for car sharers
 none of these
 other, please specify …………………………………………………………….
17
Would you be interested in joining a small working group to progress the Travel Plan?
 yes name and contact details ………………………………………………………
 no
18
Do you have any comments about your travel to college?
………………………………………………………………………………………………........................
………………………………………………………………………………………………........................
………………………………………………………………………………………………........................
………………………………………………………………………………………………........................
………………………………………………………………………………………………........................
………………………………………………………………………………………………........................
PERSONAL DETAILS
19
Full home postcode (this information will be treated as confidential) ………
20
Gender
 male  female
21
Age
 under 18
 18-24
 45-54
 55+
 25-34
30 November 2009
 35-44
59
APPENDIX D – BUSY BEES NURSERY SURVEY FORM
BUSY BEES DAY NURSERY TRAVEL SURVEY
The Berkshire College of Agriculture want to draw up a Travel Plan for the whole site; in any
event the Council’s planning permissions for its expansion require the College to do one. A
Travel Plan is a package of measures for encouraging more walking, cycling, car sharing, and
bus travel. Given the rural location many people will still need to use cars, and that is accepted.
But road traffic, air pollution and carbon dioxide emissions need to be reduced. For some people
the College wants to offer good alternatives to car use. This survey, along with ones for college
staff and students, will help make the case.
Please help us by spending a couple of minutes completing this survey. Then hand it back to
the Office. All information will be kept confidential.
Please  the boxes. Please don’t X them.
1
How many days a week do you normally travel here? .........................
2
Do you or your children have a disability that affects this journey?  Yes  No
3
How did you get here today? Tick ONE box.
 Bus
 Car, as driver
 As passengers in a friend’s/relative’s car
 Taxi
 Other (please specify) ........................................................................................
4
What time do you normally drop your children here? ......................................
5
Where do you normally go after dropping them?
 Work
 Home
 Shopping/leisure
 Other (please specify) ……………………………………………………………......
6
Do you convey other people’s children as well as your own?  Yes  No
7
How far away do you live?
 up to 1 mile
 4 - 10 miles
8
 1 - 2 miles
 10 - 20 miles
 2 - 4 miles
 over 20 miles
If you come by car do you have any problems parking?
 Yes  No
YOUR COMMENTS/IDEAS ON GETTING HERE – Please write any below, or overleaf
.........................................................................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................................................................
30 November 2009
60
APPENDIX E – VISITOR SURVEY FORM
VISITOR TRAVEL SURVEY
The Berkshire College of Agriculture want to draw up a Travel Plan; in any event the Council’s
planning permissions for its expansion require the College to do one. A Travel Plan is a package
of measures for encouraging more walking, cycling, car sharing, and bus travel. Given the rural
location many people will still need to use cars, and that is accepted. But road traffic, air
pollution and carbon dioxide emissions need to be reduced. For some people the College wants
to offer good alternatives to car use. This survey, along with ones for college staff and students,
will help make the case.
Please help us by spending a couple of minutes completing this survey. Then hand it back to
Reception. All information will be kept confidential.
Please  the boxes. Please don’t X them.
 Male
 Female
1
Gender
2
Full home postcode (this will be treated as confidential) …………...............................
3
Do you have a disability that affects how you travel?  Yes
4
How did you get here today? Tick ONE box for the one that took the longest
 No
 bus
 train
 cycle
 walk
 other (specify) …………………………………………………………….
5
What time did you arrive here today? ......................................................
6
About what time do you expect to leave? ...............................................
7
How far have you come?
 up to 1 mile
 4 - 10 miles
8
 1 - 2 miles
 10 - 20 miles
 2 - 4 miles
 over 20 miles
If you came by car did you have any problems parking?  Yes
 No
YOUR COMMENTS/IDEAS ON GETTING HERE – Please write any below, or overleaf
........................................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................................
Thank you for your help
30 November 2009
61
APPENDIX F - SURVEY RESULTS
Surveys were conducted of travel by College staff, students and visitors, and users of
the Busy Bees Nursery in June 2009.
