Green Travel Plan2007-2010

Watford Borough Council

side-step the traffic on the train

ForewordWatford is a densely populated urban town of approximately 80,000 people. It covers an area of 21 sq kilometres (13 sq miles) and is a popular place for businesses, providing the headquarters to a number of national and multi national companies as well as a regional centre for shopping and recreation.

Our Local Strategic Partnership, One Watford, has a clear commitment to create a cleaner, greener town. We want to encourage residents and local businesses to take pride in the town and to live and operate in a more sustainable way. One of the key ways of achieving this for the Council and its partners is to sign up to and deliver a Green Travel Plan.

The Council’s Medium Term Plan 2006-2011 commits us to creating a town with a high quality environment. These are not just words; we will be measured on how well we perform. In terms of transport it means that we must tackle congestion and encourage less reliance on the car. This commitment is reflected in our Green Travel Plan.

We know that traffic congestion and transport issues are of major concern to our community. Issues of reducing commuter journeys by car, increasing cycling and walking journeys and trips by bus and train are all part of our vision.

Green travel planning starts with our policy commitment. This Green Travel Plan includes proposals for a wide range of practical measures to make it easier for everyone in the Council to meet the challenges of sustainable transport. These include the establishment of the car share project, watfordjourneyshare.com, interest free cycle and season ticket loans, home and flexible working, a new improved staff bike pool and pool vehicles. All these can help. This is a Green Travel plan with many benefits – to our environment, health and wellbeing and the efficiency of the Council.

Congestion can cost businesses money and poor air quality can affect the health of everyone. Businesses have an important role to play in trying to ensure that journeys to work and for work are environmentally sustainable. The Council is no exception.

I am pleased that we are leading by example in following good practice ourselves and by promoting green travel planning to other employers in the Borough of Watford.

This is an important step towards the creation of a cleaner greener Watford.

Dorothy Thornhill Elected Mayor

car-share

Green Travel Plan for Watford Borough Council

Table of Contents Executive Summary 1. Aims and objectives 2. Strategic context

3. Local issues – staff survey

4. Benefits of Green Travel

5. Implementation

6. Performance indicators / targets

7. Simple things we can all do

8. Conclusion

Appendices

1. Watford In Step with the Environment (W.I.S.E. Strategy)

2. Action plan

Acknowledgement

Watford Borough Council wishes to thank the London Borough of Islington whose existing Green Travel Plan was helpful in the development of this plan.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Watford Borough Council is committed to creating a town with a high quality environment. To achieve this, congestion needs to be reduced by encouraging less reliance on the car. It aims to demonstrate to other organisations in the town what can be achieved and to lead the way on green travel initiatives.

The Council has already successfully launched Watford Journey Share, a car and journey sharing partnership with eight other employers in the town.

Having conducted a staff travel survey, the Council knows that nearly 70% of staff drives to work. Many of the staff lives within three miles of the Town Hall so this presents an opportunity to influence staff to travel by means other than by car. Whilst the proportion of staff travelling by bus, walking or cycling is already higher than other employers in the town, Watford Borough Council wants to build on its good position. One of the key challenges will be to increase the numbers of staff using green travel options in order to reduce congestion and carbon emissions.

The action plan sets out a comprehensive programme of initiatives to encourage and support green travel, whilst managing staff demand for a range of travel options. It covers an initial period of three years and focuses on staff located in central Watford. The Council is due to undergo significant change during that period and the Green Travel Plan will need to be reviewed in early 2010 to reflect these changes.

taking the train

1. Aim of the planTo reduce congestion and carbon emissions in the town

The objectives of the plan

• To promote alternatives to the car for Council staff making trips to, from and during work

• To promote greener vehicles for Council service delivery

• To promote alternatives to the car for visitors travelling to and from Council premises

The targets of the plan are:

• 8 to 10% reduction in transport emissions from council staff travelling to and from work and for business use by 2010

• 15% modal shift from the use of a car for commuting by staff – to a more sustainable mode of travel such as cycle, bus or walking by 2010

• To increase membership to the Watford Journey Share partnership by at least two organisations each year

The priorities for action are:

• The launch and development of Watford Journey Share for car sharing across the town and the sub-region

• Introduction of workplace car parking charging for staff and Members based in central Watford

• Review of allocation of car parking for staff working in central Watford

• A review of allowances – essential, casual and bike allowances

• A move towards more pool cars and possible inclusion within a car club

• Offering significant discounts to staff on public transport and re-publicising interest- free loans for season tickets

• Promoting existing incentives for staff to travel by sustainable modes, particularly by a pack for staff and through a new website

2. Strategic contextThis Green Travel Plan sets out an ambitious set of actions to build upon our existing green travel options delivered through the Watford In Step with the Environment (W.I.S.E) Strategy adopted in 1999 (see appendix 1). Its implementation will improve the efficiency of the organisation, our financial performance and the satisfaction of our staff and customers.

