CANTERBURY CHRIST CHURCH UNIVERSITY · Canterbury Christ Church University will strive to...

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CANTERBURY CHRIST CHURCH UNIVERSITY

Name: Sustainable Travel Policy & Procedure

Date: 07.08.17 Release: v1.18

Author: Geoff Marsh

Owner: Geoff Marsh

Client: CCCU

Document Number: GM/CP-00002

Note: Please ensure this is the latest version and all previous versions are destroyed

Approvals

Name Signature Title Date of

Issue

Version

Andrew

Ironside

Pro-Vice Chancellor -

Resources

2/11/2016 1.8

Tony Lavender Pro-Vice Chancellor –

Research &

Knowledge Exchange

2/11/2016 1.8

Andrew

Ironside

Pro-Vice Chancellor -

Resources

5/1/17 1.9

Andrew

Ironside

Pro-Vice Chancellor-

Resources

09/0317 1.10

Andrew

Ironside

Pro-Vice Chancellor-

Resources

30/3/17 1.11

Eamon Malone Director of Estates

and Facilities

04/04/17 1.12


and Facilities

15/06/17 1.13


and Facilities

26/06/17 1.14


and Facilities

03/08/17 1.15


and Facilities

07/08/17 1.16


and Facilities

16/08/2017 1.17

David Shepherd Deputy Vice-

Chancellor

04/09/2017 1.18

Distribution

Name Title Date of

Issue

Version

Peter Rands Director of Sustainability

Rob Thrower Project Director of Estate Master

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Plan

Eamon Malone Director of Estates & Facilities

Revision History

Revision

Date

Summary of Changes Changes

Marked

8.12.16 Pre-consultation document

09.03.17 Revised pre-consultation document

15.6.17 Final draft – post consultation

26/06/17 Final draft – for SMT approval

07/08/17 Final version - for SMT approval

16/08/17 Final version - for SMT approval

Review Date

Name Review due Review signature Date of

review

Changes

AD E&F (F) 31.7.18

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Introduction

The University Travel Plan 2017 applies to all students, staff and visitors of all campuses, and

supports the University’s strategic commitment to “Build a sustainable future”.

The Local Transport Plan for Kent, published in April 2011, sets out Kent County Council’s

overall transport strategy. The Plan recognises the need to maintain good accessibility by

car balanced against the requirement to meet the growing demand for travel, through the

promotion of attractive and safe sustainable alternatives.

Canterbury Christ Church University will strive to constantly and consistently deliver its

sustainable travel principles for staff, students and visitors.

In taking this policy forward, the University will continue to invest in sustainable transport

initiatives through applying funds generated through car parking charges, together with

matched sums from other University resources. Particular initiatives will include:

• investing in more electric vehicles

• on site charging points

• pool cars

• enhanced public transport initiatives

1. Key issues, objectives and targets

1.1 Issues

The University has three campuses in Canterbury, Broadstairs and Medway, and a Centre in

Tunbridge Wells. Each of these has differing travel and transport issues based on its

geographical location and local transport infrastructure, but a common theme is that the

promotion of sustainable travel is essential in order for the University to remain an attractive

place to study and work.

The purchase of the former HM Prison in Canterbury has enabled the University to increase

temporarily the available number of car parking spaces in Canterbury from 542 to 659.

However, the Estate Master Plan involves the consolidation of multiple University sites across

Canterbury on to the North Holmes Campus, which will significantly reduce the overall

number of parking spaces available in the short to medium term. During periods of

construction several car parks across the North Holmes Campus will be removed from use,

which will lead to short-term reductions in available parking on the site.

Once the Estate Master Plan is completed, the number of parking spaces on the North

Holmes Campus will be approximately 364. In addition, the University will retain its parking

capacity at St Gregory’s, the Priory, the Sports Centre, Vernon Place and Augustine House.

As previously advised, the University’s long term plan is to dispose of other accommodation

in Canterbury including Hall Place - Harbledown, 21 New Dover Road, Lady Wootton’s Green

and Rochester House.

In this context, there is a clear need for the Travel Plan to deliver a comprehensive

programme of initiatives that promote and encourage sustainable travel behaviour for the

future, along with a series of measures to maintain the ongoing operation and accessibility

of the University’s campuses.

