green transport plan
Greenham Common Trust is committed to green transport for New Greenham Park. The Trust published its Green Transport Plan in December 2000 and has since then been actively working on a range of projects to foster the use of green transport and to make commuting as environmentally friendly as possible.
Letters of support for the Plan
The West Berkshire area is a good place to live and work. Thriving towns and rolling downlands and woodlands provide the backdrop to the lives of the inhabitants. Commuting is an ever important issue in our lives, as we ourselves travel to work and play and also as we watch the commerce of Great Britain pass through our central location.
West Berkshire Council has long recognised that ever increasing transport problems need to be tackled to ensure that our children and grandchildren can in turn enjoy their surroundings. The building of the Bypass, the pedestrianisation of Newbury town centre and traffic calming initiatives have all played their part in improving our quality of life, but we know that this is not enough. We know that we must change our attitudes to the car or suffer all the concomitant consequences - pollution, poor health, increasing costs and the eventual clogging of the commercial arteries.
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Green transport is as vital to our quality of life as clean air. By looking ahead and recognising the hard decisions to be made we can be one step ahead of the incoming tide of traffic congestion. I am sure that the measures set out in this comprehensive Plan will help us to achieve the green transport targets we have set ourselves and also help us to pass on to our children a peaceful and prosperous community. |
Raleigh of Nottingham has been making bicycles in the UK for more than 113 years. Over the last century the cycle industry has faced some dramatic changes, and some of today’s cycles would be unrecognisable to our Victorian predecessors. But sadly, despite its best efforts to stay in touch with the changing needs, habits and attitudes of the public, the demand for, and use of bicycles - whether for transport, leisure or sporting activities - has been resolutely in decline. The motor car, the TV, and now the Internet have all taken their toll on our time and inclination to enjoy one of life’s great pleasures - a bike ride.
We are therefore proud to be associated with this new initiative to raise and stimulate interest in cycling, both from an environmental perspective as well as from the point-of-view of general health. Bikes are good for you and they are fun. Surely a winning combination! Whether it is with major national initiatives - like the National Cycle Network - or with the exciting new ventures such as at New Greenham Park, we do passionately believe that we at Raleigh have a proper role to play, alongside Government and voluntary organisations, to promote the cause of cycling. This is not merely sell-interest, but truly stems from our long heritage, and our commitment to making first-class cycles to give pleasure and true re-creation to the broadest close-section of our society.
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We love cycles - and we want to do all we can to share and promote our enthusiasm to the young (and not so young!) alike. This is a marvellous plan, and we are thrilled to play our part in it. |
Greenham Common Trust is a fairly new organisation. It employs only a handful of people and, on the face of it, is not really in a position to make a great difference to the green transport agenda. Having said that, the Trust owns and manages 150 acres of brownfield site that it is developing as a high quality business park with the aim of bringing together commerce, art and concern for the environment.
That puts the Trust in a strong position to secure some significant changes in transport patterns in a way that even large individual companies might struggle to achieve on their own. There are some great opportunities for innovation and partnerships. This plan aims to provide a framework for the initiatives that we are committed to developing over the coming years.
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| Quite apart from all the high minded - for the greater good of mankind - issues, there is a hard edge to this. I am absolutely convinced that many of the elements involved in the green transport initiatives we will be promoting will make New Greenham Park a more attractive place for people to work and for businesses to locate. This will give the Park a competitive edge in the market place in comparison with locations where a less active approach is taken to green transport issues. |
Preface by the Author
Ten years ago the use of such phrases as 'traffic management', 'demand management' and 'reducing car dependence' would label the speaker or writer as a radical, out of touch with reality. Add the promotion of alternative forms of transport such as buses, cycling and walking and one was almost certainly going to be seen as idealistic, unbalanced or worse. This experience was to be had at any public gathering held to consider the future traffic and environmental issues facing Newbury and Thatcham. As recently as three years ago the experience could still be had in small market towns in other parts of the south of England. Meanwhile the reality from which such views were supposedly detached was one of increasing congestion on our roads, serious delays in travel times, increased road traffic accidents, palpable environmental impact, traffic related morbidity and an almost total failure to accept that the solution required more than a reliance on road-building.
Fortunately something very significant has happened to the public's collective consciousness in these last few years: few people, if any, now dispute that there is a problem and most accept that we cannot solve it as we have done in the past. At public gatherings all over the UK and Europe these issues are under debate. The central questions are about how we can continue to benefit from the private car whilst reducing our dependence on it. A critical issue brought into sharp relief by the current fuel crisis. This is about how we can improve transport choice, increase accessibility and enhance the environment and the vitality of our settlements. The central question is about how we change our own attitudes and travel behaviour. This debate is not about the toolkit of traffic management; it is about how we can change hearts and minds.
