consultation report 2011 - luton borough council · cycling, use of public transport and car...

Sustainable Travel Plan

Road Safety

Consultation Report 2011

www.luton.gov.uk/roadsafety

LUTON BOROUGH COUNCIL

SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL PLAN 2011/15

CONSULTATION REPORT

August 2011

Chris Padgin Planning and Transport Highways and Street Services

CONTENTS 1.0 INTRODUCTION 1

2.0 OFFICER AND STAKEHOLDERS 1 CONSULTATION

3.0 PUBLIC CONSULTATION 1

4.0 OTHER CONSULTATIONS TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT 3

5.0 CONCLUSION FROM CONSULTATION 4

APPENDIX 1 LIST OF STAKEHOLDERS 5

APPENDIX 2 EXTRACT FROM BMG RESEARCH CITIZENS PANEL SEPTEMBER 2010 FOR SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL 9

APPENDIX 3 FOCUS GROUP REPORT 14

Sustainable Travel Plan – Consultation report

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 It is generally acknowledged that sustainable travel is becoming more and more important. With an ever increasing population and the need to travel it is not possible to build enough road capacity to tackle congestion. The concern about the climate and health problems have all brought about the need to change travel habits into more sustainable ways such as walking, cycling, use of public transport and car sharing.

1.2 The strategic direction for transport in Luton is set out by the Local Transport Plan 2011 to 2026 and the Sustainable Travel Plan covers the way in which the promotion of sustainable travel will be delivered between now and 2015.

1.3 Officers drafted the plan during 2010 and extensive consultation was carried out at the end of 2010/beginning of 2011. This report details the consultation.

2.0 OFFICER AND STAKEHOLDERS CONSULTATION

2.1 Council officers and major stakeholders were consulted through e-mail with a copy of the draft strategy and an invitation to comment on the plan.

2.2 Appendix 1 gives a list of the officers and organisations invited to comment. Thirteen replies were received and the views expressed have been taken into account.

2.3 Presentations were also given at the Motorcycling Matters Forum and Luton and Dunstable Cycle Forum.

3.0 PUBLIC CONSULTATION

Citizen Panel 3.1 BMG Research included sustainable travel questions in a Citizens Panel

questionnaire in September 2010. In September and October 2010 1005 panel members were mailed questionnaire. There was a response rate of 53% (533 questionnaires).

3.2 The BMG research report for the sustainable travel questions is shown in Appendix 2 with a summary below:-

3.3 The citizens panel were asked to give their three main methods of travel used around Luton.

75% walking 59% car (sharing with others) 55% car (driving along) 51% bus

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7% cycle

3.4 They were asked whether they had taken part in campaigns/events. 73% had not and 19% had taken part in Walk to School week while 5% had taken part on Walk the talk – lunchtime walks.

Focus Groups 3.5 Focus groups were held to further explore sustainable transport issues in

Luton. Three groups were held in early 2011 with a total of 29 people. The discussions were recorded (by permission of the participants) and notes were taken. The report is shown in Appendix 3.

Group 1 – Adults mixed age group 3.6 10 citizens panel members attended.

3.7 The group felt that sustainable travel should be a priority. However, they felt that the choice of travel mode depended on where they were going and how quickly they needed to be there.

3.8 There was a concern about the reliability, quality and cost of bus travel. They also felt that motorists needed to be more ‘mindful’ of cyclists and Luton Town Centre should be a car free zone. They saw the promotion of sustainable travel to schools as very important.

Focus group 2 – Young People 3.9 Fourteen young people between 16 and 24 years old attended.

3.10 The group mainly travelled by sustainably but felt cost and the lack of buses on a Sunday was an issue.

3.11 They suggested that Luton should operate a scheme similar to that in Bedford whereby taxi companies operate a car share scheme which is cheaper for the passenger.

3.12 They felt that the speed of traffic was an issue which reduced the likelihood of people choosing walking or cycling as a mode of transport. There was also a concern that cycling is ‘dangerous’ and there needs to be more cycle lanes.

Group 3 – Adults 3.13 Five residents attended.

3.14 The group felt that the choice of transport depended on age, where you are going and time constraints.

3.15 They felt that Luton should look to London for best practice with bus travel and also consider rural areas.

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3.16 They felt that the Town Centre pedestrian only area should be extended and that there should also be an inner and outer zone where only public transport was allowed in the inner zone.

3.17 Promotion of sustainable methods of travel to schools was felt to be important such as minibuses/school buses, walking buses and cycling to schools.

