Mohammed Haider, City Council of Nottingham, UK

Presentation at: managEnergy European Conference on Local Energy Action: The Annual Event of Energy Management Agents in Europe 28-29 November 2002, Brussels, Belgium

Slides | Proceedings and Recordings

Abstract

Mobility Management

Mobility Management can contribute towards achieving some of the principle objectives of urban transport planning which include:

• Reducing the adverse effects of urban transport on the environment;
• Making more efficient use of energy resources;
• Making efficient use of the transport system;
• Improving accessibility to workplaces and other destinations, particularly for those without access to a car.

Nottingham application

Mobility Management aims to encourage the use of sustainable modes of transport in preference to private vehicles. The most effective way to reduce motorised vehicle kilometres is to encourage a shift to non-motorised means of transport such as walking and cycling. For longer distances, public transport will be more appropriate.

Mobility Management can be applied to a wide range of geographical areas ranging from a single site to the city and region. Furthermore, where there is human travel, there is a possibility to apply mobility management solutions to promote the use of sustainable transport.

Nottingham application

In 1995, Nottingham City Council formed a unique network for organisations wishing to adopt what are now known as 'travel plans'. A travel plan is a package of Mobility Management measures designed to reduce unnecessary car trips to the workplace whilst promoting more environmentally friendly forms of travel.

The Nottingham Commuter Planners Club

The Nottingham Commuter Planners Club now represents many of the largest employers. It is estimated that club representatives collectively represent the travel interests of over 50,000 employees. Members include Capital One, Boots, the Queens Medical Centre and the Universities. Club meetings are held quarterly and are hosted by member organisations in turn.

The club has been the catalyst for organisations adopting packages of measures at members' sites including improved facilities for walking and cycling, preferential parking for car sharers, and agreements with bus operators. It has also proved to be successful in influencing central government policy.

Because it has been so popular, the club has created sub-groups. These are more 'location based'; for example, one exclusively attracts employers in the southern area of Nottingham City.

The latest results demonstrate a shift towards sustainable transport at the employer sites as direct results of the mobility management solutions.

Some results

32 % of organisations with over 200 employees have implemented their own travel plans.

15 commuter planners' club meetings have been held since January 1996 with a regular core membership of 18 organisations, although the meetings are usually attended by over 30 organisations often with overseas visitors. Attendance levels are increasing steadily.

Number of Measures Adopted

• 20 Organisations have carried out a staff travel survey as the basis for their commuter plan
• 13 Organisations have formally published their travel plan
• 18 Organisations have provided information on the plan and alternative travel options
• 17 Organisation has produced green travel information for visitors
• 9 Organisations are planning to reduce the number of car parking spaces
• 13 Organisations have introduced a car park permit scheme
• 10 Have set up a car-sharing scheme
• 6 Organisations offer discounted public transport tickets
• 6 Organisations have or are planning to introduce cycle loans
• 7 Organisations have policies on fleet efficiencies
• 11 Organisations promote the use of alternative modes for travel at work
• 9 Organisations offer homeworking/teleworking
• 9 Organisations providing additional measures to promote sustainable travel