Travel Plan Monitoring Report Buttercross Park, Whittlesey - Residential
Prepared by: Developer Eyes Property and Estate Management Limited Headlands, Kettering, Northants NN15 6XA Company Registration No: 8966187 Company VAT No: 184 909 076 Author: Kim Walton Our Ref: PS15-109 Planning Application Ref: F/YR16/3041/COND Date: 06/11/18 Revision Number: 1.0 Prepared For: David Wilson Homes South Midlands 1a Fortune Close Riverside Business Park Northampton NN3 9HT
Contents 1.0 Introduction Page 1 2.0 Travel Plan Objectives and Targets Page 2 3.0 Monitoring Method & Results Summary Page 5 4.0 Progress With Implementation Page 7 5.0 Further Actions Page 8 Annex A Annex B Example of Issued Survey Example of Issued Newsletter
1.0 Introduction 1.1 Developer Eyes has pleasure in presenting our Residential Travel Plan Monitoring Report for Buttercross Park, Whittlesey, consisting of 144 residential units. 1.2 The development site is located on the periphery of the town of Whittlesey, in the far north-westerly quadrant. 1.3 The Local Planning Authority is Fenland District Council. 1.4 This Travel Plan forms part of the Planning Application process and details the plans that have been made to identify the sitespecific travel requirements. 1.5 The Travel Plan Monitoring Report will: - Outline the objectives and targets of the Travel Plan; Detail the monitoring method and summarise the results; Assess progress made in implementing the Travel Plan; Detail any additional action to be taken during the next monitoring period.
2.0 Travel Plan Objectives and Targets 2.1 Travel Plan Objectives. 2.1.1 The Travel Plan explores a site s sustainable travel requirements; taking into account the requirements of the Local Council, its location, the size and make-up of the proposed development, the needs of the community and the existing services and amenities that are local to it. The Travel Plan will identify the measures needed to deliver sustainable travel alternatives that will encourage residents to reduce their dependency on single occupancy vehicle travel whilst meeting the needs of the community. The travel plan seeks to establish clear outcomes to be achieved in relation to access and sets out all the measures to be implemented in detail, with an action plan, timescales, targets and responsibilities for implementation, monitoring and review. 2.1.2 Implementation of a Travel Plan involves a continuous process of monitoring, reviewing and adjusting the measures of the Travel Plan to reflect any changing circumstances. The plan continues for the life of the development and requires commitment from occupiers and partners. Site surveys and monitoring will begin following first occupancy, at which point a regular monitoring regime will continue, up until the agreed completion date. Progress will be monitored against initial targets and appropriate adjustments will be made to ensure that agreed outcomes are met. 2.2 Travel Plan Targets 2.2.1 In accordance with the data as displayed in section 8.0 of the travel plan, our initial indicative target for the reduction of vehicle usage, in particular single occupancy vehicle usage is 4.5% per annum. In accordance with
the on-going survey and monitoring philosophy this figure is being reviewed annually, to ensure realistic, achievable and measurable targets are implemented, to ensure the Travel Plan is effective. 2.2.2 On-going targets include: - Number of vehicle per dwelling; Number of weekday vehicle generated daily by the site once fully occupied; Number of peak hour ; Number of walking per day; Number of cycling per day; Number of bus per day; Number of train per day; and Number of those walking / cycling within the community. 2.2.3 From first occupancy the survey process began, which helps the appointed Travel Plan Co-ordinator to establish on-going targets to work towards with regards to reducing single occupancy vehicle use and measures that need to be implemented or revised. 2.2.4 Capturing the results of the surveys and interpreting the findings is an integral part of this process, to ensure the needs of the community are being met and that the measures in place to encourage the use of sustainable travel alternatives are appropriate. The findings help establish travel patterns and attitudes relating to travel behaviour and this review process will ensure the changing needs of the community are being met as the development evolves. 2.2.5 On-going surveys ensure targets are site specific, realistic and measurable and shall record residents :- Journey types; Means of transport used; Reason for use; Times of journeys; Distances travelled; Willingness to use alternative sustainable modes of transport; and Incentives which encourage the use of more sustainable modes of transport. 2.2.6 Data from the surveys help to establish the most popular alternative modes of travel and what would be likely to encourage modal shift. This helps to identify which sustainable modes of travel can be targeted and promoted in the future. 2.3 Promotion and Marketing Measures. 2.3.1 A Sustainable Travel Plan Pack is being issued to all residents on occupancy. 2.3.2 Each resident is being provided with the contact details of the Travel Plan Coordinator, who will be available to provide individual personalised travel plan services should this be required. 2.3.3 Any issues that are raised will be answered within 2 working days.