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1.2 Objectives

The Travel Plan sets out four clear objectives in support of the University’s strategic

commitment to “Build a sustainable future”. These are to:

• Maintain accessibility and business operation of University campuses;

• Encourage active and sustainable travel;

• Reduce the use of the private car;

• Monitor and understand travel behaviours.

1.3 Targets

To enable the University to deliver its Travel Plan objectives, the following targets have been

developed:

Target 1. Increased awareness of the Travel Plan across our staff and student

communities.

Target 2. Increase the number of staff who choose to walk to work from 14% to

17%.

Target 3. Increase the number of students who choose to cycle to the University from

1% to 6%

Target 4. Decrease the use of private cars to travel to work (excluding Park and Ride)

for staff from 54% to 44% and for students from 16% to 9%.

Target 5. Increase the use of the Park and Ride facilities by 23% for staff and 33% for

students.

Target 6. Undertake an annual survey of staff/students to monitor travel behaviour

and capture differences in modes of travel.

Local targets are currently under development for wider consultation at Broadstairs and

Medway campuses, along with the University’s Centre at Tunbridge Wells.

In developing the Travel Plan the University has considered national and local planning

policy, best practice guidance, and has benchmarked against other universities’ travel plans.

More detail including links to the full plans can be found in Appendix C.

2. Sustainable travel principles

The Travel Plan objectives are closely aligned with the institution’s sustainable travel

principles. These principles are outlined below:

The University will:

I. Support all staff to carry out their roles as effectively, efficiently and sustainably

as is reasonably possible.

II. Give priority to those students and staff with a need due to disability or health

condition or with caring responsibilities, and to staff with essential business

requirements1

.

1 The definition for essential business use is travel a minimum of three times per week in order to carry out a specific role.

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III. Promote ‘Active travel’ to enhance health and wellbeing.

IV. Reflect the geographical and local conditions for each campus location through

application of the policy.

V. Promote all forms of sustainable transport to students, staff and visitors to

support their attendance at the University.

VI. Facilitate the move to more sustainable travel through the support of other

travel modes (for example, Park and Ride) and realistic charging regimes

where applicable.

VII. Encourage the exploration, promotion, and support of alternative ways of

working that enable staff to continue to deliver effective services that support

work-life balance and meet the challenges of sustainability and travel

planning.

VIII. Work with and operate within the context of local transport arrangements and

policies for Kent, Canterbury, Broadstairs, Medway and Tunbridge Wells and

adapt campus travel policies accordingly.

IX. Annually review parking, policies and eligibility for parking permits.

3. Alternatives to campus parking

Staff and students’ travel choice is based on many different and overlapping factors, from

home and work commitments to cost or lifestyle preferences. The University has a

responsibility to develop policies that encourage individuals to reduce dependence on the

car to help achieve the University’s sustainability objectives and reduce its carbon footprint.

It is recognised that mode of travel often appears to be based on necessity rather than

choice. As part of the development and implementation of this Travel Plan, the University

will consult with staff and students to understand the impact of change. Through this

engagement the institution will develop alternative travel initiatives to help mitigate the

impact of reduced campus parking and facilitate change.

i. Cycling and Walking

The University is supporting staff and students who can cycle and walk to the University

by providing facilities at all campuses for secure cycle storage, as well as showers and

changing and drying rooms, wherever practicable, for bad weather and travel. By working

with the Bicycle User Group (BUG) it is planned to extend storage space and enhance

existing facilities in the future.

The University supports staff to purchase new cycles and will continue to work with the

local city and town councils to improve cycle lanes and any other schemes that will make

travel safer and easier for everyone at the University.

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ii. Staff Pool Cars

The University retains a number of pool cars at Canterbury which are provided in

partnership with Enterprise Car Club and can be booked through

www.enterprisecarclub.co.uk/gb/en/home.html by staff enrolled on the system. Use is

constantly monitored and the number of cars will change to reflect the needs of the

University.

iii. Park and Ride and shuttle services (Canterbury)

The University is very fortunate to be based in the busy city of Canterbury, just a short walk

away from the city centre and on a World Heritage Site. As with any city centre, space and

parking is limited, a challenge that extends to our campus.

To help mitigate this, the University has a subsidised scheme for the City Council Park and

Ride facilities which offers discounted tickets to University staff and students. These can

be purchased online at http://shop.canterbury.ac.uk and collected from Rochester House,

Old Sessions House or Augustine House receptions. Buses start from 7am2

. The Estates

and Facilities helpdesk, extension 2325 or [email protected], can offer

help and advice on all travel options.

