Sustainable Travel Information

Transcription

1 Sustainable Travel Information You have chosen a new home that boasts great commuter links, an array of local shops and services including restaurants, schools and nurseries all within easy reach. Public transport provides connectivity to Solihull, Birmingham and also the surrounding towns/ suburbs and further afield to the likes of Aylesbury and London.

2 Sustainable Travel Information Your development has excellent access links, making it a perfect place to explore. You have a choice of local shops and restaurants all within a minute walk, so no matter how you choose to get around and familiarise yourself with your new home and its surroundings, this pack includes information that will help you choose the mode of sustainable travel that is right for you. For more information, please see the Documentation section at the back of this pack. Alternatively please visit your community travel information website, at the address detailed above, for links to informative content and access to up to date public transport timetables. You also have a Travel Plan Coordinator who is able to answer any questions you may have regarding sustainable travel. They will be your main point of contact and are available via the details below: Hannah Weston middlefieldspringtravel@developereyes.co.uk

3 Travelling by Foot & Bike It is generally considered that for distances under 2km, walking offers the greatest potential to replace short car journeys. Whereas for journeys under 5km, cycling is a viable alternative to using a car. Walking is a great way to get and stay healthy. Stepping outside your front door and making the decision to walk rather than taking any other form of transport can be one of the most rewarding decisions you make. Taking the time to explore your new surroundings is a great way to start and this pack will help you find your way around. Cycling is no different; whether you choose to pop out with a friend, partner or your children, the information in this pack will help you find out what there is to explore in the local area.

4 Travelling by Foot & Bike The health benefits of regular exercise are well documented. Regular walking and cycling, like most aerobic activities, is good for you because cardiovascular exercise strengthens the heart and lungs, increasing overall fitness. Making sustainable travel a lifestyle choice will help you work towards improving the quality of your health and wellbeing. Think of ways you can include walking and cycling into your daily routine, such as: walking or cycling to the shops leaving the car behind for short journeys walking or cycling with your children to school. Middlefield Spring benefits from being located on the periphery of Solihull, close to open countryside with a variety of walks and cycle paths on your doorstep; make time to explore and enjoy your local area, for example: take the dog for longer, more scenic walks in Knowle Park walk or cycle regular routes with a friend go for a stroll with family or friends after dinner. For more information please see the Documentation section at the back of this pack. Alternatively please visit your community travel information website, at the address detailed above.

5 Travelling by Public Transport If we all swapped one car journey a week, every week, to a more sustainable way of travelling, car traffic levels would reduce by at least 10%. The face of public transport is changing for the better. Connectivity is improving and more care and attention is being taken to make public transport a more pleasant place to travel. Dedicated bus lanes and roads are becoming more wide spread, enabling bus services to move more freely. Train services are being regularly reviewed to meet passenger requirements and technological improvements mean journey times are reducing. This progress makes public transport more convenient, accessible and financially viable than ever before. With the cost of motoring escalating, public transport looks an even more compelling alternative. Journeys by bus and train are cost effective, relaxed and more sustainable than using a car. Local bus services are provided at great expense to ensure communities have access to convenient, regular and cost effective service provision. Whether you are travelling into Solihull, commuting to work in Birmingham or journeying by train further afield, public transport is definitely worth considering.

6 Travelling by Public Transport Making the decision to walk to a bus stop and leave your car at home is the first step to making a fundamental change to how you travel and the benefits can be far reaching, such as: reducing pressure on local highway capacity, particularly at peak travel times cutting carbon emissions and their contribution to climate change reducing pressure on parking facilities improving local air quality reducing noise pollution. These changes can not only reduce congestion on the road and help reduce the impact car usage has on the environment but the fundamental changes to our health are significant, not only for us but for future generations. Integrating public transport into our travel routines can help us achieve recommended daily physical activity levels. These improvements to how we live our lives can provide compelling health benefits. Time spent on public transport gives you the opportunity to listen to some music, catch up on your favourite programmes via your smart phone or simply read a good book. These activities offer you valuable time to do something you enjoy rather than spending time stuck in traffic and increasing your stress levels. Cultural change does not happen overnight but with your help we can all benefit. For more information please see the Documentation section at the back of this pack. Alternatively please visit your community travel information website at the address detailed above, where you will also be able to view the most up to date public transport information.