2.3.4 The Travel Plan Co-ordinator will attempt to facilitate the set-up of a Residents Travel Plan Group / Forum, where residents share and implement initiatives that can promote and encourage other residents to utilise a more sustainable approach to how they travel.
3.0 Monitoring Method and Results Summary 3.1 The first plot was occupied on 25th March 2017. 3.2 The second annual Travel Plan surveys were sent to all occupied properties on 17/09/18. 3.3 A total of 76 surveys were issued. 3.4 Following feedback from the surveys from last year, we decided to condense the travel plan surveys, so they were more concise and collected only the most essential information. By condensing the survey, we believed we may have more returns as the time taken to complete the survey would be reduced and people may be more inclined to return them. 3.5 As an incentive to complete the survey, residents were offered the chance to win a 25 One for All gift voucher which can be used in over 25 000 stores nationwide. Every resident who completed a survey in either format was entered into the draw to win this voucher. 3.6 Additionally, we contacted local businesses for discounts to offer residents incentives to complete these surveys. We received interest from one local business GreenWheel Cycles who offered a 10% off new bikes or 20% off services packages voucher for every resident that returned their survey. 3.7 Within the letter it was explained that residents could return the survey by three means; they could fill in the form and return it by post; they could complete the form and scan and return via email; or they could complete the survey online via following the link to the survey. 3.8 The total number of surveys returned was 2, equating to a response rate of 2.6%. 3.9 The numbers of returned surveys were very disappointing, and it was anticipated that numbers would be higher due to the.
incentives given to complete the survey, the condensed survey. 3.10 Further initiatives will be considered before next year s survey in order to try and increase participation. 3.11 From the responses gained the conclusions we can draw from the analysis are as follows: 3.12 From the 2 households whom returned the survey there are a total of 6 residents, 5 of which go to work. 3.13 When stating how far they travel to work we found that 20% travel 2-5 miles, 40% travel 5-10 miles and 40% travel over 20 miles to work. 3.14 At the 6 households there is a total of 5 cars, 0 bicycles and 0 motorbike/scooter. 3.15 When asked how often they travel by each mode of transport the responses were as follows: Car - 50% of households travel daily by car and 50% travel more than once a week by car. Car Share 50% of households travel by car share less than once a week and 50% never car share. Walk - 50% of households walk less than once a week and 50% never walk. Cycle- 50% of households travel by bicycle once a week only and 50% never cycle. Bus - 50% of households never travel by bus and 50% travel by bus less than once a week. Train- 50% of households never travel by train and 50% did not answer the question. Taxi 100% of households never travel by taxi. 3.16 When asked Would you be interested in joining a car club? neither households were interested in joining a car club. 3.17 The main reasons for using the mode of transport they use most each week were as follows: - Convenience (50%) - Other (50%) 3.18 When asked to explain What (if anything) would encourage the members of the household to use the following modes of transport more for journeys? The responses for each section were as follows: Walk Closer shops Cycling Havent got a bike N.A. Public Transport More frequent buses at times that fit plans. N.A. Time Consuming
Car share Ability to share with someone at same location. We sometimes do when doing long journeys. 3.19 When asked for further suggestions or comments neither household answered. 3.2 Traffic Count 3.2.1 The first traffic count of the site was undertaken on 17th September 2018 between the hours of 08:00 and 09:00 and again between 17:00 and 18:00. 3.2.2 Tables 1.0 and 2.0 below show the modal split from the traffic count alongside the proposed modal split form the TRICS data. Although the travel plan suggested to use census data to aid the monitoring process, we believe these two modes will give more accurate and realistic data. Table 1.0 - Modal Split of Traffic Count on 17 th September 2018 Mode Arrivals AM Peak Hour (08:00-09:00) PM Peak Hour (17:00 18:00) % of arrivals Departures % of departu res Arrivals % of arrivals Departures % of departu Total res Pedestrans 1 13% 2 8% 10 37% 10 37% 23 26% Cyclists 0 0% 1 4% 0 0% 0 0% 1 1% Public Service Vehicles 0 0% 0 0% 1 4% 1 4% 2 2% Private Vehicles (Driver Only) 6 75% 10 38% 10 37% 8 30% 34 39% Private Vehicles (Car Share) 1 13% 13 50% 6 22% 8 30% 28 32% Total 8 100% 26 100% 27 100% 27 100% 88 100%