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The green transport plan is the most effective way in which the private sector can play an active part in the process and thus influence the attitudes and travel behaviour of large numbers of employees and customers. |
Alan Jones is Chief Executive of Test Valley Borough Council. He has wide experience as a Town Planner and Manager in a variety of local authorities and was, in his former role at Newbury District Council, the author of 'Head and Heart: an Integrated Strategy for Transport and the Environment'. He is a visiting fellow of the University of Southampton. He is also a cyclist and cycling campaigner and has carried out the work for this Plan in return for a payment to Macmillan Cancer. He lives with his family in the District.
Introduction
The aim of this plan is to demonstrate the commitment of the Greenham Common Trust to the sustainable development of New Greenham Park. The plan illustrates how the Trust, in partnership with the companies at New Greenham Park will, through the implementation of the proposals in the plan, not only contribute to improving the environment of West Berkshire, but will see clear commercial benefits for business and the local economy.
What is a Green Transport Plan?
Green Transport Plans are a way in which organisations such as Greenham Common Trust can make proposals for the sustainable management of the transport needs of businesses and their staff. Such plans are supported by central Government, the Regional Development and Planning Agencies, West Berkshire Council and Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council.
"Green Transport plans produced by local authorities, businesses, community organisations, schools and hospitals will alert people to the problems and solutions"
'A New Deal for Transport: Better for everyone' Government White Paper on Transport ( 1998 )
"West Berkshire Council supports the development of Green Commuter Plans"
West Berkshire Council TPP 1999-2000
"The Council will be liasing with employers to encourage their adoption of green commuting initiatives"
Local Transport Plan 2000/2001- 2004/2005
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This Plan comprises a series of policies and ideas, tailored to suit the needs of New Greenham Park and seeks to raise awareness of the problems caused by increased traffic, particularly by trips made alone in cars. The plan includes some background on the nature of the problem and initiatives to get the message across to businesses and staff that there are alternatives. The plan has a wide range of policies and proposals which will help reduce dependence on the car and combat congestion and its environmental implications. |
The policy 'toolkit' includes promotion of public and community transport alternatives, car sharing, cycling and car park management but also a range of ideas designed to change working practices and influence business and company culture. These ideas will also have the benefit of promoting road safety and the health of staff as well as reducing costs and improving efficiency. The plan will also help businesses plan for expansion without the expense of increasing car parking facilities.
Reasons to be concerned - some facts and trends
Transport and the economy
The ownership and use of the private car has been one of the most important improvements in the quality of people's lives over the last century. It has provided incredible flexibility and access to the majority of people in the developed world. There is an increasing realisation, however, that we cannot go on relying on the car as our primary form of travel. The use of the car for up to 80% of our journeys, more than half of which are less than a few miles, has led to serious environmental and social problems.
Traffic has a heavy impact on business as well as the quality of everybody's life. The Confederation of British Industry estimates that congestion costs UK business £15 billion a year through delayed deliveries, higher fuel consumption and wasted employees’ time. |
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Business is also affected by the impact of stress caused by driving in congested areas and ill health related to air pollution, accidents and lack of exercise. Traffic levels causes poor air quality in many parts of our towns and countryside and contributes to asthma and other diseases. Many urban and rural communities are divided by busy roads, and many of these roads and even our residential streets are not safe for children to play. In the UK, emissions of carbon dioxide from road transport are the fastest growing contributor to climate change.
Despite all this, nationally 30% of households do not have access to a car. Businesses which are only accessible by car, may therefore exclude a large number of potential employees and customers.
The South East
The South East is the most successful UK economic region. West Berkshire is, on a number of indicators, at the forefront of this economic success and recognised by the Standing Conference on South East Regional Planning (SERPLAN) as an 'area of economic pressure'. One of the characteristics of such areas is that traffic congestion becomes a barrier to business growth. Another is the shortage of high skilled labour and the high incidence of commuting. The overheating of the labour market and overloading of transport infrastructure are mutually supporting and a serious limit to sustainable growth.
The region is a victim of its own success. Across the UK, for every 1% increase in GDP there is a 1% increase in goods traffic and a 1.5% increase in passenger transport. This is exaggerated in the South East where flows are already 2-3 times higher than the national average and where car ownership rates and the propensity to travel and commute are above the national averages.
