Sustainable development
Workplace travel plans
A Travel Plan is a package of measures which aims to reduce the number of car journeys that people make, by providing them with a greater choice of attractive travel options. This is achieved by:
- providing realistic alternatives to lone driving (also known as ‘single occupancy car use’);
- making these alternatives more attractive;
- reducing people’s need to travel, for example through flexible working practices.
A workplace travel plan can address any or all of the following:
- commuter journeys
- business travel
- fleet management
- visitors to sites
- deliveries.
Fact: About 60% of all commuter trips under five miles in length are made by car. Trips of fewer than five miles are ideal for cycling journeys, or for combining walking with public transport. (Source: National Statistics / DfT 2007)
Fact: Traffic levels in West Yorkshire increased by 12% between 1997 and 2007, a figure comparable with increases across the country. Employers have a crucial role to play in reducing traffic within the region. (Source: DfT 2008)
Why have a Travel Plan?
Having a Travel Plan enables an organisation to:
- save money on the cost of running a fleet of vehicles, on mileage claims and other staff travel costs;
- reduce emissions of harmful greenhouse gases which contribute to climate change;
- improve staff health and well-being by encouraging modes of travel that promote fitness and relieve stress, leading to better morale and productivity levels;
- reduce parking space demand;
- improve accessibility to sites for staff (aiding recruitment and retention), customers and deliveries; reduce congestion on and around sites;
- combat local pollution from traffic fumes, creating a better environment for people working and living in the area.
West Yorkshire Travel Plan Network|
The West Yorkshire Travel Plan Network is a free-to-join network of organisations committed to reducing the impact of the staff commute and business travel. The benefits of membership include an entitlement to offer staff a 15% discount on the cost of annual public transport tickets. Contact the Network to find out more about how to join.
Calderdale Council requires that new developments (over a certain size) implement a Travel Plan. This is a policy within the Unitary Development Plan.
Travel Plans will be required in connection with development proposals (and will be sought in collaboration with businesses outside the planning application process) in order to:
- spread the demand for transport services and highway space;
- reduce congestion, traffic growth and pollution;
- increase the efficient use of the transport network; and
- enhance the quality of life for all.
Conditions placed upon the grant of permission or the use of Planning Obligations will ensure that the Travel Plan is implemented.
Any application falling within the thresholds, for which a Travel Plan is required and is not accompanied by a Travel Plan, will be refused.
For the full policy text, a guide on how to meet the requirements and the assessment criteria contact the Environmental Management Team:
- environment@calderdale.gov.uk
- Telephone
- 01422 392250.