Table 1.1 5 Year plan following Traffic Count on 17 th September 2018 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Mode Total Total Total Total Pedestrians 23 26.1% 25 28.6% 27 31.1% 30 33.6% Cyclists 1 1.1% 3 3.6% 5 6.1% 8 8.6% Public Service Vehicles 2 2.3% 4 4.8% 6 7.3% 9 9.8% Private Vehicles 62 70.5% 55 63.0% 49 55.5% 42 48.0% Total 88 100.0% 88 100.0% 88 100.0% 88 100.0% Table 2.0 TRICS data Proposed Modal Split Mode Arrivals AM Peak Hour (08:00-09:00) PM Peak Hour (17:00 18:00) % of arrivals Departures % of departu res Arrivals % of arrivals Departures % of departu res Total Pedestrians 8 28% 32 37% 16 26% 9 26% 65 30.6% Cyclists 0 1% 2 2% 2 3% 1 4% 6 2.7% Public Service Vehicles 0 1% 0 0% 0 0% 0 0% 0 0.1% Private Vehicles 20 70% 53 61% 45 71% 24 70% 142 66.6% Total 29 100% 87 100% 63 100% 34 100% 213 100%
Table 2.1 5 Year Plan following TRICS data Original TRICS data Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Mode Total Total Total Total Total Total Pedestrians 65 30.6% 68 32.1% 72 33.6% 75 35.1% 78 36.6% 81 38.1% Cyclists 6 2.7% 9 4.2% 12 5.7% 15 7.2% 19 8.7% 22 10.2% Public Service Vehicles 0 0.1% 3 1.6% 7 3.1% 10 4.6% 13 6.1% 16 7.6% Private Vehicles 142 66.6% 132 62.1% 123 57.6% 113 53.1% 104 48.6% 94 44.1% Total 213 100% 213 100% 213 100% 213 100% 213 100% 213 100% 3.2.3 Comparison between the tables is of limited value as the TRICS data is only a proposed figure. 3.2.4 The TRICS data suggested that there would be a higher percentage of residents traveling to work via more sustainable forms of transport (pedestrians, cyclists and private vehicles) in year 2 (57.6%), however, when carrying out the traffic count, we found that this percentage is higher than proposed (71%). Nevertheless, we have taken the TRICS data and set the targets we would need to set to reduce the private vehicle usage by 22.5% according to this data over the 5-year period by reducing this amount by 4.5% each year (Table 2.1). 3.2.5 Using the TRICS data, it would suggest we are well behind our year 2 target of reducing private vehicle usage as this is 57.6% and currently 71% of transport at peak times is via private vehicles. 3.2.6 Alongside the TRICS data targets, now that we have got real data from the site for the modes of travel to work at peak times of the day, we have been able to set more realistic targets based on these figures (Table 1.1). To achieve the 22.5% reduction over the remaining three years, requires a 7.5% reduction in private vehicle use each year from now on. 3.2.7 Additionally, as part of the traffic count, we split private vehicle use into driver only and car share in order to be able to see how much of vehicle usage is single occupancy. This year 55% of private vehicle usage was single occupancy. We hope that through our initiatives in reducing vehicle usage we can
consequently reduce single occupancy vehicle usage. 3.3.8 From the traffic count we can see that there was only one journey at peak times by cycling. Therefore, this will be an area we will look to push this year in our coordination of the Travel Plan. Page 6
4.0 Progress With Implementation 4.1 Sustainable Travel Plan Packs, as approved by the Local Authority, have been issued to the Sales Centre and are being distributed to residents on the day they move in. 4.2 A sustainable travel website has been designed and is live, giving residents easy access to local and national sustainable travel information. 4.3 Surveys have been issued to all occupied properties as per section 8.0 of the Travel Plan. 4.4 The surveys were designed to record residents : Journey types; Means of transport used; Reason for use; Distances travelled; Willingness to use alternative sustainable modes of transport; and Incentives which encourage the use of more sustainable modes of transport. 4.5 It is difficult to assess the progress made against the vehicle usage target following the low return on the travel survey. However further measures have already been taken to improve resident participation in the survey, which are as follows: Sustainable travel newsletters were issued to all occupied properties in Match 2018 and September 2018 (example at Annex B); Further editions of the newsletter to be issued at 6 monthly intervals; Website and newsletter to be used by residents to promote local groups and clubs; Residents have been asked to consider forming a Travel Plan User Group, which will be facilitated by the Travel Plan Coordinator.