Staff
The main findings from the 95 responses were:
63% female
67% work full time, 29% part time and 3% on contract
No respondents have a disability that affects their travel
62% own a bike
12% interested in joining a small working group to progress the Travel Plan
9% live on the site
Number arriving, by time and day
Bef 8.00
8.00-8.30
8.30-9.00
9.00-9.30
later
Total
Mon
16
19
23
14
10
82
Tues
16
19
23
17
7
82
Wed
16
19
21
13
7
76
Thur
15
20
21
14
9
79
Fri
15
21
20
15
4
75
Wed
15
9
23
27
74
Thur
13
10
26
28
77
Fri
23
10
22
19
74
Number departing, by time and day
Bef 4.30
4.30-5.00
5.00-5.30
after 5.30
Total
Mon
16
12
24
27
79
Tues
18
8
26
27
79
Journey distance
Up to 1 mile
1 – 2 miles
2 – 4 miles
4 – 10 miles
10 – 20 miles
Over 20 miles
8%
2%
20%
33%
26%
11%
Journey time
Up to 15 minutes
16-30 minutes
31-60 minutes
61-90 minutes
Over 90 minutes
39%
33%
23%
3%
2%
30 November 2009
62
Usual form of travel to College (the one that takes the longest)
Car, as driver, on own
Walk
Car driver with passenger(s)
Cycle
Other
86%
7%
3%
2%
1%
Prepared to car share:
Yes
No
Already car share
46%
47%
8%
Business travel during day
Yes
No
Average number of times per week
22%
78%
1.7
Normal parking place
Learning Centre
VMC/Tennis Court
Other
61%
16%
23%
College parking permit?
Yes
No
64%
34%
The following results show (usually) the ‘top 3’ mentions by respondents, and also a
grossed up figure as if a 100% response rate from all staff had been achieved.
Main reasons for using car:
Reason
no. of mentions
grossed up
Lack of alternative
Need during day on business
Drop/collect children
61
14
13
133
30
30
Measure
no. of mentions
grossed up
Showers/changing
Improved cycle paths
Improved parking
21
20
18
49
43
42
17
16
37
37
Most popular encouragements to cycle:
Also scoring relatively highly were:
General improvements in road safety
Lockets for clobber
30 November 2009
63
Most popular encouragements to walk:
Measure
no. of mentions
grossed up
Safer crossings
More street lighting
Better maintained pavements
Free taxi home in emergencies
}12
}
9
8
}28
}
20
19
Most popular encouragements to use public transport:
Measure
no. of mentions
grossed up
More direct buses
More frequent buses
Discount fares
36
}25
}
78
}58
}
Most popular encouragements to car share:
Measure
no. of mentions
grossed up
Help finding partner
Free taxi home if let down
44
27
96
59
Many respondents added useful comments, which is encouraging. Some examples are
given below:
Secure cycle parking
More cycle parking
Changing facilities for cyclists
Separate path for pedestrians/cyclists along the drive
Repairing and lighting the drive, and enforcing the speed limit
A bus leaving Maidenhead at about 8.00am; in fact there used to be one at 7.55am until February
2009, but since then the first bus is now at 9.00am.
Staff shuttle bus, or subsidised taxi, from Maidenhead station
Students
The main findings from the 105 responses were:
96% are full time and 2% part time
4% have a disability that affects their travel
57% own a bike
24% interested in joining a small working group to progress the Travel Plan
4% live on the site
Number arriving, by time and day
Bef 8.00
8.00-8.30
8.30-9.00
9.00-9.30
later
Total
Mon
2
5
24
18
2
51
Tues
3
10
26
17
1
57
Wed
3
7
23
15
2
50
Thur
3
9
22
18
1
43
30 November 2009
Fri
2
6
18
14
5
45
64
Number departing, by time and day
Bef 4.30
4.30-5.00
5.00-5.30
after 5.30
Total
Mon
5
12
30
3
50
Tues
6
10
36
2
54
Wed
19
3
24
2
48
Thur
3
9
34
4
50
Fri
29
5
8
2
44
Journey distance
Up to 1 mile
1 – 2 miles
2 – 4 miles
4 – 10 miles
10 – 20 miles
Over 20 miles
4%
5%
15%
25%
33%
18%
Journey time
Up to 15 minutes
16-30 minutes
31-60 minutes
61-90 minutes
Over 90 minutes
18%
31%
42%
4%
4%
Usual form of travel to College (the one that takes the longest)
Bus
Car, as driver, on own
Car passenger
Car driver with passenger(s)
Other
Walk
Cycle
Motorbike/scooter
50%
16%
11%
10%
6%
3%
2%
1%
Prepared to car share:
Yes
No
Already car share
44%
33%
15%
Normal parking place
Learning Centre
VMC/Tennis Court
Other
33%
14%
33%
The following results show (usually) the ‘top 3’ mentions by respondents, and also a
grossed up figure as if a 100% response rate from all students had been achieved.
