Travel plans are about encouraging more sustainable transport modes, as well as considering if there is a real need for some journeys. They are not solely for Local Authorities, but are designed for business and other organisations.
We use Company Travelwise to help promote the travel awareness message throughout the wider community. Travel Plans are an important tool in meeting our sustainable transport policies. They help in promoting the aims of Dudley's Community Plan, the Unitary Development Plan, and the Local Transport Plan.
Travelwise is a travel awareness campaign which was launched by Hertfordshire County Council in December 1993. It was originallyjust a publicity campaign. It aimed at "generating acceptability for the need to change" in response to the problems that have been generated by the increase in traffic in recent years.
It recognises that we must act now if we are not to end with many roads gridlocked for the greater part of every working day.
The Travelwise campaign has continued to evolve over the years to encompass a number of different themes. Travelwise is being adopted throughout the West Midlands by all local authorities.
What can I do?
Motorised road traffic is one of the greatest man-made contributors to carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. There is increasing evidence that a rise in levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide may be affecting the climate. Around the country the pollution emitted by road traffic makes life difficult for millions of asthma sufferers and others with respiratory illnesses.
So think about your journey before you leap into the car. Public transport may not be perfect, but Government and transport providers are aware of this are working hard to improve matters.
Government priority for funding now rests on schemes which integrate and improve transport systems.
Slowly but surely there is going to be less space for cars. Public transport may even become faster than the car as more and more investment is made in new bus and public transport infrastructure.
We recognise that public transport will never be the answer for every journey. But better choice of travel, such as walking and cycling for local journeys, could make the essential journeys you need to make by car quicker and more pleasant.
If we do nothing gridlock, air pollution and possible climate changes may be the legacy we leave for the next generation. Current forecasts predict that traffic will increase by a third over the next 20 years if we do nothing. Everyone and every little helps, see what you can do as in the end we will all benefit.
Travel plans
Company TravelWise offers practical advice and real examples for organisations. These are aimed at reducing employee car usage not only to and from work, but also on work related journeys.
By joining with Company TravelWise your business will be offered advice, access to new ideas, discount travel passes, up-to-date transport information and potential business links with other companies.
Why not:
nominate someone to co-ordinate your TravelWise ideas
undertake a staff survey to find out employees' travel habits and their views on transport
assess your organisation's travel needs and requirements
lead from the top and involve management in initiates to provide greater encouragement for employees
use noticeboards and newsletters to advertise initiatives and public information such as public transport timetables and service information
What is Company TravelWise?
It's a scheme to reduce car dependence. It has two types of members, Affiliate and Support.
Affiliated companies agree to put in place the measures contained within the Company TravelWise document. They can also take advantage of the benefits on offer.
Support companies provide an invaluable service to Company TravelWise members. They provide access to bicycles, taxi services, car hire and alternative fuel vehicles for example. Anything which is considered relevant to the theme of Company TravelWise. These can then be offered to all Affiliated and other Support companies at a discounted rate.
What's in it for you?
Well apart from doing your bit to save the planet there are also practical benefits for you.
Employee Discount Card
Every Affiliated or Support company will receive Employee Discount Cards. These are for employees to purchase reduced price items from a Support company.
For example if you transfer from using your car to public transport you can qualify for a 50% discount on a travel pass.
Cars & Their Impact
Facts to take note of:
each car parking space could be costing your organisation between £500 - £3000 per year
car parking can often take up more space than the buildings in which you work
the West Midlands has the highest traffic flow and the worst daily congestion outside London
it is estimated by the Freight Transport Association that congestion costs the national economy £20 billion a year
more than two thirds of GPs believe that the Government should take measures to reduce car dependency
22% of Carbon Dioxide (CO2), the greenhouse gas, comes from road traffic emissions
congestion can increase your stress levels
8 out of 10 cars carry only the driver
Car dependency culture is taking its toll on our and our children's health. This is not only because of pollution levels but it can also contribute to an increase in obesity.
The recommended 'daily dose' of activity is 20-30 minutes. This level of activity is known to reduce stress, boost the immune system and reduce the risk of heart disease. By undertaking some of these shorter journeys by bike or on foot, not only are you 'doing your bit' for the environment, you are also helping yourself and your children to get healthier.
What we are doing:
Opening cycle routes
Holding regular cycle forum meetings. These develop ideas from cyclists.
Working with schools to make walking and cycling safer.
Installing new Pelican & Toucan crossings.
Creating an active travel strategy to promote walking and cycling
Encouraging schools and businesses to develop their own Travel Plans. These encourage cycling by providing facilities such as showers and secure bike parking
Ideas for employers
Cycling is environmentally friendly and provides staff with regular exercise thus helping to reduce stress. Storing cycles takes up less space than car parking.
negotiate with local bike shops for discounts on bicycles and accessories for your staff
offer low or interest free bicycle loans
offer a bike promotion scheme for employees who give up their parking space
provide pool bikes for local site visits or meetings
install bicycle facilities such as cycle sheds, stands, lockers, showers and provide spare waterproof clothing
set up a bicycle user group to help "spread the word"
offer staff cycle training
introduce a bike buddies scheme to pair regular cyclists with the willing but less experienced
pay a cycle mileage allowance for work related journeys
We hold a quarterly Disability Consultation Group to discuss accessibility problems. The group consists of people from various groups in Dudley. These represent those who use wheelchairs, people with sight loss, people who have hearing impairments and local Councillors.