7 Travelling by Car Single occupancy vehicle use is the most unsustainable way to travel. These journeys cause significant environmental damage whilst being responsible for most of the congestion on our roads. Single occupancy vehicle use is the most environmentally damaging, expensive and unhealthy way we can travel. Often it is a necessity but by applying some thought to how we travel and by planning whether our journeys can be completed in a more sustainable manner, we can identify journeys that could be made more cost effectively and more sustainably. Despite best intentions, for the vast majority of people car journeys will remain their only option, however a cultural change is happening and single occupancy vehicle travel over time will decline. In fact, the National Travel Survey as completed by the Department of Transport highlights this very point. If a car journey is your best option there are still many things you can do to make necessary journeys as cost effective as possible and make them more sustainable, please see overleaf for some of the options that are available to you. For further information please see the Documentation section at the back of this pack. Alternatively please visit your community travel information website at the address detailed above.

8 Travelling by Car Car sharing Sharing your car journey is a fantastic way to be sustainable, whilst retaining the flexibility of car travel. It is social, reduces the need for additional cars to be on the road and is far cheaper than single occupancy vehicle use. A number of websites are available to link likeminded individuals who want to car share and they provide a platform that enables you to plan your journeys and decide who you want to share your journey with, whilst sharing the cost. Car clubs Car clubs are a great alternative to owning a car. Car club members have access to a car on a pay-as-you-go basis without the expense of servicing, insurance, tax and ongoing repairs. The benefits of utilising these car club schemes are that car use has been planned for and more often than not has been identified as being absolutely necessary. This clearly demonstrates that users take the time to plan their journeys which is a fundamental step towards being more sustainable. Park and ride Many councils provide park and ride schemes with the aim of reducing congestion in areas where congestion and pollution are the most problematic. These schemes are usually cost effective and vastly reduce the ritual of driving round in circles trying to find parking spaces. These small changes you can make towards being more sustainable do have positive, far reaching benefits. If you have exhausted all other options and a single occupancy car journey is the only option, you still have the choice to help reduce congestion in busy town centres whilst improving your health and wellbeing, by parking a little further away from your destination than you would usually do and walking the extra distance. If your journey must be by car, taking the time to think about how you might travel more sustainably is the first step to a cultural change that will not only improve our lives, but the lives of future generations.

9 Documentation Please find enclosed details of local bus services, information relating to local rail provision and supporting documentation that promotes your sustainable travel options: Sustainability Statement Well designed and considered developments are sustainable, efficient and economical. Communities are created with residents in mind and significant investment is made to meet their needs. It is this philosophy that we want to continue into the management of these sites and our working practices. Our vision of sustainability is based on the following concepts: Embrace technology and the benefits it brings. Communication does not always need to be by post; documents do not always need to be printed; meetings are not always essential. Think before you travel: are those miles necessary? These are simple questions that could have far reaching benefits. Learn from innovation and be open to new technology and working practices. Take time to understand new products, systems and procedures that provide sustainable efficiency. Promote innovation and challenge convention in all its forms. The development, construction and travel management sectors are encouraged to embrace sustainable design, transport planning and energy implementation. Through a cultural transference of knowledge and a greater empathy and understanding, we can help promote the benefits that can be achieved and learn how to utilise a more considered approach. These concepts are ones that we promote and we actively encourage our customers and suppliers to follow. Together we are able to make a difference.