30 November 2009
65
Main reasons for using car:
Reason
no. of mentions
grossed up
Need for other trips during the day
Lack of an alternative
Provide a lift to another or others
23
21
16
115
105
80
Measure
no. of mentions
grossed up
Improved cycle paths
Lockers for clobber
35
26
24
175
130
120
22
19
16
15
110
95
80
75
Measure
no. of mentions
grossed up
Safer crossings
Better maintained pavements
27
24
23
135
120
115
Most popular encouragements to cycle:
Four others scored relatively highly:
General improvements in road safety
Discount at cycle shop
Showers and changing facilities
Improved cycle parking
Most popular encouragements to walk:
Most popular encouragements to use public transport:
Measure
no. of mentions
grossed up
More direct buses
More frequent buses
Discount fares
60
52
52
300
260
260
Most popular encouragements to car share:
Measure
no. of mentions
grossed up
Free taxi home if let down
Help finding partner
40
33
200
165
Many respondents added useful comments, which is encouraging. Some examples are
given below:
Secure cycle parking
More cycle parking
Separate path for pedestrians/cyclists along the drive
Repairing the drive
Buses to college too early
Better lighting in car parks and white lines re-marked
30 November 2009
66
Visitors and Busy Bees Nursery users
As noted in 2.3 the site attracts a considerable number of visitors given the numerous
and varied events held there. However, for the purposes of this survey, just visitors
signing in at the College reception and using Busy Bees Nursery, were asked to
complete a brief questionnaire.
As to the former, the College does not get a large number of such visitors on a typical
day and on the day in question 8 responded. Most were female, none had a disability
affecting their travel, most arrived in the morning and only one reported a problem
parking. Five drove a car on their own, two had passengers and one motorcycled,
remarking that there should be motorcycle bays.
As to the Nursery users there was a very good response of 52 representing the vast
majority of staff and parents/carers. The main findings are shown below:
16 travel there 2 days a week or less
17 on 3 days
19 on 4 or 5 days
No respondents have a disability that affects their travel
All were car drivers apart from two
Nearly all arrive between 8.00am and 8.30am, except staff who arrive earlier
Most (37) go on to work afterwards with about 1 in 5 (9) going home
None convey children other than their own
20% live within 2 miles, 47% 2-4 miles, 18% 4-10 miles, 8% 10-20 miles and 8% over 20.
Only 4 reported a problem with parking. However, there was a suggestion about improving it, by
parking ‘sideways on’ thus increasing the amount of parking space.
A significant number – 10 – commented on the poor state of the drive due to large pot holes.
Two respondents said they would be prepared to consider car sharing if they knew other parents
better and could trust them with their children; two suggested a bus service and one some cycle
parking.
There were a few comments about the drive being narrow and getting congested, but one person
found its narrowness keeps speed down, making it safer; and another wants a speed limit
displayed.
30 November 2009
67
APPENDIX G – SAMPLE WALKING LEAFLET
GIVING YOU CHOICES
It’s Good to Walk - Could You
Walk to BCA?
Walking is such a normal, natural means of transport, that it’s often forgotten. We’re all
pedestrians even if we own a car. Walking is very good for us yet is in decline
- we sit in cars too much. 25% of car trips are under 2 miles.
WHY WALK?
It’s free! Saves you money on fuel or fares.
No hassle sitting in traffic or waiting for public transport.
