Residential Travel Plans
WHAT IS A RESIDENTIAL TRAVEL PLAN?
Little attention had been given to tackling the origins of journeys from people’s homes. UK planning law now requires new developments to have travel plans when a Transport Assessment is required or where a development will impact upon the highway network.
Developers and local authorities in Suffolk are developing packages to both reduce the traffic generated by new housing developments and increase the travel choices available to residents. These measures are being set out in Residential Travel Plans.
A Residential Travel Plan is a package of measures designed to reduce car use from new housing by supporting other forms of transport and reducing the need to travel. Residential Travel Plans should help developments overcome problems of accessibility and ensure they have the right facilities for walking, cycling and public transport access.
Schemes could include:
- Welcome packs for residents with free travel information and free introductory transport tickets.
- Upgraded local bus services.
- Walking and cycling routes to key locations.
- Bikes for residents to use.
- Car clubs.
- A dedicated travel plan coordinator.Car share schemes.
RESIDENTIAL TRAVEL PLAN BENEFITS
When faced with a new development, local communities are often concerned about the level of traffic that may be generated and parking problems that may arise. Residential travel plans can help overcome such concerns by finding new ways of addressing residents’ travel needs and demonstrating how to influence their travel choices.
Residential Travel Plans offer genuine benefits.
For Developers:
- Enabling higher densities of housing development, and therefore increased profit margins.
- Potentially reducing the need for expenditure on new transport infrastructure.
For New Occupiers:
- Better access to essential services and jobs.
- Improved travel options.
- Opportunity for a healthier lifestyle.
- More vibrant communities to live in.
For Local Authorities:
- Residents’ needs for access to shops, schools, jobs, health facilities and recreational activities.
- Reduce traffic generated by the development.
- Create sustainable, vibrant local communities and promote healthy lifestyles.
- Reinforce the need for good urban design.
- Address local issues about how to provide good access to and from the site by walking, cycling and pubic transport.
TRAVEL PLAN RESOURCE
Suffolk County Council employs travel plan coordinators to assess travel plans for residential development and to work with developers on addressing transport issues. A fee is charged for this service. More details on charging will be provided shortly.
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