10 Websites Please see below a list of websites that provide information that may just inspire you to be more sustainable: Real-time traffic information and updates regarding highway works on the trunk road network. Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council provide a Transport portal that provides links and information about local services, such as cycling and walking routes. Traveline is a website that helps identify the most direct journey options when using bus, rail, coach and ferry services in the UK. Stagecoach is a bus operator who provide services within your area. Their website provides up to date route and timetable information. Diamond is a bus operator who provide services within your area. Their website provides up to date route and timetable information. The National Rail website provides up to date nationwide train service route and timetable information. Liftshare promotes car sharing as part of Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council s local transport plans. Co-wheels is a public access car club where members can pre-book cars online or over the phone,to help reduce car ownership within the UK. Sustrans is a leading UK charity enabling people to travel by foot, bike or public transport for more of the journeys we make every day. The Ramblers are an association of people and groups who come together to enjoy walking and other outdoor pursuits.

11 Bus Services Service Bus Routes Frequency Mon - Fri Sat (not Christmas) Sun / Bank Hol Mon S3 Hockley Heath - Wythall Frequency varies. First service 06:42. Last service 22:37. Frequency varies. First service 07:42. Last service 22:37. No service. S3 Inkford Brook - Hockley Heath Frequency varies. First service 06:30. Last service 23:08. Frequency varies. First service 06:35. Last service 23:08. No service. 62 Solihull - Warwickshire College Service only runs between October and July. Departs at 07:48. Returns at 17:05. No service. No service. S20 Fareham - Knowle - Wickham Service runs every 70 minutes. First service 08:31. Last service 19:06. Service runs every 70 minutes. First service 08:31. Last service 16:46. No service. S20 Wickham - Knowle - Fareham Frequency varies. First service 07:33. Last Service 19:30. Frequency varies. First service 08:55. Last Service 17:08. No service. Please note - Information is for guidance only as this is a summary from the Stagecoach and Diamond websites as of 16/05/16. For the most up to date travel information and timetables, please visit your community travel information website detailed above.

12 Train Services Station Station Details Route Approximate Frequency First Service Last Service Approximate Journey Time Dorridge Station This station is located approximately 1.3km from the development site and therefore can be easily accessed on foot or bike. The station has sheltered cycle storage for 30 bikes next to the waiting room on platform 1. There is a car park with capacity for 36 vehicles which includes 6 accessible spaces. Dorridge Station is managed by Chiltern Railways and is also served by Midland Mainline. Services run locally to Solihull, Birmingham, Stratford-Upon-Avon and further afield to the likes of London and Aylesbury. Occasional services also run to Kidderminster and Oxford. Solihull Every 15 minutes 05:40 23:23 7 minutes Birmingham Every 15 minutes 05:40 23:23 25 minutes Stratford-Upon-Avon Every 60 minutes 06:18 21: minutes London Every 30 minutes 05:56 23:55 Aylesbury Every 30 minutes 05:56 23:55 1 hour 40 minutes 2 hours 45 minutes London Every 15 minutes 05:40 23:20 1 hour 30 minutes Birmingham International Station This station is located 9.2km north of the development site. The station has a car park with capacity for 2124 vehicles, along with sheltered cycle parking facilities. Birmingham International Station is managed by Virgin Trains and is also served by Arriva Trains Wales, Cross Country and London Mainline. The station offers regular connections to London, Birmingham New Street, Shrewsbury and Manchester as well as local stations in between. Birmingham New Street Every 10 minutes 06:05 23:50 15 minutes Shrewsbury Every 30 minutes 07:09 23:01 1 hour 20 minutes Manchester Every 30 minutes 06:29 22:46 2 hours Bournemouth (via Reading) Every 60 minutes 06:14 23:20 3 hours Glasgow Every 60 minutes 06:05 22:46 4 hours 30 minutes Edinburgh Every 50 minutes 06:05 22:46 5 hours Please note - Information is for guidance only as this is a summary from the National Rail website as of 17/05/16. For the most up to date travel information and timetables, please visit your community travel information website detailed above.

