Travel Plan Measures

The role of the Travel Plan Coordinator is critical to the effective implementation and operation of the Travel Plan and is responsible for ensuring that the measures set out in the Travel Plan are implemented from the outset.

For Travel Plans required as part of a planning approval, the Travel Plan measures will need to be agreed with the Local Planning Authority and/or the Local Transport Authority and should be tailored to the specific needs of the development.

Travel Plan measures usually follow the ‘Carrot and Stick’ approach, either aiming to encourage sustainable travel by offering benefits/incentives and also by introducing disincentives. Travel Plan measures are also often described as ‘hard’ and ‘soft’ measures, with ‘hard’ measures being the physical infrastructure that is designed into the development and ‘soft’ measures are things such as the provision of transport information and management practices. Examples of some of the Travel Plan Measures that are normally introduced are as follows:

• Benefits/Incentives

  • Provision of secure cycle parking, showers, lockers and changing facilities
  • Promoting car sharing, including establishing car sharing databases and introducing management practices and incentives that encourage car sharing, which could include an 'emergency ride home' policy or preferential parking spaces for car sharers
  • Offer staff the opportunity to work from home or other flexible working options
  • Provide discounts or loans for the purchase of bikes and public transport season tickets
  • Where possible recruit staff from the local area
  • Provide travel information in a variety of formats, including leaflets and website information
  • Take part in local and national events, such as ‘Bike Week’
  • Get a company pool car so that staff are not required to have their own car
  • Encourage video conferencing

• Disincentives

  • Tighter car park management that could include permit systems, charging and restricting access
  • Reduced mileage allowances
  • Work to remove the idea that car parking is a ‘right’ and promote the idea that spaces are only for those who need them