The institution also operates a complimentary free shuttle service that runs from 7am to

6.10pm, Monday to Friday, from both Hall Place (A2) and Polo Farm (A257) car parks.

Please note, unlike Polo Farm, Hall Place does not offer free parking.

iv. Train users

Canterbury has the benefit of the East and West stations, and Medway is within a

reasonable distance of Gillingham, Rochester and Chatham stations. Broadstairs Campus

is 30 minutes away from Broadstairs station, and the Meadow Road Centre in Tunbridge

Wells has excellent links to a station. The University offers a season ticket purchase scheme.

For more information, please contact your HR representative.

v. Bus schemes

The University offers discounted bus schemes for staff and students with Arriva (Medway)

and Stagecoach (Canterbury)3

. Discounts from these companies could increase each year

if we use their services more.

Through the Estates and Facilities Administration team, 16-18 year olds can apply for the

Kent under 19 travel card and the University will liaise with Kent County Council for ticket

delivery.

2 www.canterbury.gov.uk/parking-travel-roads/park-and-ride 3 https://www.canterbury.ac.uk/students/transport-and-accommodation/travel-and-parking/public-transport-and-discounts.aspx

http://shop.canterbury.ac.uk/

mailto:[email protected]

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vi. Car Share scheme

Staff and students can also benefit from a scheme called Liftshare which advertises shared

journey opportunities - saving money, cutting congestion and reducing harmful car

emissions. This is available at https://liftshare.com/uk 4. Considering your circumstances and alternatives

The limited supply of car parking spaces in Canterbury and across the campus network

means that the University is not able to provide a guaranteed car parking space. It is

important, therefore, that the University is able to offer sustainable travel alternatives to

staff, students and visitors.

In line with the institution’s commitment to minimising the environmental impact of travel,

the University will continue to explore, promote and support the expansion of existing

schemes and develop new, alternative, ways of working. This will enable staff to continue

to deliver effective services that support both an enhanced student experience and employee

work-life balance while meeting the challenges of sustainability and travel planning.

4.1 Parking

Canterbury

The Estate Master Plan will bring about many changes at the Canterbury

Campus and will impact on the number of parking spaces available during the

redevelopment phases. It is important to note, however, that the Estate

Master Plan recognises the importance of maintaining a minimum car parking

capacity, and therefore 364 places will be maintained, primarily through the

creation of basement car parking beneath Building 2.

Car parking charges will apply on the Canterbury Campus between 9am and

4pm Monday to Friday.

During the period 9am–4pm permits must be clearly displayed in the front

windscreen of the vehicle.

At all other times, car parking is available free of charge.

At all times cars should be parked in designated spaces. Failure to do so,

regardless of the time of parking, will result in the issue of a PCN (Penalty

Charge Notice).

The Black Car Park offers a Pay & Display facility, enabling staff and students

who have a “smart card” ID to gain entry through the barrier and park either

using a valid CCCU parking permit or by purchasing a ticket from the Pay &

Display machines.

This facility will be recreated at an alternative location once the

redevelopment of the former prison site takes place.

A University park and ride scheme has been established at Polo Farm, and

operates between 7am and 6.10pm Monday to Friday. Parking is available for

up to 100 cars. A free shuttle bus service is available between Polo Farm and

https://liftshare.com/uk

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Old Sessions House.

A free shuttle service will run connecting Hall Place – Harbledown, Augustine

House, Old Sessions House and the bus station. Standard parking restrictions

apply across all University properties in Canterbury.

Medway

On the Medway Campus there is less pressure for space, but there is still a

fixed number of spaces available. There is also a need to ensure a limited

number of parking spaces for students.

Parking at the Medway Campus requires a parking permit. For those staff

based exclusively at the Medway Campus who request a parking permit, a

specific Medway-only permit will be issued. The Medway-only permits are not

restricted by post code or distance.

Visitor day passes are available for occasional use. There are 12 spaces

available for visitor use. These can be booked through the reception desks at

Canterbury or directly through Medway reception. Any requests for a greater

number of spaces should be directed to the Facilities Manager, Campus

Network.