3.18 There was concern about the fear of crime putting people off walking.

4.0 OTHER CONSULTATIONS TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT

4.1 A number of previous consultations have also been taken into account in preparing the sustainable travel plan:

Solutions Public Summit – February 2011 GreenSTAT survey 2010

Solutions Public Summit 2011

4.2 The SoLUTiONS Community Safety Partnership held a public summit in February 2011. Residents taking part were concerned about cycling on the pavements especially young inconsiderate riders, parking outside schools and speeding in 20mph zones.

GreenSTAT survey 4.3 The GreenSTAT survey is an online survey carried out by Greenspace

which allows users of parks and open spaces to complete questionnaires about parks and open spaces. One of the questions refers to travel to parks and open spaces. The table below gives the results for 2010

On foot bicycle Motorbike Car Bus/Coach Taxi Train/ tube/ metro

Luton 82.26% 1.61% 0 14.52% 0 1.61% 0

East Region

45.06% 3.95% 0 50.59% 0 0.40% 0

National 61.03% 3.81% 0.06% 31.35% 0.04% 0.13% 0.45%

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5.0 CONCLUSIONS FROM THE CONSULTATION

5.1 The choice of mode of travel depends on the age of the person, where they are going and any time constraints. However, three quarters of residents walked and half used buses as one of the three main forms of transport that they used. Only 7% cycled.

5.2 More than a quarter of respondents to the Citizen Panel questionnaire had taken part in a campaign/event promoting sustainable travel.

5.3 The focus group felt that promoting sustainable travel should be a priority especially to schools. However, they felt that the reliability, lack of buses at night and Sundays, frequency and cost of bus travel could reduce the number of people choosing to travel by bus.

5.4 Safety concerns were raised which were felt could be reasons why people didn’t walk and cycle with speed of traffic, parking and cycling on footways and fear of crime being the main ones.

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Appendix 1 List of Stakeholders

Organisation Via e-mail

or post Respon

ded Age Concern e-mail Arriva The Shires & Essex e-mail Barnfield College e-mail Bedfordshire Police e-mail

e-mail Beds & Herts Ambulance Service e-mail Beds & Luton Fire & Rescue Service

e-mail

Bedfordshire & Luton Local Access Forum

e-mail

Bedfordshire Climate Change Forum

e-mail

British Motorcyclists Federation e-mail Central Bedfordshire Council e-mail Centrebus e-mail Chamber Business e-mail Disability Resource Centre e-mail Driving Standards Agency e-mail East Midlands Trains e-mail First Capital Connect e-mail Freight Transport Association e-mail Grant Palmer Passenger Services

e-mail

Green Business Network e-mail Groundwork Luton & South Bedfordshire

e-mail

Hackney Carriage Owners Association

post

Town Hackney Carriage Association

post

Hertfordshire County Council e-mail Highways Agency e-mail Yes Aldwyck Housing Association e-mail Bedfordshire Pilgrims (BPHA) e-mail Circle Anglia e-mail Genesis Housing Group e-mail Grand Union Housing Group e-mail Guinness Trust e-mail Jephson e-mail Luton Community Housing e-mail

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Organisation Via e-mail or post

Responded

L&D Hospital NHS Trust e-mail London Luton Airport e-mail

e-mail Luton and District Driving School Association e-mail Luton & Dunstable Cycle Forum

e-mail

Luton Assembly e-mail Bengali Womens Project post Pakistani Womens Association post Pragati Womens Group post Saathi Womens Group post Saheylie South Asian Women's Friendship Group

post

Luton Friends of Parks & Green Spaces

e-mail

Luton Friends of the Earth e-mail Luton Gateway e-mail Luton Primary Care Trust e-mail Luton Race Advisory Forum e-mail Motorcyclists Action Group e-mail

e-mail National Express e-mail

Network Rail e-mail NHS Luton e-mail Older Peoples Forum e-mail Road Haulage Association e-mail Stagecoach e-mail SUSTRANS e-mail Yes University of Bedfordshire, Luton Campus

e-mail

Youth Parliament e-mail All Councillors e-mail Active Luton e-mail Luton Cultural Services Trust

List of Council Officers

Title Responded

Administration and Planning Manager (Education)

Airport Planning Officer Yes BSF Programme Manager

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Title RespondedBusiness and Economy Service Manager

Civil Protection Manager Climate Change Manager Community Safety and Anti-social Behaviour Manager

Community Safety Officers Cycle Training Projects Officer Development and Business Support Officer (Parks)

Yes

Development Control Manager Engineering Services Manager Environment Project Officer Head of Equalities Head of Regeneration Services Head of Street Services Head of Support Challenge and Intervention (Lifelong Learning)

Health and Wellbeing Officer Yes Highways Development Control Manager

Highways Engineering Manager Yes Highways Maintenance Service Manager

Interim Director Housing and Community Living

LSP Manager Natural and Built Environment Service Manager

Yes

Passenger Transport Unit Manager

Principle Climate Change Officer

Yes

Principle Engineer (Structures) Principle Road Safety Officer Regional Planning team leader Road Safety Officer Road Safety Officer (SCP) School Crossing Patrol Operations Manager