Community PlanThe Local Strategic Partnership, One Watford, has produced a new Community Plan. The vision of the plan is to create:

“A town to be proud of, where people will always choose to live, work and visit”

The objectives of the plan are:

• A town with a high quality environment

• A safer town

• A healthy town

• A good town for business, skills and learning

get fit by bike

• A well informed community where everyone can contribute

• A town to be proud of

The Plan will contribute towards making the town safer, healthier and will help improve the environment. It will also help the Council meet its objective of an efficient, effective, value for money Council.

Transport and congestion represents one of the key areas of concern for residents and local business in the town. In order to reduce congestion, achieve a shift to more sustainable modes of travel and to make the roads safer, the Council in partnership with Hertfordshire Highways has been working to deliver the South West Herts Transportation Strategy.

Measures arising from this include:

• development of four area transport plans

• bus priority measures

• cycle routes

• traffic calming

• pedestrian facilities

• bus and rail service enhancements

• safer routes to school

The Green Travel Plan will also work in conjunction with a number of other Council and Regional policies:

• The Watford District Plan 2000

• The Watford Borough Council Medium Term Plan 2006-2011

• The Watford Cycling Strategy 2003

• The Walking Strategy 2003

• Carbon Management Strategy

• Fleet Management

• Hertfordshire County Council Local Transport Plan 2, 2006-2011

• The East of England Plan: The GTP accords with the objectives of The Regional Transport Strategy developed by the East of England Regional Assembly

3. Local issues – staff survey resultsThe development of this Green Travel Plan began in January 2005 with a Town Hall Staff Travel Survey to find out where staff live, how they commute to work and what could be done to persuade them to change their mode of travel. The survey followed by focus group discussions helped shape the Action Plan in Appendix 2.

A total of 168 fully useable forms were returned, representing a return rate of 21%. The survey was voluntary thus the results are not based on a representative sample across the whole organisation.

Usual Travel Mode (winter)Commuting Trips Figure 1 shows which modes staff used during the winter months. The results do not add up to 100% as they were encouraged to indicate if they used more than one mode. In summary; 60% travel to work by car as a driver on their own, a further 9% car share; 16% travel to work on foot and 6% by bike, 5% by bus and 4% by train.

60%Car, alone

16%Foot

5%Car, as driverwith others

6%Car, as driverwith others

4%Bus

5%Bicycle

5%Car, aspassenger

Figure 1

could you save money?

Usual Travel Mode (summer)Commuting Trips Figure 2 shows which modes staff used during the summer months. In summary; 68% travel to work by car, 18% travel to work on foot and 8% by bike, 3% by bus and 3% by train.

14%Car, alone

18%Foot

2%Car, as

driver withothers

3%Bus

8%Bicycle

2%Car, aspassenger

5%Car unspecified

3%Train

Figure 2

Distance of travel to workThe survey showed 13% of respondents stated they lived less than a mile from their workplace and that 22% stated they lived less than two miles from the Town Hall. It is considered reasonable that a ‘one mile’ distance can be walked on a regular basis. 17% stated that they lived two – three miles from their workplace and a further 14% stated that they lived three – five miles from the Town Hall. These distances are generally too far to walk but could be cycled with relative ease. Finally 34% of respondents stated that they lived greater than five miles from the Town Hall, a distance too far to cycle.

Council staff working patterns are predominantly full time and mostly around 9am-5pm, although some staff work part time and have different start/finish times. The majority of staff travel to work by car, predominantly on their own and often find it difficult to find a parking space at the Town Hall after 9am. To get to work, most staff travels a distance that takes no more than 30 minutes.