Broadstairs

At the Broadstairs campus, there is sufficient parking available for both staff

and students; consequently, permits will not be required.

Meadow Road Centre – Tunbridge Wells

The Meadow Road Centre in Tunbridge Wells has limited parking, and the

spaces available will be primarily for staff use and subject to permit

arrangements. Any student with a need due to disability, health condition or

childcare / caring responsibilities may also apply for a permit. The building has

excellent facilities nearby including good local public transport links.

The Estates and Facilities helpdesk, extension 2325 or [email protected]

, can offer help and advice on all travel options.

5. Drop off/pick up/short stay

The University recognises that there are particular pressures at certain campus locations in

relation to staff dropping off and/or picking up materials and equipment. A limited number

of dedicated spaces are allocated for free short stay drop off/pick up for a maximum of 30

minutes.

6. Staff parking permit: eligibility criteria

Staff can apply for a parking permit for University car parks, but a permit does not guarantee

that a space will be available at peak times during term time. Refer to Appendix A for

eligibility criteria.


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7. Other issues

7.1 Temporary permits

Each member of SMT will be issued with a limited number of permits which can be

allocated on a temporary basis to staff who may have specific short term parking

requirements that are essential to undertake their work. The operating arrangements for

these permits are managed locally and each SMT member is responsible for ensuring they

are used appropriately and reasons for use recorded.

7.2 Motorcycles

Motorcycles are exempt from these arrangements but must use the dedicated spaces

allocated for motorcycles at each campus location.

7.3 In cases of emergency

In the case of an emergency, the University will provide transport to enable an individual

to get back to their vehicle, to access public transport, or another address, as quickly as

possible. This may be by taxi or by University vehicle.

8. Application process

A Staff Car Parking Application form will need to be completed annually and signed before

submitting to the relevant Head of School or equivalent, and if conditions are met to the

SMT member, along with any appropriate evidence in support of the application.

Approved permits will be sent to the member of staff usually within five working days

following receipt of the authorised form by the Estates and Facilities Administration team.

8.1 Appeals

If a member of staff wishes to appeal against a decision not to issue a permit, an appeal

must be made in writing and complete with any other evidence to the Assistant Director

of Estates & Facilities. The appeal will be considered by the appeals panel and a response

sent directly to the member of staff.

9. Student car parking: eligibility criteria

Some students can apply for a parking permit for University car parks, but a permit does not

guarantee a space will be available at peak times during term time. Refer to Appendix B for

eligibility criteria.

10. Staff and student charges

Staff and students who live within three miles of the Canterbury campus are not eligible

to participate in the car parking permit scheme (Blue Badge holders are exempt from this).

All staff who wish to apply for a permit must do so against the agreed criteria in Appendix

A. The Head of School or equivalent, must check and confirm the staff member meets the

criteria, before sending to the relevant SMT member for final approval.

The annual charge for full-time staff will be based on 0.6% of their annual salary. This

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equates to £60 per £10,000 salary, e.g. £16,500 = £99. The basis of these charges will

be reviewed annually in line with the University’s sustainability objectives.

Sessional or casual staff who successfully apply for a permit under one of the eligibility

criteria will be required to pay an annual charge, in advance of receiving the permit.

The staff tariff charges are detailed in Appendix A, and student car parking charges are

set out in Appendix B.

10.1 Payment methods

The arrangements for the payment of parking permit charges are set out below:

• Monthly through direct deductions from salary.*

• Advance online payment (Sessional and Casual staff only).

• Advance payment for full-time and part-time students

*It should be noted that from April 2018, the current facility to use a salary sacrifice scheme

to pay for parking charges has been removed by Revenue & Customs; therefore all

payments will be deducted from net pay.

10.2 Maternity, long-term sick leave and extended leave of absence

Permit fees may be suspended during a period of maternity leave, long-term sick leave or

extended leave of absence upon notification by the individual concerned. Full information

is available in the Car Parking Application Process and Operational Arrangements. Permits

need to be surrendered during this period to the Estates and Facilities Administration team

and will be held until return to work. This could also be applied to members of staff who

only work for set periods during the year. Once a staff member leaves the University,

parking permits need to be returned as part of the leavers’ process.

11. Visitor parking

Parking facilities for visitors are limited in Canterbury to the spaces at the Old Sessions House

car park. These must be booked as far in advance as possible through the reception teams.

