TTR - Summer 2010

Best wishes,

David Blackledge
Chairman and Director of European Affairs, Transport & Travel Research Ltd

For more information contact: Kieran Holmes , Executive Director.

With Local Authorities now writing their Third Local Transport Plan (LTP3) submissions, it is timely to raise the profile of freight transport so it receives the attention it deserves in policy and implementation plans. Freight transport has traditionally not been very high on the agenda of many local authorities, in part because it is a complex industry to engage with, but also because they historically have never had any direct responsibilities in this field. TTR can help with LTP3 for local authorities really trying to understand the nature of the freight movement within and through their area.

In developing and implementing LTP3 local authorities need to develop a package of strategic and practical solutions in conjunction with the freight industry to find local solutions to local problems. There are many examples of how hauliers, businesses and local authorities can work together to make freight transport more efficient, and minimise its negative impacts.

Freight Quality Partnerships (FQPs), for example, were mentioned in the Government's guidance for LTP1. Whilst their implementation has been a rather mixed bag the most effective FQPs are the ones that have actively engaged with the freight industry. Investigating the potential for out-of-hours deliveries, freight consolidation centres and developing the Council's own Delivery and Servicing plans are other example of how industry and local authorities can work together to the benefit of both parties and local residents.

TTR has worked with many local authorities on all of the above freight measures. If you would like to discuss these further please contact Chris Douglas, Director, on 0207 953 4069 or chris.douglas@ttr-ltd.com .

TTR lead the Low Emission Strategies Partnership project study team and are working with CERC and RPS to produce an excel-based Low Emissions Toolkit for the LESP to distribute free of charge to authorities.

In a typical local authority area, transport accounts for around a quarter of direct carbon dioxide emissions. It is also the major source when it comes to declaring Air Quality Management Areas.Tackling transport sector emissions is the most glaring opportunity for joined up working. Yet progress is slow.

The backdrop of targets for regeneration and development serves to compound the difficulties and has the potential to derail our best efforts to reduce emissions.

Low Emission Strategies are a package of measures to help mitigate the transport impacts of development on air pollutant and carbon dioxide emissions, in and around the development site. The Low Emission Strategies Partnership (LESP) seeks to accelerate the uptake of low emission transport fuels and technologies. Low emission strategies are often secured through a combination of planning conditions and legal obligations.

In line with an evidence-based approach to developing and implementing planning policy, TTR can help local authorities who want to quantify the impact that low emission strategies and component measures can have in minimising and mitigating the impacts related to development. However, it can be difficult to assess the potential risks and benefits of mitigation or compensating measures and develop a basis for off-setting formulae which can be used within section 106 agreements or future Community Infrastructure Levy for new developments.

The toolkit will include a number of distinct components that can be used to:

• Access a robust database on the emissions, performance, costs and co-benefits of low emission vehicle technologies for comparison at an individual vehicle level;
• Appraise the costs and impacts fleet transformation options based on a full range of low emission vehicle technologies
• Appraise the provision costs, differential impacts and damage cost values of baseline fleets associated with development applications
• Assess a wide range of emission reduction measures that could be brought forward through the planning process (e.g. low-emission vehicles, delivery/servicing plans as well as measures such as car clubs and travel plans).

The Low Emission Toolkit is on track for completion in September 2010. Further information on Low Emission Strategies and the work of the Partnership are available from www.lowemissionstrategies.org or contact Tom Parker, TTR Senior Associate, on 0117 907 6520 or tom.parker@ttr-ltd.com .

TTR is conducting a study for PTEG (Passenger Transport Executive Group) to quantify the sources of bus emissions from key routes in three PTE areas, apportioning the amounts that are due to stationary / idling, slow moving and freely moving vehicles. The objective is to investigate the potential to reduce the proportion of emissions when buses are stationary or idling.

Emissions from slow moving vehicles are higher per vehicle km travelled than those from free flowing traffic, with stationary / idling vehicles adding further to the overall emission of air quality pollutants. Emissions estimates are often calculated using an assumed average traffic speed and this means that the contribution of stationary and idling emissions are not fully taken into account.