The second most popular mode of travel is walking followed by cycling and public transport. Staff walking to work mostly live within a ‘one mile’ radius of the Town Hall, whilst the majority of the remaining respondents live within a ‘five mile’ radius. However some staff living less than a mile from the Town Hall drive alone into the workplace.

Seasonal variations in travel patterns are minor; suggesting that changes in weather or hours of darkness only plays a small role in staff travel mode considerations.

come by tube – enjoy a walk through Cassiobury Park

reduce car stress

The main factors that could encourage staff to walk, cycle or use public transport on their journey to work instead of using their own car are:

• improved crossing facilities;

• more cycle lanes;

• improved cycle parking facilities at the Town Hall;

• improved shower and storage facilities;

• affordable, more convenient public transport links , in particular buses; and

• availability of additional Council pool cars for business travel during the day.

• improved Town Hall car parking management.

ConclusionsThe data collected provides a detailed knowledge of travel patterns, behaviour, attitudes and enthusiasm or reluctance for changes that may be proposed.

The survey data and focus group feedback has helped shape the content of the action plan in Appendix 2.

4. Benefits of green travel• Contribution towards reduced congestion on the town’s roads;

• Reduced Council contribution to greenhouse gas emissions by improving transport energy efficiency;

• Reduced Council contribution towards local air pollution;

• Improved staff wellbeing and travel options;

• A contribution towards making Council services more accessible to users;

• Show that the Council has strong leadership and sets a good example for business and residents in the Borough.

A number of specific initiatives relevant to green travel have already been implemented by the Council, including:

• a review of corporate procurement

• the implementation of Controlled Parking Zones

• the purchase of dual fuel vehicles

• the introduction of interest free travelcard and cycle loans

• shower and locker improvements at the Town Hall

• the introduction of a bike pool

Green travel planning also deals with the softer side of these measures, notably raising awareness of the benefits of walking, cycling and using public transport instead of the car.

Watford Junction’s bike park

5. ImplementationIn implementing this Green Travel Plan, the Council will introduce the following policies:

Policy 1. Management: Establish a Green Travel Group meeting on a quarterly basis composed of relevant representatives from Council departments and Trade Unions, chaired by the Corporate Director for Better Watford and reporting to the Corporate Management Board. The purpose of the Group will be to monitor progress, gain and continue corporate commitment and facilitate communication.

Policy 2. Information and Awareness: Improve information to staff and visitors about alternatives to car use and improve their awareness of the impacts of their chosen mode, and well being.

Policy 3. Facilities Management: Review the use of Council buildings and facilities to encourage alternatives to the motor car.

Policy 4. Parking Management: Review the use of workplace car parks and the allocation of access passes at the Town Hall and other facilities.

Policy 5. Promoting Cycling: Promote cycling to staff and visitors as an alternative to the car for journeys to work and for work.

Policy 6. Promoting Walking: Promote walking to staff and visitors as an alternative to the car for journeys to work and for work.

Policy 7. Promoting Passenger Transport: Promote bus and train travel to staff and visitors as an alternative to the car for journeys to work and for work.

Policy 8. Reducing Car Use: Promote more efficient use of cars for trips to, from and during work, as well as alternatives to travelling by car.

Policy 9. Greening Trips for Work and the Vehicle Fleet: Reduce the negative environmental impacts of Council work trips through the promotion of alternatives to the car for work trips and through the purchase of “greener” vehicles.

Policy 10. Homeworking: Explore feasibility of home working and flexible start and finish times to reduce the environmental impacts of car trips and congestion.

Policy 11. Document management: Review existing practises of document distribution and administrative processes e.g. courier service, to see if these can be made ‘greener’.

The Action Plan Appendix 2 sets out in detail, the proposed measures which will support the delivery of these policies and the timeline for implementation. In addition, the draft Action Plan shows how each action contributes towards the overall objectives and desired outcomes of the Green Travel Plan as a whole. The Action Plan will be updated to reflect responsibilities and costs attached to the actions.

Implementation and monitoring of this Green Travel Plan will be led by the Transport and Projects Team within the Planning and Development department. In accordance with Action Point 9.9, the Team will report on progress of the Plan’s implementation to the Green Travel Group, including any new actions or any proposed modifications to the Action Plan.