The Geography of West Berkshire
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West Berkshire District comprises 56% of the area of the Royal County of Berkshire. The district has 37% of the roads by length, most of which are rural. The district is still predominately rural in character with 95% of the population living outside the towns. Newbury, a town which was established largely due to its benefits in terms of communications, is still a crossroads town and owes much of its present day prosperity to the strategic importance of the A34/A4/M4 intersections. The geography of Basingstoke and Deane, which lies only a mile or so away from New Greenham Park, shares a similar character. The very nature of the area promotes a high demand for travel and a dependence on the private car. |
Population and Housing Trends
The West Berkshire District has seen substantial growth over the last two decades. According to former County Council and West Berkshire Council sources the population grew by 20% between 1981 and 1997. Over the same period the average growth for the south-east was 6.5% and for England it was 4.8%. The population of the district is predicted to rise by a further 3.6% by 2006. Over approximately the same period - 1991-1998 - the housing stock of the district increased by 30%. A further 5,050 new houses are planned to be built by 2006. Both population and housing trends suggest that the demand for travel and, in particular reliance on the private car, will continue to grow steadily and at the peak of regional and national patterns. |
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Economic Trends
Between 1981 and 1996 the number of jobs in Berkshire increased by 21%. In West Berkshire the figure was 56%! (former County Council and West Berkshire sources). In West Berkshire existing development commitments will create 13,000 more jobs which represents an increase in the current total of 20%.
Berkshire as a whole has, according to SERPLAN sources, the highest GDP per capita in the South-East and average income is amongst the highest in the UK, second only to greater London. The potential impact in terms of travel demand, car ownership, propensity to commute and traffic congestion is clear. These trends reinforce the importance which local Councils are placing on initiatives such as Green Transport Plans.
"...there is an increasing awareness amongst local businesses that whilst road access remains an important factor in economic development, congestion and the adverse environmental impact of traffic can be detrimental to business success, particularly in urban areas. The Council wishes to build on this greater awareness by developing its links with the business community and by encouraging/assisting with the production of green transport plans."
West Berkshire Local Transport Plan 2000/2001 - 2004/2005
Transport Trends
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Given the trends in terms of economic growth, GDP per capita and average income, it is no surprise to find that levels of car ownership are as high in West Berkshire as anywhere in the UK. 83% of West Berkshire households have a car and 45% have two or more. In Newbury and Thatcham 75% travel by car to work. Commuting is a significant factor in explaining the overloading of local transport infrastructure. There are large inward and outward movements of workers on a daily basis; 37% resident workers commute out and 33% of the jobs in the district are occupied by people who commute in. |
Furthermore, over the period 1981 - 1991 the pattern has worsened with out-commuting increasing by 21% and in-commuting increasing by 73% (West Berkshire Council Local Transport Plan figures). There is also clear evidence that the average distances travelled by the commuter have increased significantly over the period.
Observed Traffic Growth
Traffic flows in the Newbury and Thatcham area are well above the national average - and growing faster than most of the UK. Newbury and Thatcham have long suffered from acute traffic congestion. Traffic levels overload the network at peak periods and the peaks are spreading. The by-pass has removed much of the through traffic, and the West Berkshire Council has already taken advantage of the road capacity freed up to remove traffic from town centre roads. The respite provided by the by-pass will, however, be temporary. Congestion is again increasing on the former A34 (A339) and A4 and on other through routes. Rat-running in residential areas is a serious problem in some parts of Newbury. Despite the efforts of the West Berkshire Council in the town centres of Newbury and Thatcham, the Council acknowledges that there remains a problem of conflict between pedestrians, cyclists and motor vehicles.
High traffic levels have given rise to environmental problems related to air quality, severance and noise. This is particularly evident along the town sections of the former A34 (A339) where the by-pass has had limited impact in this respect. Emissions from road traffic have a potentially serious effect on the health of residents in a number of areas and the West Berkshire Council have identified these for attention (Local Transport Plan). |
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Reasons to be encouraged - some policy responses
National Transport Policy
The problems created by the uncontrolled growth in private transport are now widely acknowledged and recently there has been a convergence of policy initiatives at central and local level in response. In central Government there have been significant shifts in policy in recent years with the publication of a welter of policy and legislative documents. Principal amongst these were the Road Traffic Reduction Act 1997, the Transport White Paper - A New Deal For Transport: Better For Everyone, 1998 and, most recently, Transport 2010, the Government’s 10 Year Plan (July 2000). The 10 Year Plan proposes £180 billion investment in transport infrastructure but is still reliant on public and private sector partnerships to deliver attitude change, demand management and private investment.