There is no charge for visitor car parking. Visitors must display a visitor parking permit, which

will normally be sent in advance of the visit. If this is not possible then a permit must be

collected from reception and displayed in the car. In Canterbury, the visitor parking is

located at Old Sessions House. In Broadstairs and Meadow Road, there are separately

marked visitor parking areas: visitors must park in a University marked bay. Staff using these

marked visitor spaces as general bays will be issued with a Parking Charge Notice.

At the Medway Campus, visitor day passes are available for occasional use. There are 12

spaces available for visitor use. These can be booked through the reception desks at

Canterbury or directly through Medway reception. Any requests for a greater number of

spaces should be directed to the Facilities Manager, Campus Network.

Some minibuses coming onto the sites do not fit in normal bays and as such may be

allocated parking in a different location.

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12. Car park management and control

All car parking spaces are clearly marked. Blue Badge holders must clearly display both a

valid permit and their Blue Badge in the normal way Parking in unauthorised areas or

inappropriately in visitor spaces or accessible spaces, for example, will result in a Parking

Charge Notice. The University uses the campus security teams to ensure compliance with

the parking regulations.

Any car failing to display the appropriate permit will receive a parking notice and will be

liable for a fee in line with the tariffs generally applied by Local Authorities. Initially, the

parking charge notice will be £70, which will be reduced to £35 if it is paid within 14 days.

It will be the responsibility of individual members of staff and students to ensure that they

comply with the rules governing parking on our sites.

Abuse towards staff carrying out their duties in managing the University’s car parks and the

implementation of this policy will not be tolerated. Staff or students who are breach the

parking arrangements or are abusive may be subject to disciplinary action.

Car parking use will be audited regularly and will include a comprehensive audit in the

autumn of each year in order to review actual use against the permit criteria. The University

is committed to retain both the British Parking Association (BPA) accreditation and the Park

Mark (Safe car park) accreditation.

13. Contractor parking

Contractors’ vehicles will only be allowed on site in order to load and unload as required by

the University. Limited parking will be available through prior consent and only if there is a

specific requirement agreed in advance. In all other cases it is expected that contractors will

park outside of the University’s grounds.

14. Investment in sustainable development

The University will continue to invest any surplus income generated by car parking charges,

plus a matched sum from other University income, in the development of sustainable

transport initiatives such as the shuttle bus.

15. Equality Impact Assessment

As part of our evaluation and review of this policy, an Equality Impact Assessment has been

undertaken. The recommendations of the assessment have been considered in the

development of the policy. The Equality Impact Assessment report will be published on the

University’s web pages.

16. Evaluation and review

A formal evaluation and review of the Sustainable Travel Policy & Procedure will be

undertaken on an annual basis by the Assistant Director, Estates & Facilities (Facilities). This

will then be taken to the Transport & Sustainable Business Working Group (TSBWG) and

ratified at the Sustainability Strategic Management Group (SSMG), which is an executive

group of the Senior Management Team.

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APPENDIX A

STAFF PARKING PERMIT CRITERIA

Criterion 1: Blue Badge holders

Members of staff who are blue disability badge holders are entitled to a car parking permit.

Staff who hold a Blue Badge should park in appropriately marked accessible bays, or, if none

are available, a general marked space. A valid permit together with the Blue Badge must be

displayed. The permit is subject to the same tariff as described in the Fees section below.

Criterion 2: Other mobility impairment

Staff who are not Blue Badge holders but who have a mobility impairment are able to apply

for a permit, subject to written confirmation of the impairment from a University

Occupational Health assessment. Holders of this permit in 2016/17 do not need to undergo

an OH assessment for the purposes of renewal, but must make a self-declaration that they

still have the same health need for the permit. Because of the limited number of spaces and

strict eligibility criteria some staff requiring a parking permit due to a disability or long-term

health condition may not always be allocated one. This will be subject to review. (Note: for

staff with a very short-term mobility problem this can be managed through the use of a

SMT member’s discretionary permit.)

Criterion 3: Caring responsibilities

The University recognises that certain staff have specific caring responsibilities which may

require them to have ready access to their vehicle. Applications will be considered for

individuals who meet one of the two criteria set out below:

• Registered carers

Registered carers who require access to a vehicle at work will be eligible to apply for a

parking permit. They will be required to provide current and appropriate documentary

evidence in the form of a letter from the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP).