The Green Travel Group, chaired by the Corporate Director for Better Watford will provide ongoing guidance, support and monitoring of the implementation process.

greening the fleet

your heart will thank for walking

This Green Travel Plan has been designed as a living document. The Action Plan will be used as an ongoing record of progress on each action. The scope for the plan is limited to the first three years and focuses on staff based in central Watford. It is expected that the plan will have evolved considerably by late 2009 as many of the actions will have been fully implemented by then. In addition, actions relating to longer-term improvements, such as the greening of the Council’s vehicle fleet and additional end-of-trip facilities will require detailed planning beyond the initial plan.

Monitoring will take place through systems set up within the Car Share scheme and other systems to measure take up by staff of cycle, travel discounts and other initiatives to be introduced. The comparison will be of baseline measurements of CO2 from 2004 based on the staff travel survey.

6. Performance indicators / targets

The following three performance indicators will be used to measure progress in delivering the three objectives in the first two years of implementation:

• Reduction in car usage by Council staff

• Reduction in the percentage of work trips by car

• Increase in the percentage of service users who are able to access services using sustainable modes, see Appendix 2 - Items 9.7 and 9.8

Targets set within the plan need to be realistic and achievable to encourage a modal shift for Council staff. By ensuring choices are available in all modes, we can progressively reach targets within the time scales of this Green Travel Plan.

The following are targets to be achieved:

• 8 to 10% reduction in transport emissions from council staff travelling to and from work and for business use by 2010

• 15% modal shift from the use of a car for commuting by staff – to a more sustainable mode of travel such as cycle, bus or walking by 2010

• To increase membership to the Watford Journey Share partnership by at least two organisations each year.

dodge the traffic by bike

7. Simple Things We Can All Do While each action in this Green Travel Plan will be led by the Officer or Team

listed in the Action Plan, the plan will only be successful with the co-operation and support of managers throughout the Council. Below is a list of simple things that every Director, Manager or Team Leader in the Council can do to assist with the implementation of this Plan.

1. Green Travel Induction. Ensure that all new staff (and all existing staff initially) receive their induction pack which includes information about the car share scheme, bus and cycle maps, information about interest free loans for bikes and travel cards and other relevant green travel information. (Action2.3)

Benefits: Your staff will be more aware of the range of travel options and can begin to develop good travel habits.

2. Bicycle Pool. Encourage staff to consider the use of pool cycles as an alternative to the car or bus to, from and for work. (Action 5.3)

Benefits: For short and medium multi stop trips cycling will save staff time and reduce CO emissions compared to car or bus use. Cycling is also usually faster than walking or public transport, and promotes well being.

3. Green Travel information for visitors. (Action 9.7) Promote Green Travel options to visitors.

Benefits: Sends a clear message about the Council’s commitments to green travel.

4. Pool vehicles. Raise awareness and promote the use of existing car pool vehicle. (Action 2.3a)

Benefits: The use of a specialised low emission vehicle for short multi stop journeys by officers will send a clear message about the Council’s commitment to green travel.

5. Staff bus permits and tickets. Raise awareness of bus permits and tickets available for staff making business trips by bus and for travelling to and from their place of work. (Action 7.3)

Benefits: Having Smartcard tickets or travel permits available will make it easier for staff to uses buses. It also removes the need for staff reimbursement.

8. Conclusion• This Green Travel Plan and in particular the Action Plan (Appendix 2), sets out what

the Council must do to build upon the foundations laid down by the W.I.S.E Strategy (Appendix 1) and to recognise and address transport related environmental impacts.

• The first steps on many issues may be a review of the policies, procedures and processes in order to reshape the Council’s operations to be more consistent with green travel principles. This will take time and will mean changes in attitude and working arrangements.

• As we move in the right direction, we will begin to see the many associated benefits such as improved well being, job satisfaction, better financial management, reduced transport costs and a better reputation for the Council within the community.

• Our aim is to promote this travel plan within the Watford business community as an example of good practice.

• It is important to realise that in some cases, direct financial investment to implement many of the actions, is designed to reduce the Council costs in the long run, not to increase them. Any delay in implementation is costing the Council not only in terms of money, but also in terms of environmental damage and loss of reputation.

• This Green Travel Plan is an essential step in achieving Best Value within the Council and in achieving the “One Watford” vision for the Borough. Unlike some Council strategies, every individual within the Council can contribute towards the successful delivery of this Green Travel Plan, even if only to think carefully about the total costs of your commute and work travel choices.