The main themes of the published policies and guidance are:
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integration of land-use and transportation; |
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demand management, particularly the reduction of car dependence; |
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encouragement of alternative modes of transport; |
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partnerships with the private sector; |
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improvement of the environment; and, |
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accessibility for all. |
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"Before this £180 billion Plan, congestion on our roads was set to grow by 15% over the next ten years. Our goal is to reverse that trend by removing traffic bottlenecks and improving public transport so people have a real choice of leaving their cars at home. This will also help the environment." |
"Public and private sector partnerships, in different forms, will provide the funding for delivering much of this modernisation programme, harnessing private sector finance and disciplines to public objectives. This partnership is central to the new approach of the 10 Year Plan."
The 10 Year Plan - page 35
Regional Transport Policy
The same themes have also found their way into Regional Planning Guidance (SERPLAN), the Regional Economic Strategy (SEEDA), the work of the Regional Assembly (SEERA) and, of course, the Structure Plan.
Once again the emphasis is on:
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sustainability; |
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inclusiveness; and, |
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demand management. |
Most recently, however, there has been a recognition across all tiers of regional and strategic planning that these issues underpin the competitiveness of the region. It is no longer sufficient, even in the most successful economic region of the UK to rely on growth alone. The inevitable overheating of the labour markets and attendant overloading of the region’s transport infrastructure will ultimately provide a brake on economic performance. Furthermore, the traditional response of infrastructure investment and expansion will not necessarily solve the problem. There is now an almost universal acceptance that the region’s competitiveness in the league table of European regions will rely on us all working smarter and developing sustainably. Growth without expansion and accessibility without congestion will be the themes of the winning region. Inward investment from world class companies will go to regions that display prosperity in balance with quality of life. The measures will not simply be economic and environmental; health and social wellbeing will also be fundamental. Sustainable transport is key to the economic, environmental and social fabric of our communities.
West Berkshire Policy
The West Berkshire Council and its predecessor, Newbury District Council, have been active in promoting sustainable transport in their policies and programmes. The whole thrust of current policy had its foundations in Head and Heart, April 1996, a document containing 'an integrated policy for traffic management and the environment' for Newbury and Thatcham. This document, supported by the Benefiting from the Bypass consultation set the scene for the Newbury ACCESS package bid, the Sustainable Car Parking Strategy, 1999-2001 and the West Berkshire Transport Strategy. The threads have now been drawn together in the West Berkshire Transport Plan 2000/2001 - 2004/2005.
There was a recognition, by the former Newbury District Council that the key target was changing hearts and minds.
"We all know that we cannot go on as we have in the past...(We)...must act together to bring about a change in hearts and minds. This statement Head and Heart is the first step. It is not a fully worked up plan and cannot at this stage take account of the constraints and financial implications. These difficulties are likely to be considerable. We are not prepared, however, to let an unquantified concern about such matters prevent us making policy decisions about the kind of towns that we want to hand over to our children."
Keith Lock, Leader of Council, ‘Head and Heart’, April 1996.
The key principles underpinning the local policy documents are similar to those operating at national, regional and strategic level, with two important additions:
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the integration of alternative modes of transport; and, |
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improvements in road safety. |
The local policy documents are supported by a wide range of measures and proposals, designed to inter-relate and support one another. It is recognised, however, that the success of these initiatives will depend on the support of other agencies and companies such as Greenham Common Trust through their Green Transport Plans and close liaison with adjoining authorities such as Hampshire County Council and Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council.
Demand management - the hard truth
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Whilst official policy acknowledges the importance of managing demand and green transport plans are one way of dealing with the issue we must not under-estimate the difficulties involved in changing hearts and minds. The very notion of movement is bound up with our value system, lifestyle and understanding of social status and success. It is in our psyche: 'she is high going places'; 'he is high powered'; 'a jet setter', 'in the fast lane', 'not hanging about', and so on. |
How much policy and promotion will be needed about transport alternatives to counterbalance the single impact of car advertising, for example, with its emphasis on financial, physical, social, sexual and even environmental accomplishment?
"With a total disregard for the laws of evolution - genetically modified and proud of it"
Mitsubishi Motors - Times, May 2000
"You expect luxury, but you want performance. You demand sophistication
yet you appreciate passion. And you don't believe in compromise"
Maserati UK - Sunday Times, June 2000
"Stay beautiful - Its not the iron you pump it's the metal you drive..."
Renault - Sunday Times, July 2000
We are literally in two minds about the car; on the one hand we know that it offers convenient and incredibly flexible freedom of movement, on the other hand unfettered use of it will result in gridlock.