• Childcare responsibilities

Staff who have the primary responsibility to take a child/children aged 11 or under to or

from pre school childcare/primary school will be able to apply for a parking permit, subject

to providing a copy of the birth certificate or passport.

Criterion 4: Essential business use

Essential business car users are staff whose University duties are of such a nature that it is

essential for them to have a vehicle at their disposal, who need to travel on business at least

three times a week during term time, and who could not reasonably use other means of

transport.

Any member of staff seeking a permit for essential business use must ensure they have

business use insurance cover for their vehicle, and must provide evidence of this, prior to

any permit being issued.

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Fees

The annual charge for full-time and part-time staff will be based on 0.6% of their annual

salary4

, e.g.

£16,500 = £99

£30,000 = £180

£45,000 = £270

Sessional or casual staff who successfully apply for a permit under one of the eligibility

criteria will be required to pay an annual charge of:

Tariff

Sessional Staff Annual Fee £42.00

Casual Staff Annual Fee £42.00

Notes

a) Permits will NOT be issued to staff residing within 3 miles of Canterbury campus

unless they meet one of the agreed criteria 1, 2 or 4.

b) Permits will NOT be issued to Associate Staff or Contractors.

c) Heads of School or equivalent, and SMT will determine, using the above criteria and

policy, which members of staff within their areas of responsibility are approved for

a permit.

d) In recognition of the fact that staff may have occasional need of a permit to

undertake essential University work and that other transport options may not be

suitable, members of SMT will be issued with a limited number of permits which they

can allocate on a temporary basis.

e) If two co-habiting CCCU staff / student members wish to apply for a permit, only one

will be issued unless there are exceptional reasons.

f) All staff issued with a personal permit will be required to pay the appropriate parking

fee.

4 Includes market & geographical supplements

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APPENDIX B

STUDENT PARKING PERMIT CRITERIA AND INFORMATION

There is limited student parking across the campus network. However, students may apply

for a parking permit at Medway Campus and Hall Place if their course is solely based at one

of these locations. No permit is required to park at the University’s Broadstairs Campus.

Student parking is not permitted at any other University site except where students meet

Criterion 1 or Criterion 2, in which case they may apply for a permit; a fee is charged for

each permit issued.

In addition, students will also be able to access a pay-and-display car park facility at the

North Holmes Road site – currently the Black car park.

Criterion 1: Blue Badge holders

Students who hold a disability Blue Badge are entitled to purchase a permit and to park in

appropriately marked accessible bays or, if none are available, a general marked space. The

Blue Badge and University permit must both be displayed clearly.

Criterion 2: Other mobility impairment

Students who are not Blue Badge holders but require a parking permit because of a disability

or health condition are able to apply for a permit through Student Support, Health and

Wellbeing, subject to medical assessment i.e. written confirmation from a GP and/or an

Occupational Health assessment. This will be subject to review. Students holding such a

permit should park only in a general marked space, not in an accessible space.

Students experiencing short-term mobility problems can enquire about obtaining a

temporary parking permit by requesting the appropriate form through

[email protected].

Criterion 3: Access to Campus Locations

Limited parking facilities are available at Hall Place (Harbledown), Medway Campus and

Salomons (Tunbridge Wells). Students may apply for a permit if they can demonstrate need

due to distance/insufficient transport infrastructure. A fee will be payable as set out below.

Free parking is available for students at the Broadstairs campus.

Fees

Full-time students pay a fee of £52.50, part-time students £26.25.

Notes

a) Permits will NOT be issued to students residing within 3 miles of their designated

campus base; unless they meet one of the agreed criteria.

b) Campus Network Facilities Managers will determine, using the above criteria, which

students within their area of responsibility are granted a permit.


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APPENDIX C

Travel Plan Context and the 2017 University Travel Plan

BOX 1: Definition and scope of a Travel Plan

The Department for Transport’s (DfT) ‘Good Practice Guidelines: Delivering Travel Plans

Through the Planning Process’ (2009) states that a Travel Plan is “a long-term

management strategy for an occupier or site that seeks to deliver sustainable transport

objectives through positive action, and is articulated in a document that is regularly

reviewed”.