• Choosing green travel will return a variety of dividends to each individual staff member and to the Council as a whole, not only in cash savings, but far more important things that money can’t buy – a better lifestyle, improved health and well being, time savings, job satisfaction, improved reputation and a good conscience. This Green Travel Plan is indeed an obligation, but Watford Borough Council have committed to the plan rather as a valuable opportunity to meet our overall goals for the Borough.

Appendix 1WISE (Watford in Step with the Environment) 1999

The WISE strategy’s overall aim was to reduce car travel by Council employees and Members, for both commuter and business journeys, over a period of three years, by promoting alternatives, to encourage a gradual shift in travel mode from the car to a more sustainable and healthy option.

For the most part WISE has been successful in achieving many of its original commitments as indicated in brief below, with cycle improvements, maps, interest free loans and a car pool vehicle, to name a few.

WISE achievements: • Staff bike pool at the Town Hall

• Staff showers

• Staff lockers

• Cycle shelters – four sites

• Supply of pool car for Planning and Development

• Interest free season tickets.

• Interest free cycle loans.

• Production of Cycle Pack.

• Production of Watford Cycle Map

• Introduction of annual Watford Bus Travel Guide

• Promotional material

• Contributing to sustainable transport schemes

• Influencing Planning Policy on sustainable travel

Continuing and expanding on previous initiatives already in place, arising from the WISE Strategy, we can take forward an ambitious and achievable Green Travel Plan for 2010.

Appendix 2ACTION PLAN

1. Management1.1 Establish Green Travel Working

PartyCorp Dir 1 On-going • • •

2. Information and Awareness2.1 Develop watfordgreentravel.com

website2 •

2.2 Develop intranet green travel page 2 •

2.3 Green travel information for new starters - HR

2 •

2.3a Green travel information booklet for existing staff

2 •

2.4 Regular Wat’s UP updates 2 •

2.5 Create ‘greentravel’ email address 2 Completed •

2.6 Link green travel initiatives to local council and national campaigns and initiatives

2 • • •

2.7 Develop personal journey planning advice service

2 Auto route purchased

50.00 •

2.8 Green travel advice to local employers – to include joint working, where appropriate

2 • • •

2.9 Develop new green travel directions to council sites on WBC website

2 •

2.10 Investigate policy to enclose direction / link information to council sites, when arranging meetings by letter email