"We are nourishing at great cost a monster of great potential destructiveness...and yet we love him dearly."
The Buchanan Report - Traffic In Towns - Nov. 1963
"Why can't we be less hypocritical and admit that the motor car is just about the most convenient device we have ever invented?"
Prof. Sir Colin Buchanan CBE
"Killed in the name of freedom. Killed in the name of oil and steel. Choked on carbon monoxide and strangled with a pair of fluffy dice.
"How did it come to this? How did the ultimate freedom machine end up paralysing us all? How did we end up driving to our own funeral, in somebody else's gravy train?"
Ben Elton - Gridlock - Warner Books 1991
These opposing views pose a number of serious political dilemmas; they are both correct. We have made a Faustian bargain with the car and the bill is about to arrive. The public do not like controls being imposed and regard the claims made about transport alternatives as unproven or just plain flaky. There is a need for realism in public and private policy making and a recognition that in towns like Newbury and Thatcham, for the foreseeable future, cars will remain the most viable form of transport for most people. Controls and alternatives are required principally to keep the traffic moving and begin the shift to more sustainable modes.
Traffic reduction targets are a good example of where an apparently straightforward issue has distributional and social consequences. The West Berkshire Council's Transport Policy and Programme and Local Transport Plan Targets are to:
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maintain 1999 traffic levels; and, |
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up to 2020, reduce traffic to below current levels. |
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By 2006 it is "over 20% as a proportion of the journeys sensitive to influence, or in excess of one journey in five." And it gets harder: "assuming that demand for travel continues to grow at, say, 2% each year, the demand management target in the year 2025...would be to reduce car dependency for commuters to around 50%." (West Berkshire TPP 1999-2000, page 30).
Conclusion 1
The shocking truth, post-bypass, is that most of the town's traffic problem is of its own making and only a change in the behaviour of the townspeople can solve it.
Conclusion 2
Traffic reduction targets impact most on local people, are tough to achieve and get harder over time.
Conclusion 3
Even with carrot and stick policies and initiatives, in any analysis we soon trip over the plain fact that the private car will, for most people, remain the most convenient and economical option.
Conclusion 4
Demand management is about reducing unnecessary traffic to, for the foreseeable future, create the road and parking space to allow cars to remain the most viable form of movement.
Conclusion 5
Every company and agency in West Berkshire has a role to play in seeking to change our system of values about the way we live now and have to live in the future.
A Green Transport Plan for New Greenham Park
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Greenham Common Trust does not underestimate the size of the problem or the difficulties in communicating it to companies and employees at New Greenham Park but we propose to support the West Berkshire Council in its demand management targets. In this respect, this plan is the starting point. |
Greenham Common Trust recognises that the success of this plan will depend on its understanding and ownership by the companies and employees at New Greenham Park. They, along with the West Berkshire Council, Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council and the local community, are looking to the Trust to give a lead on this matter. All the advice on the publication of green transport plans emphasises the importance of commitment from the top down. The Trust and the management of New Greenham Park give their wholehearted support to this plan and are working to develop similar commitment among companies and employees.
It is fundamental to the success of the Plan that it is a voluntary initiative taken by the Trust to provide an exemplar for others to follow. It will work by cooperation and persuasion. Its driving force will be the promotion of our common aims of sustainable economic growth, environmental improvement and transport choice. The Trust will, however, commit, through its policies and investment in the Park, to many initiatives for the encouragement of environmentally friendly travel.
Much background work has already been done with companies and employees.
Company and Staff Surveys
In October 1999 the Trust carried out a questionnaire based survey of companies and staff. Samples of the company and staff questionnaires are available on request from Greenham Common Trust. The summary of findings which follows is based on the total numbers of companies and staff who answered the questionnaire. |
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Company Survey
There are in excess of 500 people, 90% full time, employed at New Greenham Park and the figure is expected to increase without expansion of floorspace. It is estimated that over 350 people visit on a daily basis. Since the predominant form of transport is the private car these figure alone generate several thousand vehicle movements per day, concentrated in the morning and evening peaks. About half the companies operate flexible working hours but, at present, only one fifth are supportive about home working. The great majority of product deliveries are by private vehicle or commercial transport, although use of postal services are significant and e-commerce is represented to a limited extent.
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Almost half of the companies are experiencing difficulties in recruiting employees in the area. About 45% of companies felt that an improved bus service would help with recruitment but, typically, few were prepared, at this stage, to help bear the costs. More encouraging is that 56% of companies were supportive or did not object to encouraging the use of public transport by providing transport home in an emergency. |
65% support or do not object to co-operating in a car-sharing scheme; and 58% feel the same way about encouraging employees to cycle e.g. by providing cycle loans. Few companies currently use video conferencing facilities but almost 40% would use such facilities if provided to the right standard.