Three key strands are being examined:

• The characteristics of the network – for example the location of bus stops, traffic signals on bus routes, congestion at bus stations/ interchange points – will all influence bus speed and dwell times.
• The behaviour of vehicle drivers can influence the extent of the impact from stationary vehicles – for example the amount of time the engine is left idling when stationary.
• The emissions from idling vehicles need to be balanced against the emissions from switching off and restarting the engine, and other technical constraints. Technical considerations will determine what is feasible and whether and when engine switch off is worthwhile.

The process of examining three case study routes will identify specific actions for the sample routes. However, the objective is to draw out generic lessons that might apply to other areas. This will be done by drawing on practice from other industries (e.g. freight) and from a review of literature. The overall findings will therefore be used to form a set of recommendations for actions/best practice that could be applied. These might include, for example, network changes to reduce emissions or protocols for driver behaviour. The recommendations (due in summer 2010) are expected to draw on fuel efficiency initiatives already in place at the PTE area bus-companies, with the aim of spreading good-practice.

For more information contact: Tom Parker, TTR Senior Associate, on 0117 907 6520 or tom.parker@ttr-ltd.com .

TTR has been working with the Department for Transport's Transport Direct team on a series of datasets to help supplement the data collection activity for journey planner systems and Electronic Data Transfer (EDT). The first of these tasks involved developing a unique short identifier for every bus operator in Great Britain . The aim is for this code to be applied to all data managed by Traveline for these operators.

There is currently no agreed set of national operator codes and therefore regional systems maintain their own codes. However, even these may not be unique within a region, since local authorities may also create their own codes. Systems that draw on this data, such as Transport Direct's journey planning portal, the National Coach Services Database (NCSD), Electronic Bus Services Registration (EBSR) and the proposed National Schedules Dataset, therefore have to rely on look-up tables to reconcile the different codes used across local authority and regional boundaries that may not always be accurate. This makes the sharing and exchange of services data more difficult and less efficient than it could be and reduces the effectiveness of systems.

It is envisaged that the provision of unique codes will present the following benefits:

• Provide accurate and timely travel information to the public, especially relating to service operators, for journey planning purposes;
• Develop systems that integrate different sources of information, providing a consistent and coherent view to the public, particularly if services and timetable systems are consolidated in the future;
• Make the provision of information as cost effective as possible, e.g. by removing the need for several organisations to maintain lookup tables.

The development of electronic data transfer (EDT) through the introduction of TransXChange (TXC) and EBSR requires greater precision in the definition of services and timetables. One of the important features of TXC is the ability to identify each public transport Serviced Organisation such as schools, colleges and universities and define the days of operation of services, journeys, special operations etc. linked to the opening dates of those facilities. This requires the ability to specifically reference these establishments in order to clearly define the services that will operate on any given day. Therefore, another element to the work undertaken by TTR was to uniquely identify Serviced Organisations using resources such as EduBase.

The aim of this part of the project is to add value to the information currently held on Serviced Organisations at a national level. This has been done by providing an authoritative naming and coding mechanism for Serviced Organisations and by providing a single source of authoritative term dates, at the level of Local Education Authority within England , Wales and Scotland .

The project involved TTR staff in the research, design, stakeholder consultation and data build phases. For further information contact Mark Fell, Associate, on 0207 953 4069 or nationalcodes@ttr-ltd.co.uk .

TTR is addressing traditional travel planning approaches that focus purely on the movement of people to schools and workplaces and has expertise in major destinations that generate significant levels of travel outside the workplace area such as retail sites, tourist attractions and faith sites. Like travel plans, Delivery and Servicing Plans work at a variety of different levels and can be implemented for a single building, an organisation or a geographical area as a tool to manage delivery, collections and servicing activity.

