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2005-2006 Travel Plan Site: The Mall, Cribbs Causeway - M5, J17, Bristol
Background
The Mall is a large retail complex of around 135 stores and 17 refreshment outlets. It is run by an on site management company employing about 4,000 staff.
Many commute to work alone in their cars, some travelling through the increasingly congested junction 17 on the M5.
Problems/Opportunities
The Mall posed a challenge in developing a travel plan as there has been little research in the 'retail' sector. The "out of town" nature of the development makes dependency on the car more widespread. Our approach was to convince people of the social, economic and environmental benefits of implementing a travel plan. By approaching the problem in this way we have made significant progress. Notably:
- Through drafting a compelling business case to management of the site to adopt a travel plan (based in part on reduced staff car parking improving customer access);
- Facilitating the appointment of a travel plan co-ordinator and steering group;
- Commissioning a travel plan report, providing information on the local transport infrastructure;
- Working closely with the local authority (South Gloucestershire DistrictCouncil) to identify and assess complementary *smarter travel choices; and
- By drawing up the promotion, distribution and collection of a staff travel survey.
Furthermore, through analysing the travel survey responses:
- A car sharing scheme has now been launched (Incentives used such as vouchers and financial rewards)
- Cycling and increased public transport has been promoted amongst targeted groups by way of travel plan bulletins to all retail outlets, summary leaflets, posters, presentations, exhibitions and focus group discussions. Car share bays have also been designated.
- Regular meetings of the Mall's steering group continue to ensure we maintain momentum.
- A 'Tea for Two' car sharing event and Green Commuter Club meetings have been held and the organisation and promotion of an 'Active 4 Life' event have taken place.
- Commitment has been given to provide cycle parking facilities in line with demand; build dedicated shower and changing facilities on site; provide priority spaces for car sharers.
- Bus service improvements through the local transport plan.
Next stages
Now that measures are in place we will continue marketing and raising awareness of the travel plan. We will be monitoring staff modal shift trends to get a feel for how the various initiatives are progressing. We continue to offer support where needed.
Monitoring
We plan to undertake a further travel survey in 2006/07 to investigate whether the implementation of the Travel Plan has successfully demonstrated trip savings.
* 'Smarter travel choices' are techniques for influencing people's travel behaviour towards more sustainable options such as encouraging school, workplace and individualised travel planning. They also seek to improve public transport and marketing services such as travel awareness campaigns, setting up websites for car share schemes, supporting car clubs and encouraging teleworking.