The main conclusions of the companies survey is that there is great potential for change in travel behaviour, both in terms of existing reliance on private cars, the desire to influence such issues as recruitment difficulties and relatively positive attitudes to public transport and high technology. A full statement of the findings, both in terms of summary indicators and individual company responses, is available on request from Greenham Common Trust.
Staff Surveys The staff survey shows that three quarters of employees live in the area immediately surrounding Newbury and Thatcham (predominantly postcodes RG7, RG14, RG15, RG17, RG18, RG19, RG20 and RG26). 67% are within ten miles and 25% live within four miles. Some 37% are within a 15 minute drive time of the Park and 42% are within an approximate 30 minute drive time. The great majority of the remainder lives within 31 and 60 minutes away from the park. |
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Some 82% of employees come to work alone in a car, small numbers car share and insignificant numbers use public transport, motorised two wheelers, cycles or walk. The overwhelming majority of trips to and from the Park are not coordinated with other purposes. More than half approach the Park from the west on the A339 and about 40% approach from the A339 east with about half of those coming from the north along Thornford road.
There are no significant patterns in gender, age structure or type of work.
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The morning peak in terms of travel to work is fairly well spread between 7.30 and 9.30 but is concentrated around 8.00, 8.30 and 9.00 starting times. The evening peak is similarly spaced between 16.00 and 18.00 with concentration around the hour and half-hour finish times. This reflects the high percentage of staff on flexible working hours. Around 80% of staff leave the Park during working hours, with the majority of trips being for work (56%), lunch (40%) and shopping (30%). |
These findings indicate that there is great potential to influence travel behaviour given the right approach. Most people are dependent at present on cars but nearly three-quarters live within ten miles and a quarter are within four miles. Flexible working hours and the propensity to leave the Park during the day for lunch and shopping trips also open opportunities.
Staff attitudes will be the key and, here, the staff survey shows some encouraging signs that staff are supportive of the idea of a green transport plan and willing to consider change but their perception is that they have little choice but to use their car.
"I support a green travel plan but my work does not permit me to do without a car"
"I would like to do something to help the environment but public transport is just not viable on a daily basis. I would cycle if the road was quiet, safe and the weather better than it is, especially as cycling is my main exercise in summer."
"Car sharing requires regular matched work patterns/viable alternatives in the event of problems."
Staff comments from the survey
Of the reasons given for being dependent on a car, more than 50% of staff stated that they have no alternative.
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Although there are few strong patterns, most staff indicate that the changes that would be most likely to persuade them to use public transport would be better, more frequent and cheaper bus services. Convenient drop off points, the provision of bus timetabling information, physical improvements such as well lit and secure bus shelters and a 'bus only' route across the common were also regarded as important. |
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The changes most likely to persuade staff to cycle to work are improved cycle ways, secure bike parking, cycle changing facilities and lockers and discount bicycles.
More than half are prepared to car share. The factors most likely to influence car sharing are help with finding car share partners, a free taxi ride home if let down by a car share partner, a ride home in an emergency and discounted fuel vouchers.
A full statement of the findings of the staff survey, including some personal views, is available on request from Greenham Common Trust.
Company and Staff Consultation
The emphasis in the consultation with companies has been the benefits which the green transport plan will bring for business. There are many aspects to this issue but the following points are likely to receive support from companies:
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The GTP will promote the most efficient use of land at the Park, minimising the need for parking; |
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The GTP will assist in negotiating growth and expansion at the Park, which will benefit all businesses and the local economy; |
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Good access and alternative modes of travel will increase the numbers of local people able to apply for positions of employment at the Park and improve recruitment. |
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Significant savings can be made on staff travel and car parking costs. |
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The Plan will improve the health, safety and environmental credentials of the companies at the Park, a factor which is increasingly important in contracts and customer/client relations, particularly in a European context. |
Two examples:
"A business with 50 company cars doing 30mpg and 15,000 business miles per year @ £2.65 per gallon excluding VAT (note: companies can reclaim the VAT) will have a fuel cost of £66,250 per year.
1) the introduction of more fuel efficient vehicles could increase average mpg to 40 mpg. The total fuel cost for 15,000 miles @ £2.65 per gallon is £49,690, saving £16,560 per annum.
2) a reduction of the company mileage repayment by 5 pence per mile, would save £37,500 per annum."