2 •

Action ref Action R

espo

nsib

ility

Polic

y ob

ject

ive

Pro

gres

s to

dat

e

Cos

t es

tim

ates

Priority

Shor

t 06

-08

Med

ium

09

-11

Long

11

>

3. Facilities Management3.1 Review staff locker provision at

each site and report to GTWP3 •

3.2 Review staff shower provision at each site and report to GTWP

3 •

3.3 Review cycle storage provision at each site and report to GTWP

3 •

3.4 Establish guidelines for locker/shower provision at all sites

3 •

4. Parking Management4.1 Review staff/members parking and

space allocation at Town Hall and report back to GTWP

4 Consulta-tion in progress

•

4.2 Review staff parking and space allocation at Wiggenhall Depot and report back to GTWP

4 •

4.3 Investigate options for Council wide workplace parking charges and consult. Report back to GTWP

4 Work in progress

•

Action ref Action R

espo

nsib

ility

Polic

y ob

ject

ive

Pro

gres

s to

dat

e

Cos

t es

tim

ates

Priority

Shor

t 06

-08

Med

ium

09

-11

Long

11

>

meeting off-site? why not use our Smart car, based at the Town Hall

5. Cycling 5.1 Evaluate existing pool bike scheme

and report with recommendations to GTWP

5 •

5.2 Provide adult cycle training programme for staff

5 •

5.3 Review existing cycle allowances and mileage rates

5 •

5.4 Review existing cycle loan scheme 5 •

5.5 Review short and long stay cycle storage facilities at Town Hall

5 •

5.6 Establish link with local cycle shops and secure discount benefits for staff

5 •

5.7 Establish Bike User Group (bike rep for each dept) and intranet based information exchange

1,5 •

5.8 Investigate incentive scheme for staff who travel to work by bike and cycle for business

5 •

5.9 Investigate feasibility of park and bike schemes to promote health – feasibility of additional fold-up bikes

5 •

5.10 Promote Bikebudi journey matching

5 •

5.11 Investigate possible sites for bike hubs across borough

5 •

5.12 Promote personal journey planning for cycling

5 •

5.13 Promote cycle route maps on intranet and on Watford Green Travel Website

5 •

Action ref Action R

espo

nsib

ility

Polic

y ob

ject

ive

Pro

gres

s to

dat

e

Cos

t es

tim

ates

Priority

Shor

t 06

-08

Med

ium

09

-11

Long

11

>

explore the possibility of home working

6. Walking Promotion6.1 Establish a Pedestrian Commuters

Group (PCG), for each dept and intranet based information exchange

1,6 •

6.2 Investigate schemes for staff who travel to their place of work on foot and walk for business

6 •

6.3 Review pedestrian strategy and works TBA

6 •

6.4 Promote safe walking routes to and from public transport to Town Hall and other sites

6 •

6.5 Establish link with local shops for discount benefits re: walking equipment / clothing

3,6 Contact made meeting TBA

•

6.6 Investigate facilities for ‘drying room’ at Town Hall and other sites

6 •

6.7 Promote ‘walkingbudi’. 6 Facility avail-able

•

Action ref Action R

espo

nsib

ility

Polic

y ob

ject

ive

Pro

gres

s to

dat

e

Cos

t es

tim

ates

Priority

Shor

t 06

-08

Med

ium

09

-11

Long

11

>

7. Passenger Transport Promotion7.1 Investigate incentive schemes for

staff who travel to work by public transport and use it for business

7 • •

7.2 Promote interest free loans for purchase of annual/ monthly tickets

7 •

7.3 Investigate staff travel discounts with local operators

7 Under discussion with Arriva

•

7.4 Investigate feasibility of staff passes for business travel

7 Meeting ar-ranged with PCL

•

7.5 Negotiate with operator for additional bus services to Town Hall at peak hours (staff / public)

7 In discus-sion with local ops

•

7.6 Investigate feasibility of local staff travel bus for peak / start-finish hours and joint working with car share partners

7 To discuss at car share partners meeting

•

7.7 Promote local passenger transport maps / information sites on intranet and on Watford Green Travel Website

2,7 •

7.8 Personal journey planning advice service

7 •

7.9 Investigate discounted train travel and promote interest free loans for staff

7 •

7.10 Investigate feasibility for staff discounts within TFL network

7

8. Car Share Scheme8.1 Secure taxi facility with local

operator8 Letter sent

out – 1 re-ply meeting TBA

•

8.2 Intranet and Wat’s Up updates for staff and partners

2,8 •

8.3 Monitor usage and CO reductions 8 •

8.4 Introduce new local partners to the scheme – feasibility of joint working with other boroughs

2,8 • • •

Action ref Action R

espo

nsib

ility

Polic

y ob

ject

ive

Pro

gres

s to

dat

e

Cos

t es

tim

ates

Priority

Shor

t 06

-08

Med

ium

09

-11

Long

11

>

9. Other 9.1 Personal security on journeys for

business

2 Mobile phone commu-nication for off site meetings

•

9.2 Health checks – links to PCT and WBC Nurse

11 Review cost of existing scheme, link to Fleet manage-ment

•

9.3 Investigate additional Pool vehicles 9 •

9.4 HR link to pool vehicles and reduction in casual / essential users allowances

9 •

9.5 Establish / promote intranet site for feedback from staff

2 Promote Green travel email facility

•

9.6 Investigate home working facility and alternative work patterns

10 •

9.7 Investigate and promote alternatives to the car for visitors accessing Council premises

2,11 •

9.8 Instigate means of monitoring, staff, visitor and service users access to council premises

2 •

9.9 Annual progress report on the delivery programme

2 • • •

Action ref Action R

espo

nsib

ility

Polic

y ob

ject

ive

Pro

gres

s to

dat

e

Cos

t es

tim

ates

Priority

Shor

t 06

-08

Med

ium

09

-11

Long

11

>

don’t bring the car – you won’t pay parking costs

Green Travel Plan2007-2010

Watford Borough Council

Published by Watford Borough Council July 07

For more information or queries regarding Green Travel email greentravel@watford.gov.uk