A Travel Plan is therefore a living document that sets out ways in which an organisation can

reduce the number of vehicle trips to their site by promoting more sustainable travel

options. A Travel Plan is site-specific and considers the unique needs and interests of

employees, students, visitors and deliveries in the context of the local environment and

transport network.

A Travel Plan involves the development of agreed targets and outcomes which are linked

to an appropriate package of measures aimed at: reducing the need to travel,

encouraging more sustainable travel, and reducing single occupancy car use, for all trips

to and from the University.

It also provides for continuous monitoring, review, and refinement over time, as travel

survey data is collected to determine trends in travel patterns and whether action is

required to achieve more sustainable modes of travel to/from the site. The Travel Plan

should therefore be frequently updated by the University.

BOX 2: National Planning Policy

National policy has moved towards securing more sustainable outcomes with emphasis on

minimising the need to travel, reducing car use and encouraging more sustainable modes

of transport. The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) was adopted in March 2012.

It is important to note that while the campuses are spread across four different locations in

Kent the workforce and student population are spread over a much wider and fairly rural

catchment. As such, the NPPF in paragraph 29

“…recognises that different policies and measures will be required in different communities

and opportunities to maximise sustainable transport solutions will vary from urban to rural

areas.”

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BOX 3: Local Planning Policy

The Local Transport Plan for Kent, published in April 2011, covers the period 2011-2016 and

sets out Kent County Council’s overall transport strategy. The document acknowledges

the need to maintain good accessibility by car balanced against the requirement to meet

the growing demand for travel, by the promotion of attractive and safe sustainable

alternatives through travel choice.

The promotion of businesses and school Travel Plans is identified, aimed at reducing the

number of single occupancy car journeys to tackle congestion and in delivering the wider

benefits associated with the provision of smarter choices. It identifies, encouraging

sustainable transport as being an important means of meeting the increased future

demand for travel.

The Canterbury District Strategy (2014 – 2031) aims to “improve access to services, goods

and opportunities, and tackle the negative impacts of traffic, by promoting sustainable

modes of transport, achieving reliable vehicle journey times and supporting sustainable

development”. This will be achieved by:

Encouraging sustainable travel as an alternative to a private car;

Managing the availability of car parking to balance the impact of car use with

the need to provide access to services and opportunities;

Managing the network to achieve reliable journey times;

Reducing the number and length of journeys undertaken;

Supporting independence and reducing social exclusion;

Stabilising, and where possible reducing, the adverse effects of transport on air

quality and local communities; and

Reducing the number of people killed and injured on the roads.

BOX 4: Travel Planning Best Practice

Further to the policy documents listed above, a number of key guidance documents and

best practice examples have been reflected in preparation of this Travel Plan. These

include (but were not limited to) the following:

‘Good Practice Guidelines: Delivering Travel Plans through the Planning

Process’(DfT and DCLG, 2009);

‘The Essential Guide to Travel Planning’ (DfT, 2007);

‘Making Personal Travel Planning Work: Research Report’ (DfT, 2007);

‘The Travel Plan Resources Pack for Employers’ (DfT, 2006); and

‘Smarter choices – Changing the Way We Travel’ (DfT, 2004).

Additional benchmarking against other Universities’ Travel Plans has been undertaken

throughout the production of this document. The University have also referenced how

other Universities have implemented parking restrictions and policies to aide development

of their own parking policy.

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The University adopted its first Travel Plan in 2009 and implemented a series of measures to

promote sustainable travel through the implementation of an action plan, which included

the introduction of parking charges for permits.

To support the Estate Master Plan the Travel and Sustainability Working Group (TSBWG),

part of the Sustainability Strategic Management Group, has worked with specialist

consultants Urban flow to update the Travel Plan. This work included consultations with

groups including staff, students, car users, cyclists, public transport users and walkers. A

comprehensive student and staff travel survey was conducted in 2015 to measure change

from 2009 and to establish new baselines. The agreement was provided by the Sustainable

Travel T&F group that the TSBWG agree the Canterbury Travel Plan before it was submitted

alongside the Prison Quarter planning application (Ref CA/16/02801). The Canterbury Travel

Plan and the supporting Transport Assessment for the North Holmes Campus are available

here:

http://planningdocs.canterbury.gov.uk/AnitePublicDocs/00933406.pdf


Travel Plans have also been prepared for Broadstairs, Medway and Tunbridge Wells which

are available in draft subject to consultation.



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