The Benefits of Green Transport Plans - DETR, June 1999.
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"Increasingly organisations are starting to exert pressure on suppliers to demonstrate 'green credentials', through ISO 14001 or eco-management and audit scheme accreditation." |
The emphasis in the consultation with staff is on the potential for change in current travel behaviour, the extent to which the Trust can help in this respect and the wider benefits to the community.
Wider Consultation
The Trust also wishes to demonstrate a willingness to work with the West Berkshire Council, Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, its partner agencies, public transport operators, other stakeholders and the community at large to achieve our common aims of a better environment through more sustainable transport. |
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A consultation meeting was held in January 2000 when the principles involved in a Green Transport Plan were discussed with employers, staff, community groups and representatives of the West Berkshire Council. The response from the participants was very supportive and helped to shape the first draft of the Plan. The first draft document was then considered by the Trust and its partners and was amended to reflect comments received. A further consultation meeting was held with a wider range of partners including Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, in September 2000 to consider the second draft. Comments and suggestions made at that meeting have been incorporated into this final version.
In particular, Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council confirmed its support for developing a Green Transport Plan. They noted that the cross boundary travel issue should be addressed, given the proximity of New Greenham Park to Basingstoke and Deane, and the results of the staff and company surveys highlighting a number of present employees on site as residents of the Basingstoke and Deane Borough.
The Trust welcomes further comments and discussion in response to this publication and will continue to involve its partners in the monitoring of progress towards the targets in the plan.
An exemplar for others to follow - policies and measures
The objectives of the New Greenham Park Green Transport Plan are to:
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reduce car dependence at the park both in terms of travel to work and travel in the course of work and by customers and visitors; |
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to provide accessibility for all by catering for and facilitating a wide range of transport choice; and, |
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to monitor progress and continually improve in these respects. |
The Tool Kit
The Trust will adopt a wide range of policies, initiatives and measures, as set out below.
Awareness first
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The Trust will use this plan as a platform for raising company and staff awareness of the issues and will continue its dialogue and consultation, within the Park, with the West Berkshire Council, other agencies and with the wider community. |
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The Trust has set a realistic but challenging target in line with the demand management targets set by the West Berkshire Council; the aim will be to reduce car borne traffic by 2% per year up to 2005 (10% overall). The Trust will monitor future progress in relation to this target and each of the supporting targets to ensure that its objectives are met. |
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The Trust's target for reducing car dependency requires supporting policies to significantly increase car sharing and increase travel by bus and bicycle five fold by 2005. |
| Public transport |  |
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In partnership with public transport operators in the area, the Trust will coordinate the provision of public transport information around the Park in a variety of media. Up to date timetables will be available on request and published on the Trust's website. |
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The Trust will work with train operators, local bus companies, taxi companies/licencees, West Berkshire Council and Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, to increase the frequency, reliability and quality of services to the Park. In particular, the Trust will be interested in pursuing partnerships between transport operators such as 'train-bus' and 'train-taxi' services. |
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The Trust will enter into discussions with transport operators with a view to establishing peak period shuttle buses from town centres, main residential areas and railway stations. |
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Together with companies at the Park, the Trust will work to establish subsidised travel cards and to negotiate discounted public travel tickets for employees. |
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The Trust will consider awarding start up subsidies for new and better services, and will in default, investigate running its own bus. |
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The Trust will, in consultation with West Berkshire Council and Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, promote demand responsive bus and taxi services. |
Example: Stepping Hill Hospital, Manchester
The Hospital has negotiated a discount with Greater Manchester Travel Cards Limited for its staff. Travel cards are to be discounted further using car parking revenue. The hospital is also negotiating to develop new bus routes through the site.
Green Transport Plans - Greater Manchester Guide. 1999
A staff travel survey helped Thames Water in Swindon fill up their works buses...some buses were re-routed to pick up passengers from two residential areas. As a result numbers leapt up. The scheme has also proved popular with workers on the same business park who pay a low fare.
