How can the development accommodate sustainable transport and reduce the need for travel?

• Look for sites, where possible, which link with existing and planned public transport and cycle routes, or with easily managed extensions of those routes, and which can accommodate a range of interdependent uses, e.g. low impact employment, housing and recreation.
• Reduce dependence on motor vehicles through car sharing and by limiting on-site parking.
• Be aware that some developments will trigger the need for Travel Plans. These can identify a package of measures and improvements to maximise sustainable transport options for all site users.
• For larger sites, submit a Transport Assessment to highlight where access can be improved for all modes of transport. Make appropriate provision in liaison with the local Highway Authority.

How should the use of public transport be encouraged?

• Aim to locate within 400 metres of a bus stop or 800 metres of a train station or tram stop.
• Invest in suitable waiting facilities at stops with raised boarding areas, clear signing, good lighting and accessible service information.
• Liaise with Public Transport officers of the County or City Council at an early stage, especially where service support or extension is merited (see Useful Contacts).
• Provide service information and discounted travel schemes at larger work places.

What measures should be included to encourage cycling?

• Connect with existing cycle routes or recommend new ones, if possible, and for larger sites provide good quality on-site routes offering a safe and convenient travel option.
• Provide cycle parking spaces in accordance with City or County Council parking guidance (see below) or contribute to communal storage facilities. Such storage should be covered and benefit from the natural security of being close to buildings.
• Provide ‘in-house’ changing facilities, including lockers and showers.

What steps should be taken to promote walking?

• Identify likely pedestrian ‘desire’ routes and provide good quality on-site paths, preferably connected to existing routes – giving short cuts to shops, schools, public transport stops etc.
• Install lighting along paths for security and ensure visibility from buildings and local roads.
• Design safe, attractive streets with a real ‘sense of place’ that encourages pedestrian activity.
• Ensure that the site is accessible to all and satisfies the needs of disabled people.

What measures should be taken to ensure low vehicle speeds?

• For larger sites, consult with the City or County Council’s highway development control area officers to discuss how best to achieve layouts that naturally calm traffic rather than resorting to humps and cushions (see Useful Contacts ).
• Consider the potential for designing residential layouts on Home Zone principles where traffic is slowed and surface design gives priority to pedestrians and cycles.

What levels of parking provision are appropriate?

• Refer to the County Council’s Guidance on Parking Provision for New Development (2003) and the City Council’s parking guidance. Be aware that where sites are well served by public transport, parking provision at levels below maximum standards will be expected.
• For larger sites, liaise with the local council (district or City) over all aspects of parking including charging structures in urban areas.

What other measures are available to reduce the impact of motor vehicle use?

• Examine potential benefits to be gained from changing working practices – such as home working and video conferencing, especially in more remote areas.
• Consider the potential for electric, hybrid, or LPG (liquid petroleum gas) powered vehicles, perhaps in a car pool, for appropriate communal housing schemes and work places.