The Essential Elements of a Green Transport Plan

 

Green Transport Plans are an opportunity to change current travel arrangements. This is likely to involve changing established travel habits, and in some cases working practices. Careful consideration will need to be given to planning and communication.

The list below indicates the various steps that are required for the construction of a formal transport plan. In addition there is also a checklist of the kinds of issues you might want to consider. It is perhaps unlikely that a small company could have much influence on the local transport authority, although groups of companies can put pressure on local transport for example to arrange adequate transport for particular industrial estates.

  • Secure "Senior" commitment
  • Appoint Green Transport Co-ordinator (full time or part time)
  • Complete checklists and identify areas for improvement
  • Gather other relevant information
  • Assess potential scale of plan
  • Publicise principles and objectives
  • Secure staff support e.g. through group meetings,
  • Prepare an action plan and include targets if appropriate
  • Implement
  • Monitor and review frequently and publicise results
Commuting Review Checklist
ISSUE GUIDANCE RECOMMENDED ACTION
Is it necessary to review current travelling practices? Assess current travel arrangements (e.g. by a staff questionnaire) and request staff views on improvements and suitable alternatives.  
Are there adequate public transport facilities to and from the factory, unit, office? Is the site easily accessible by public transport. Do you have regular bus/ train services during peak times? If necessary consult with local transport operators and request an improved public transport to the site to make it more accessible.  
Is there a need to consult with the Local Authority? Identify if they have a local travelwise co-ordinator. Consult with the local authority highway department at an early stage to tackle issues such as cycle lanes, bus lanes and pedestrian access.  
Is information available to staff on public transport timetables? Prepare a public transport pack with routes, times and prices.  
Does your organisation provide season ticket loans? Provide an advance of salary to purchase public transport season tickets.  
Does the company operate flexi time? Allowing staff to travel outside peak times can reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality if part of the department's commuting strategy.  
Does the company allow homeworking? Reduces the amount of time spent travelling to work and also the environmental impact.  
Has an awareness campaign been run to promote sustainable transport? Create an awareness campaign to publicise the effect transport has on the environment and to promote alternative means of transport.  
Has the reduction in car parking been considered to encourage other modes of transport? Identify the costs of car parking and assess potential savings. Consider charging for parking places or giving priority parking to car sharers.  
Has a car-sharing scheme been considered? Set up a car sharing scheme to enable those who travel on the same route to travel together .  
Is secure dry cycle storage area provided? To encourage cycling staff must have secure cycle storage areas that are easily accessible.  
Are there shower and changing facilities for cyclists? Promote cycling by ensuring they have suitable facilities.  
Could you set up a bicycle users group? Support the setting up of bicycle user groups to encourage more staff to take up cycling.  
Could you plan to improve cycle access/publicise cycle routes? Put up a cycle notice board with maps of cycle routes and information.  
Are advances for the purchase of bicycles available? Provide an interest free loan to purchase bicycles.  
Are bicycle pools available? Is there scope to allow staff to rent cycles? Can a bike pool be provided?  
Is advice available on buying a greener car or motor bike? If car use must remain the major means of commuting due to remote location, make information available to staff on how to buy a greener car.  
Is advice on driver efficiency publicised? Advise staff on how to drive efficiently and reduce their environmental impact.  
Are there plans to set reduction targets on the amount of private car use? Once initiatives have been chosen, set a reduction target if possible to reduce the number of staff using cars to travel to work.