Changing Journeys to work - An Employers Guide to Green Transport Plans. Transport 2000 Trust - 1997
Travel with Others
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The Trust will produce a register of accurate employee information of people willing to car share, and details of their route to work, to introduce potential car sharers to each other. |
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The Trust will provide a simple protocol/car sharing agreement to deal with such matters as security, punctuality, reliability, sharing of costs, alternate use of cars if applicable, tax implications (no tax paid provided no profit is made) and so on. This will also indicate and publicise how much sharers can save on cost of fuel and wear and tear. |
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The Trust will offer gifts and prizes to companies and employees who are first to join or make an impact in the scheme. |
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The Trust will guarantee parking spaces in preferential positions to those who car share. |
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The Trust will, in cooperation with companies, guarantee a ride home in an emergency. |
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The Trust will negotiate with transport operators and taxi companies and investigate the feasibility of a works bus/shared taxi service. |
| Cycling |  |
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The Trust will encourage cycling to work by installing a range of facilities for the cyclist: |
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Secure, well lit and covered parking facilities; |
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Central changing and shower facilities and lockers; |
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Dedicated cycleways within the Park. |
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The Trust will negotiate with the West Berkshire Council to improve cycle ways to and from the Park and a number of other safety improvements such as preferential junction arrangements. |
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The Trust will set up a bicycle user group. |
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The Trust will, in partnership with companies, arrange interest free loans for the purchase of cycles. |
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The Trust will encourage companies to adopt an allowance scheme for business trips by bicycle. |
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The Trust will provide a pool of bikes for staff to use on journeys into town or within the Park. |
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The Trust will seek to attract a bicycle maintenance company to the Park. |
"Forming a bicycle user group, or BUG, helps build interest in cycling and will give cyclists a voice in the company. The group can be invaluable in carrying forward the cycling aspects of a commuter plan....Through the group a "buddy scheme" can be established so that new cyclists are paired with more experienced ones for advice on routes, equipment and safety."
Changing Journeys to Work ( Ibid ) Transport 2000 Trust 1997
Powered two wheelers
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Walking
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Cars and Fleet management
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The Trust will encourage and work with employers to produce more environmentally friendly company lease car schemes and will publicise the cost savings and environmental benefits. |
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Preferential parking will be provided to staff driving smaller, fuel-efficient cars. |
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Companies will be encouraged to work with the Trust to establish a pool car scheme at the park. |
Two examples:
"Using small distinctive, well maintained pool vehicles as a means of enhancing an organisation’s 'green image' and setting a good example."
"Reduced fuel costs and improved safety standards can be achieved by driver training, an important feature when running a large fleet of vehicles."
Greater Manchester Guide ( Ibid )
Car park management
Whilst there is no shortage of car parking at the Park the Trust will, in discussion with companies, consider introducing car parking controls:
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Physical restrictions to prevent unlimited parking; |
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Priority parking arrangements for pool cars and sharers; |
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Permits on a points basis supporting the staff who are most car dependent; |
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Charges for the less car dependent; |
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A flat rate annual fee, returnable if alternatives are used. |
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The Trust is aware that these ideas are controversial. However, the Government’s Transport White Paper clearly states that "local authorities will have new tools including road user charging and levies on workplace parking to tackle congestion and pollution." It may be better to prepare early for these controls to ensure that the money raised funds other transport improvements at the Park. |
Changing work practices and Technology
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Many of the companies at the Park already operate flexible working hours. The Trust will promote an extension of this approach to all companies and in new ways. |
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Companies will be encouraged to operate home working and tele-working experiments. For its part, the Trust will establish a Park 'intranet', inter-active web site and arrangements for video conferencing which will be available to all companies and their employees. The Trust will promote "travel by modem as well as by motor." |
Safety improvements
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The Trust will, in cooperation with companies, sponsor advanced driving and motorbike handling courses, cycling proficiency and safety and accident awareness information. |
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The Trust will urge all employees to consider, adopt and sign 'safer driving pledges'. |
On site facilities
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To reduce journeys to and from the park during working hours, the Trust will improve the range of catering, banking and shopping facilities on site. |
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The Trust will work with local retailers to establish a tele-ordering and delivery scheme, such as the waitrose@scheme. |
Company culture
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The Trust will work with companies to ensure that directions to visitors are headed by information on how to get to the Park by public transport. Maps will be produced for all companies, and available for customising, showing all rail stations and bus routes with service frequencies and cycling facilities. |
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Companies will be encouraged to adopt staff recruitment and induction packages which spell out the Trust's green transport policies and should include information on the benefits to staff and companies of green commuting. |
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Companies will be encouraged to promote green commuting and the policies of this plan in their health and safety policies, employment contracts and publicity material. |
Has there been a change? - monitoring and reporting
Any plan that involves company and staff time and resources needs to demonstrate its effectiveness.
The Trust will keep each of the policy targets under review in relation to the overall target of reducing car use by 2% per year and develop time series data in relation to car dependency and the use of alternative modes of travel. The data will be published and will enable effective and reliable comparisons to be made over time. The Trust will continue its dialogue with employers, staff, partners, West Berkshire Council and Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council in monitoring progress in the pursuit of its green transport objectives. |
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