The iTRACE travel plan template enables information to be provided relating to freight movements and delivery and servicing activity. There are two sections (‘fleet' and ‘deliveries') within iTRACE's site audit questionnaire that ask for information relating to freight, delivery and servicing. The information provided can then be used to identify measures for reducing the number or impact of deliveries but there is currently limited integration between travel planning and DSPs. As part of our work to coordinate the South London Freight Quality Partnership (SLFQP), TTR works with three South London boroughs to develop DSPs for each organisation.  Using the same smarter travel principles as with travel planning, we are taking a tailored approach to help each borough to develop a site-specific DSP.

In Croydon, it is the planned redevelopment of the local authority offices that has driven the interest in the DSP concept. The DSP is integrated within the staff travel plan and links to the council's environmental policy, which was published in June 1999. In Sutton, environmental concerns have prompted their interest in DSPs as it aims to become a ‘One Planet Borough' by 2025 and has ambitious targets to reduce CO 2 emissions. In Bromley the local authority wants their DSP to be a stand-alone document, linked to, but not incorporated into, any other policy documents.  Working closely with the borough DSP working groups, TTR is also assisting with the development of a DSP business case, integrating DSPs with council policies and in knowledge sharing and the dissemination of best practice.

TTR submitted a successful bid for EU funding to share European best practice in DSPs. This ground breaking project called TRAILBLAZER (Transport and Innovation Logistics by Local Authorities with a Zest for Efficiency and Realisation) commences in July 2010 with a consortium of local authorities, private sector industry leaders and communications experts from across Europe . A group of experienced organisations (TRAILBLAZERS) will help the group of less experienced authorities (PATHFINDERS) to develop DSPs with a view to reducing energy use.

There are many areas where an organisation's DSP and travel plan should work together to ensure that all transport operations associated with a site or organisation are sustainable, efficient and cost effective. In the future, this might even lead to the development of all encompassing ‘integrated movement plans', which would cover the movement of both people and deliveries.

For more information on smarter choices or any of the projects in this article contact Sarah Clifford, Associate, on 0207 953 4069 or sarah.clifford@ttr-ltd.com .

TTR were commissioned by the Highways Agency to assist them with the introduction of pictograms and mixed case text on Motorway Signal Mark 4 (MS4) Variable Message Signs (VMS).  The MS4 is the first VMS technology implemented on the HA network that is capable of presenting messages in upper and mixed case text, together with one of seven pictograms.

MS4 are able to display an advisory speed limit alongside pictorial warnings of accidents, congestion, snow, high winds, fog, roadworks or skid risk. Pictograms are more conspicuous to drivers at greater distances than text, providing earlier warning of hazards ahead and enable drivers to see at a glance what conditions lie ahead.  Both on and off road trials have found that drivers quickly understand the meaning of pictograms and were able to read mixed case text easily. In addition the red warning triangles are an internationally recognised hazard warning and can be seen on MS4 from a great distance.  Making drivers aware of hazards earlier will lead to quicker driver response times to messages and hazards ahead that is hoped will have a beneficial impact on safety and traffic management.

Up until May 2009 MS4 message signs displayed advisory speeds, lane diverts, “wicket” lane closures and upper case text messages in the same format as displayed on other older VMS technology.  The HA were very keen to exploit the new technology and to ensure this capability was introduced safely onto their network.  As a result TTR were asked to complete a comprehensive risk assessment for the introduction of pictograms and mixed case text on MS4.  TTR undertook a review of documentary evidence and a consultation exercise with key stakeholders in each of the HA Directorates.  The risk assessment recommended a phased implementation of pictograms and then mixed case text so that the performance of each format could be evaluated.

TTR assisted the HA implementation team and reviewed the risk assessment following each phase of the implementation.  The final implementation Phase was completed in March 2010.  The findings of the project have concluded that the implementation of pictograms and mixed case text have been a success on MS4, which has led to the recommendation that all future installations of this technology are fully pictogram and mixed case text enabled.

For further information contact Kieran Holmes, Executive Director, on 01543 416 416 or kieran.holmes@ttr-ltd.com

Following a successful bid to the European Commission, TTR is helping local authorities in Spain , France , UK , Italy and Slovenia to set up national city networks for sustainable mobility. CIVINET runs for three years and provides grant aid to subsidise network activities.

