Highways Agency

Travel To Work

How we will deliver this Plan

In order to meet out targets, there is a number of possible actions. These can be used to a greater or lesser extent according to local conditions, and will be selected to suit in each local plan.

Travelling by car

Car sharing:
We recognise that travelling by car may sometimes be the only realistic option, especially where there is no public transport alternative. Organising car sharing is one way to reduce the number of cars on the road. There are some advantages to car sharing including the ability to save money and a chance to socialise. In the Staff Travel Survey 62% of staff confirmed they would be prepared to car share. To encourage this:

We will aim within one year to:

• Provide and maintain a database of car sharers
• Provide guaranteed parking spaces for car sharers
• Investigate an emergency 'get you home' service
• Provide practical advice on car sharing

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Public transport

Public transport has the capacity to move large numbers of people to and from work. In the Staff Travel Survey well over 50% of staff said they would consider switching to public transport when and where the reliability, regularity and comfort of services could be ensured. To encourage this:

We will aim within one year to:

• Publicise existing local transport services and travel information for staff
• Provide internet access to public transport information at selected information points
• Start to work with public transport operators to:
  
  • Improve services
  • Review routeing and timetabling
  • Negotiate subsidised fares where possible

Cycling

Cycling is efficient, healthy and very environmentally friendly. Travel costs are low and traffic jams can be avoided, resulting in journey times that are often faster and certainly more predictable. The number of staff already cycling to work is encouraging and many participants in the Staff Travel Survey were responsive to the idea of switching to cycling as their regular means of commuting. To encourage cycling:

We will aim within one year to:

• Improve secure cycle parking facilities where required
• Improve lockers, showers and changing rooms where required
• Provide cycle route maps
• Promote interest free loans to buy cycles
• Start up bicycle user groups ("BUGS")
• Promote "bike to work" days
• Provide basic cycle maintenance support

Walking

Nationally one in ten commuter journeys are made on foot. Our travel survey showed that 3% of our staff walked the major part of their journey, although over 10% of staff lived within four miles of their place of work. To encourage walking:

We will aim within one year to:

• Publicise the health benefits of walking
• Produce maps showing recommended walking routes from rail and bus stations to offices, with distance and time

Car parks

We will liaise with Building Facilities Management to ensure that car parks are managed to meet green travel objectives.

We will over the three years:

• Not increase current car park capacities
• Develop priority parking schemes
• Ensure that car park issues are included as part of the Agency's estate strategy

Office relocation

Green travel planning needs to inform any decisions taken on new office locations. Building property managers will consider green travel issues in any plans for office location.