4.6 Residents through the newsletter have been invited to join a Step Champion Group. This involves having an app on their smartphone and joining their group and competing against their local residents to become a local Step Champion. This aims to encourage residents to choose to walk to local amenities rather than other forms of transport. 4.7 Due to the low return of surveys we have begun to undertake traffic counts at the site to ensure that we get relevant physical data to aid with the monitoring process. This will ensure we can measure the progress of the travel plan coordination. This year it has helped us to establish that no residents travelled at peak times by bicycle, therefore we aim to promote this next year.
5.0 Further Actions 5.1 We will continue with the marketing strategy as laid down in the Travel Plan and hope to see an increase in responses to the survey as a result of this. 5.2 In order to get more responses we believe there is a need to engage the residents more in local and national sustainable travel events and will look at doing this within the bi-annual newsletters and by promoting even more events on the sites travel planning website. 5.3 Following the results of the traffic count, this year we aim to promote the benefits of use of cycling as a form of transport by promoting local routes and liaising with local bike shops to see whether they would be interested in offering incentives or discounts. 5.4 Six monthly newsletters to be produced and residents to be asked to contribute towards the content. 5.5 Although there has yet to be interest in nominations for a Sustainable Travel Hero, we will continue to promote this to encourage residents toward more sustainable travel. 5.6 Facilitation of a Travel Plan User Group. 5.7 Should we encounter further difficulties engaging with residents, we will look to visit Buttercross Park to knock on residents doors and talk to them about our aims and try and encourage them to get involved with our initiatives. 5.8 Before undertaking the next survey we will liaise with local businesses, such as restaurants, to try and obtain discount vouchers to offer further incentives for completing the survey. 5.9 The date of the next report will be November 2019.
Appendix A Example of a Survey.
Daily More than once a week Once a week Less than once a week Never Resident 1 Resident 2 Resident 3 Resident 4 Resident 5 Residential Travel Plan Questionnaire Development: Address: 1. Number of people aged: Under 10 35-44 10-17 45-54 18-25 55+ 2. How many people in the household work? 3. If applicable, approximately how far do you travel to work/place of study (in miles)? Miles to Do you ever work/study work/place from home? (if so, how of study often?) Resident 1 Resident 2 Resident 3 Resident 4 Resident 5 4. How many of the following do you have at your household: Cars Bicycles Motorcycles/Scooter 5. How often does your household travel by each of the following modes of transport each week? (Please place ticks on every row for each member of the household) Car (alone) Car Share Walk Cycle Bus Train Taxi Other (please specify): 6. Would you be interested in joining a car sharing club? Yes No 7. What is your main reason for using the mode of transport you use most each week? Please tick one option for each resident. Dropping off/collecting passenger(s) Health reasons Convenience Time Saving Cost Lack of alternative Other (please specify): 8. What (if anything) would encourage the members of the household to use to following modes of transport more for journeys? - Walk - Cycle - Public Transport - Car Share 8. Please make any other suggestions or comments regarding travel below: Thank you for taking the time to complete this questionnaire. Please e-mail completed questionnaires to kim.walton@developereyes.co.uk or post to Developer Eyes PEM, Broughton Grange Business Centre, Headlands, Kettering, Northamptonshire, NN15 6XA by no later than
Appendix B Example of a Newsletter.