CIVINET UK & Ireland is managed by Lancashire County Council with the support of TTR. The network aims to promote the CIVITAS approach to integrated sustainable mobility; disseminate lessons and best practice from the CIVITAS demonstration projects; offer a focus for dialogue between local authorities, government departments and the European Commission; encourage government at national and European levels to bring forward additional funding mechanisms to assist cities with the ongoing development of sustainable mobility policies, measures and tools; offer advice to members concerning availability of European funding; and encouraging involvement in CIVITAS and in the Network by new potential takeup cities.

Full membership is available to all local authorities in UK & Ireland that have an interest in and are eligible to participate in CIVITAS. Associate membership is open to associations, research centres, universities and other organisations (both public and private sector), which have an interest in urban transport. The CIVINET UK & Ireland Network is hosting the First Annual Sustainable Mobility Convention for members and non-members on 20 - 21 September in London .

For further details contact Alastair Byers, Principal Consultant on 0117 907 6520 or visit www.civitas.eu/civinet

London European Partnership for Transport (LEPT) coordinates, disseminates and promotes the sustainable transport and mobility agenda for London and London boroughs in Europe . One of LEPT's roles is to identify, bid for and manage EU transport and mobility projects involving London boroughs. TTR has been appointed by LEPT to provide secretariat services for EU projects led by LEPT and to support the process of bidding for new EU grants.

The first project, funded by the Intelligent Energy for Europe's STEER programme, COMMERCE (2007 - 2010) will improve the design and use of good quality mobility plans by European businesses to reduce CO 2 emissions by providing tools and standards based on best practice across Europe . Six EU partner cities compose the consortium, bringing together “leader” and “learner” cities in Europe.

TTR is supporting LEPT deliver the PIMMS TRANSFER project which will increase sustainable mobility by promoting and transferring effective mobility management techniques to regional and local decision-makers. The project has 15 EU partner cities and brings together “progression” and “initiation” regions.

For further information: contact David Blackledge, Chairman and Director for European Affairs, on 01543 416 416 or david.blackledge@ttr-ltd.com .

The Mediate project is in its final year, and TTR is playing a major role in the Final Conference, taking place at the British Library, London on the 18-19 November. The results obtained over the two-year project duration will be presented to an audience of 200 people.

Mediate is a Coordination and Support Action: Theme 7 - Transport, under the Call FP7 Sustainable Surface Transport (SST) – 2007- RTD-1, on the topic SST.2007.3.1.1 New Mobility Concepts for Passengers ensuring Accessibility for All.

Mediate (MEthodology for DescribIng the Accessibility of Transport in Europe) has the ultimate aim of improving the accessibility of urban public transport systems, for all travellers, in Europe . More specifically, Mediate will create a common European methodology for measuring accessibility, and develop a self-assessment tool that can be used by policy makers and transport providers to measure the accessibility of public transport in their city.

The key outputs of the project are:

• The identification of a set of indicators for describing the features of a transport system that make it truly accessible and available for users with all levels of ability
• The development of a self assessment tool, using these indicators, for measuring the accessibility of urban transport – this tool is under development, with the help of questionnaire returns received from a sample of transport providers from throughout Europe
• The establishment of a “one stop shop” providing information on the accessibility of public transport systems, good practice and relevant legislation; this can be found at www.aptie.eu
• The production of a Good Practice Guide, which is complete, and awaiting publication
• The creation of an End User Platform representing a broad range of passenger groups, which will continue beyond the life-span of the Mediate project

For further information visit www.mediate-project.eu or contact Phil Barham, Senior Associate, on 01543 416 416 or philip.barham@ttr-ltd.com .

Mediate is a Coordination and Support Action: Theme 7 - Transport, under the Call FP7 Sustainable Surface Transport (SST) – 2007- RTD-1, on the topic SST.2007.3.1.1 New Mobility Concepts for Passengers ensuring Accessibility for All.

Meet the TTR Team at the following events:

• Transport Practitioners Meeting 20 - 23 July, York
• First Annual Sustainable Mobility Convention 20 - 21 September, London