Great for your health – increasing physical activity levels can prevent or manage over 20
conditions and diseases. It helps your heart, develops fitness, controls weight, enhances
metabolism, reduces blood pressure, tones up muscles, increases bone strength - arrive wide
awake and full of energy!
Why drive to a gym to exercise - build it into your daily lifestyle.
Therapeutic, mull over your thoughts, appreciate your surroundings, look at shops and front
gardens, walk smugly past that traffic queue.
Talk to friends and neighbours, more walkers improves ‘natural surveillance’ and personal
safety. Streets are safer with people in them.
Reduces use of fuel, and the emission of greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change.
YOUR NEXT STEPS
If you live within a mile, try walking.
How about just walking some days?
If you already walk occasionally could you walk more often?
What about combining walking with public transport instead of using the car. Or walk all the way and
get the bus home.
YES, BUT ….
I’m not fit - Then try some weekend walking, slowly at first. Check with your doctor if you have a specific
health problem.
It rains a lot - Oh no it doesn’t! Or maybe you prefer a steamed up car sitting in traffic!
I haven’t time - there might not be much in it, taking into account traffic congestion, parking, walking from
the car park. Even if it does take longer, weigh up the benefits.
There’s too much pollution about - Levels inside cars are three times higher than outside!
30 November 2009
68
It’s too far - OK, of course walking is not suitable for everyone. But walk + bus/train may be an option for
you, or just walking one or two days a week
FACTS ABOUT WALKING
Since 1975 the average distance walked in the UK has declined by 21%.
Coronary heart disease is the country’s single biggest killer. Inactive people are twice as
likely to suffer heart problems than regular exercisers. 30 minutes/day of brisk walking is
recommended, and sheds 150 calories. So good for weight management and your health.
Nearly two-thirds of men and over half of women in England are overweight or obese, and
most people do not take enough exercise to provide cardiac benefit.
For more information on walking, other leaflets, and the Travel Plan,
contact………………………..
30 November 2009
69
APPENDIX H – SAMPLE CYCLING LEAFLET
GIVING YOU CHOICES
Cycling to BCA - Special Deals
for staff and students
Cycling is good for the environment and your health. There are under cover racks to park your
bike, showers if you need them, a special discount loan scheme; and special discounts have been
negotiated with cycle dealers.
WHAT’S ON OFFER
Special ‘salary sacrifice’ loan to buy a bike – contact …………… on …..
Showers, clothes lockers
New exclusive deals at cycle dealers. Just show your photo ID:
[EXAMPLES ONLY; NOT NEGOTIATED YET]
DNA Cycles ( 01628 780026) and Halfords ( 01628 644050)
 Up to ..% off bikes and ..% off safety equipment.
 Same day ‘collect and deliver’ service for cyclists needing bike repairs whilst at work (just phone by
10.00am).
 ..% free accessories pack with new bikes, e.g. buy a £… bike and get £.. worth of accessories.
 Free checks on bikes bought, after 1 and 12 months.
DO YOU KNOW ….
Cycling provides protection against






coronary heart disease - 20 miles a week halves the risk of a heart attack
strokes
non-insulin dependent diabetes
falls, fractures and injuries (through improved strength and co-ordination)
colon cancer
overweight and obesity
In-car air can be three times as toxic as air breathed by cyclists.
Cycle mileage per person has declined 24% since 1975.
62% of staff own a bike but only 2% currently cycle to the College.
30% of staff live within 4 miles, a reasonable cycling distance.
57% of students own a bike but only 2% currently cycle to the College
24% of students live within 4 miles, a reasonable cycling distance.
THE BENEFITS TO YOU
Lower travel costs
Better health
Increased fitness
Less risk of a heart attack
Helps to shed excess weight
Reduces stress
30 November 2009
70
Provides psychological wellbeing
BUT ….
…. “it rains a lot” – no it doesn’t! - the likelihood of rainfall during a 10 minute period is around 1%.
…. “it’s ages since I rode a bike” - the BUG (see below) can help you get your confidence back.
GET THE MAP
www.rbwm.gov.uk/web/transport_cycleways.htm
WHAT REAL CYCLISTS SAY!