Sustainable Travel Newsletter Buttercross Park September 2018 Edition 3 Welcome to the third edition of Buttercross Park Travel Plan Newsletter, brought to you by Developer Eyes, your Travel Plan Coordinators. In this edition, we take a look at the benefits of travelling sustainably and upcoming sustainable travel events. Why Travel Sustainably? Common goals for most of us usually include one or more of the following: To be healthier; to be more active; to save money; to help the environment. Sustainable travel can help with all of these goals. To be healthier or more active: Being more active helps to have a healthier body. It s known that walking and cycling are good for bones and improves the body s cardiovascular system, however over the past 30 years, physical activity has declined significantly in the UK. Consequently, it is not surprising to hear that the Foresight Report underlined that childhood obesity is set to affect half of all primary school boys and a fifth of girls by 2030. The benefits of being active on your physical health, such as weight loss, are well documented. However, research has also found that, on top of the physical benefits of active travel, people who commute by walking, cycling or public transport have better mental health than those who drive to work. To save money: Making the decision to walk or cycle where possible, can make a significant impact on your bank as well as your health. By getting off the bus or train, or getting out of your car earlier, and walking the rest of the way, you can save money on your commuting bill. Additionally, the Foresight Report explains that if childhood obesity continued to be as they expect then by 2050, the cost of this epidemic could reach 45bn a year, draining the NHS if not the entire economy. To help the environment: The Department of Transport have stated that if all the commuters in England with a journey of under 5 miles went by bike or walked they could save a collective 44,000 tonnes of CO2, the equivalent emissions produced by heating nearly 17,000 houses. And that would just be in the first week. So not only can sustainable travel benefit you, but you can also be helping to save your planet. Walk for Parkinson s Wandlebury Country Park 29 th September 2018. A charity walk is being organised around the beautiful Wandlebury Country Park to help raise vital funds for people affected by Parkinson s. The walk will take place on Saturday 29 th September 2018, to find out more on the charity s website www.parkinsons.org.uk/events/walk-parkinsons-wandlebury-country-park
Sustainable Travel Newsletter Buttercross Park Walking for Health Walking for Health is England s largest network of health walk schemes, helping people across the country lead a more active lifestyle. Their walks are led by friendly, specially trained volunteers who are on hand to 14 th June 2 provide encouragement and support and make sure no one gets left behind. Best Foot Forward run local walks in your area which are suitable for all ages: they are a great way of making new friends whilst exploring the lovely green spaces right on our doorstep. To find out more information or to get involved please visit www.walkingforhealth.org.uk/walkfinder. European Mobility Week (16 th 22 nd September 2018) This years European Mobility Week encourages us to explore the many different options available for getting for A to B and think about the mode that best suits our particular journey. By introducing some sustainable methods into our journeys, not only can we have a positive impact on the environment, but we may find that we re fitter and happier, with some extra spending money too. If you do something to promote the idea of sustainable urban mobility and you want to share it all you need to do is register your Mobility Action on www.mobolityweek.eu/aboutmobilityactions/ International Walk to School Month Whole of October Walk to School Month, which is taking place for the whole of October, it is a country-wide celebration of walking. Each year Living Streets puts together a fun themed challenge to take on while walking to and from school. A generation ago, 70% of us walked to school now it s less than half! Living Streets want to reverse this decline, they want children to be energised and empowered and to make walking to school their natural choice. To find out ways Living Streets gets children walking more visit www.livingstreets.org.uk/walk-with-us/walk-toschool. National Liftshare Week (1st 5 th October 2018) Liftshare are encouraging people to join their network to save money, cut their carbon footprint and meet like minded people. To find out more visit www.liftshare.com/liftshareweek Contact Details Website: www.buttercrossparktravel.co.uk Travel Plan Coordinator: Kim Walton E-mail: buttercrossparktravel@developereyes.co.uk Telephone: 01536 680603