13 Local Services The village of Knowle benefits from a wide selection of local amenities and services that are all within walking and cycling distances. These include: 1. Place of Worship School Nursery Middlefield Springs 4. Doctors / Dentist 5. Playing Fields / Parks Local Supermarket/Post Office 1 7. Public House/Restaurant Sports Club 3 5 Please note - this is not an exhaustive list and is provided as an example of local amenities and services only, other amenities and services are available.

14 Local Services 1. Place of Worship 1.3 km 26 mins Dorridge Methodist Church 135 Mill Lane, Bentley Heath, Solihull, B93 8NY km 16 mins Saint George and Saint Teresa Catholic Church Station Road, Dorridge, Solihull, B93 8EZ wwwcatholicchurchdorridge.org.uk km 46 mins Knowle Parish Church 1717 High Street, Knowle, Solihull, B93 0LN School 1.7 km 34 mins Dorridge Primary School Station Road, Dorridge, Solihull, B93 8EU km 22 mins Arden Academy Station Road, Knowle, Solihull, B93 0PT km 52 mins Knowle C of E Primary School Kixley Lane, Knowle, Solihull, B93 0JE km 14 mins St George and St Teresa Catholic Primary School Mill Lane, Bentley Heath, Solihull, B93 8PA Nursery 2.7 km 54 mins Hampton Nursery 26 Browns Lane, Knowle, Solihull, B93 9BE km 36 mins Blue Giraffe Childcare 1741 Warwick Road, Knowle, Solihull, B93 0LX Doctors / Dentists 0.9 km 18 mins Dorridge Surgery 3 Avenue Road, Dorridge, Solihull, B93 8LH km 40 mins Knowle Surgery 1500 Warwick Road, Knowle, Solihull, B93 9LE km 12 mins Knowle and Dorridge Practice (Dentists) 1 Downing Close, Knowle, Solihull, B93 0QA km 26 mins Dental Health Centre 474 Station Road, Dorridge, Sollihull, B93 8HE Playing Fields/Parks 2.3 km 46 mins Knowle Park Longdon Road/Lodge Road, Knowle, Solihull, B93 9HT km 34 mins Dorridge Woods Grange Road, Dorridge, Solihull, B93 8LJ 6. Supermarket/Post Office 1.2 km 24 mins Tesco Express Arden Buildings, 3-7 Station Road, Dorridge, B93 8HH km 24 mins Midlands Co-operative Food Widney Road, Bentley Heath, Solihull, B93 9BN km 48 mins Knowle Sub Post Office 1656 High Street, Knowle, Solihull, B93 0NA Local Pub & Restaurant 2.3 km 26 mins The Red Lion 1672 High Street, Knowle, Solihull, B93 0LY km 34 mins The Lloyds Indian Restaurant 7 Station Road, Knowle, Solihull,B93 0HL km 50 mins Loch Fyne Restaurant The Bank House, High Street, Knowle, Solihull, B93 0JU Sports Clubs 0.7 km 14 mins Knowle and Dorridge Cricket Club Station Road, Dorridge, Solihull, B93 8ET km 6 mins Knowle and Dorridge Racquets Club Grove Road, Knowle, Solihull, B93 0PJ km 74 mins Widney Manor Golf Club Saintbury Drive, Solihull, B91 3SZ Distance Walking Time

15 Connectivity Bus Service Provision: The nearest bus stops to the development site are located as follows: Station Road, Opposite and Adjacent Widney Road Stops. Services - S3, S20 & 62. Location marked on Local Services map. The bus services that stop at the aforementioned locations are operated by Stagecoach and Diamond. Train Service Provision: The nearest train stations are located as follows: Middlefield Springs Dorridge Train Station. Location marked on Local Services map. Birmingham Station. International Train The train services that run from the aforementioned locations are operated by Chiltern Railways and Virgin Trains and provide connectivity to Solihull, Birmingham, Manchester and nationally via the Main Line to London. For further information, please visit your community travel information website at the address detailed above.