[examples from elsewhere]
“I decided to see whether I could bike to work, so did a practice ride to the College at the weekend. So I
knew how long it would take me and what routes to take before I had to do the route on a work day. I was
really surprised to find it was marginally faster than driving”.
“Biking in to college creates negative stress for me as I overtake all those uptight people stationary in their
cars”.
“I ride from …………… and decided from the start that I would never tackle ………….Hill. After three days
I rode non-stop over ……………Hill because I found it easier than pushing the bike and waiting to cross.
If you don’t want to tackle this hill there are good places to get off the bike, and crossing points to the
footpath”.
“Yes, I was a bit wary of traffic at first. However, I now cycle round …………….. roundabout”.
GET THE BUG
A new Bicycle Users Group has been set up. What does the BUG actually do?
Acts as a pressure group to ensure cycling is promoted, and parking and shower facilities provided and
maintained
Reports to the Travel Plan Working Group
Shares experience and gives advice and help to new/returning cyclists
Give ………………………. a ring on …………………You don't have to be a lycra-clad racing cyclist to join
the BUG. Just someone who uses a bike occasionally or wants to give it a try.
“When I see an adult on a bicycle I have hope for the human race”
(H G Wells, 1866-1946)
For more information on this and other leaflets, and the Travel Plan, contact………………….
30 November 2009
71
APPENDIX I – DRIVING TIPS
[From ‘Developing and implementing travel plans, a good practice guide for the NHS in
London’, Transport for London, 2004]
Your Technique
Drive Off: (within 20 seconds). An idling engine produces 80% more pollution than when a vehicle is in
motion. There is no need to ‘warm up’ your engine; modern cars will warm up faster on being driven.
Be Smooth and Think ahead! By applying light throttle and avoiding heavy braking, you can reduce
both fuel consumption and wear and tear. Research suggests driving techniques can influence fuel
efficiency by as much as 40%. Those who accelerate sharply produce 50% more pollutants.
Remember - accelerate smoothly, brake gently.
Drive in the right gear. Changing up to a higher gear as soon as the car is ready. (It is estimated that
a speed of 37 mph in third gear uses 25% more fuel than in fifth gear).
Slow down: When driving in conditions that allow for faster speeds, the faster you drive the more
carbon dioxide and emissions your car produces. 40-55pmh is the most economical speed (at 70mph
you use 30% more fuel than at 50mph)
Plan Ahead: Motorists waste 350,000 tonnes of fuel per year getting lost! Visit the AA website
www.theaa.com for free on-line route planning.
In a queue: If you sit in your car with the engine running - your engine produces more pollution, your
catalytic converter does not work properly, and you waste fuel. It is better to switch off your engine
when in stationary traffic; you use more fuel sitting waiting for 45 seconds with the engine idling than if
you switched off and then restarted 45 seconds later. When driving in a slow moving queue: gently
accelerate at a slow, constant speed rather than accelerating rapidly then braking.
On the motorway: You can achieve up to a 20% fuel saving by driving at 60mph rather than 70mph.
You also produce 20% less carbon dioxide. Driving at 90 mph (illegally) can use up to 60% more fuel
than doing 70 mph.
Maintenance
Keep the pressure up: Check your tyre pressure every week (when the tyres are cold). Under
inflation of 0.3-0.4 bar can increase fuel consumption by 2-3%, but do not over-inflate them either
(under and over inflation cause uneven wear and reduce your grip)
Stay Tuned: Service your car at least every year. Get the engine tuned, the wheels correctly aligned
and your catalytic converter checked. 90% of badly polluting vehicles can be retuned at the garage
within 15 minutes.
Extras
Remove your roof rack when you are not using it, you could be wasting up to 40% extra fuel.
When driving at higher speeds keep your windows and sunroof closed and open your air vents instead.
Air-conditioning in a petrol vehicle uses on average 15% more fuel (in a diesel car it can increase
consumption by 40%). Whenever possible you should use your air vents instead.
Empty your boot; the more weight you carry - the poorer the fuel efficiency.
30 November 2009
72

A TRAVEL PLAN FOR THE ISMAILI JAMATKHANA AND CENTRE

Transcription

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