School Travel Plan Advisor Senior Technician (Safety Engineering)

Service Planning and Development Manager

Social Justice Manager

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Title RespondedStrategic Manager Strategy and Sustainabity Officer

Yes

Sustainable Travel Promotions Officer

Yes

Traffic Engineering Manager Yes Traffic Signals and ITS Manager

Yes

Transportation Planning Officer Transportation Strategy Manager

Yes

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APPENDIX 2 EXTRACT FROM BMG RESEARCH CITIZENS PANEL REPORT

SEPTEMBER 2010 FOR SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL

Sustainable travel

It was explained to residents that the promotion of sustainable travel involves encouraging local people to walk, cycle or to use a bus or train especially for journeys to work, college or school. If we are able to use our cars less by choosing sustainable travel we can benefit from an improved local environment, with less traffic congestion and better air quality. Choosing to walk or cycle for journeys, a part of our day, can also greatly improve our health and fitness. By checking the amount of energy that we use for travel and making changes to reduce that amount, we are able to make a contribution to the campaign to reduce climate change. The Council and its partners (Police, Health, Fire & Rescue and local community & voluntary organisations) promote sustainable travel through various campaigns and events.

Residents were then asked how important sustainable travel is to them.

Among those providing a valid response, eight in ten (79%) feel it is important, with 5% feeling it is unimportant.

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Figure 1 : Q7 Importance of sustainable travel to residents (all respondents providing a valid response)

Sample base : 500

Demographic groups significantly more likely to feel sustainable travel is important are BME groups (90%) and those living in West Luton (86%). Those living in four least deprived wards are also more likely to do so than those living in the most deprived wards (ranging from 81% to 83% compared to 69% in the most deprived ward). There are no differences in the proportions feeling it is unimportant.

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When asked what the three main methods of travel used to get around Luton are, at least a half of residents cited four methods; walking, car sharing, driving alone and using the bus. Less than one in ten cycle frequently around Luton.

Figure 2 : Q8 Three main methods of travel used to get around Luton (all respondents)

Sample base : 534

Those most likely to mention walking as one of their main methods of travel are :

Younger age groups (90% of 16-24 year olds and 80% of 25-44 year olds);

Those living in South Luton (89%) and Central Luton (83%).

Those most likely to mention car sharing are:

16-24 year olds (71%); Those living in the most deprived wards (65%).

Those most likely to mention driving alone are:

25-44 year olds (68%);

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Those working (68%); Those living in the most deprived wards (64%).

Those most likely to mention the bus are:

65+ year olds (76%); Those living in South Luton (69%); Those with a disability (68%).

Those most likely to mention cycling are:

25-44 year olds (13%).

Just over a quarter of residents overall, say they have taken part in at least one of the specific campaigns or events. One in five mention ‘Walk to school week’, with smaller proportions having taken part in other campaigns or events.

Figure 3 : Q9 Campaigns and/or events in which residents have taken part (all respondents)

Sample base : 534

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Those most likely to have not taken part in any campaigns or events are 65+ year olds (90%), those with no children in household (84%), males (81%) and those in Lower or Higher Managerial positions (81%).

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APPENDIX 3

FOCUS GROUP REPORT

Three discussion groups were held to further explore issues highlighted in the Citizens Panel survey.

Initially, two focus groups had been planned – one with members of the citizens’ panel that expressed an interest in further participating in consultation on this matter and the second with young people aged 16 – 25 years that were targeted through the consultation team. However, the makeup of the first group was from older residents and therefore a third group was arranged to get a views from a wider age range.

The focus groups were held at the Central Baptist Church in Park Street: Group 1 – 26 January 2011 5pm - 6.30pm - 10 residents attended Group 2 – 2 February 2011 5pm - 6.30pm - 14 young people attended Group 3 – 2 February 2011 7pm - 8.30pm - 5 residents attended

The discussions were structured around a set of open ended questions (see page 36 for an example of the topic guides). Experienced LBC staff facilitated the discussions and a designated scribe captured feedback within the group discussion. Discussions were also recorded using a dictaphone (with permission of the participants).

Residents were offered £20 payment to cover their expenses in attending.

Group 1 – Adults mixed group

The group felt that sustainable travel should be a priority and would support casualty reduction by having less cars, HGVs and general traffic on the roads in Luton. They mentioned bus, car, walk and taxi as modes of transport used by the group to get around the town.

There was a feeling that “If Luton does not do anything eventually it will have a permanent gridlock” no one will ever move. A solution suggested was to have ring roads to get HGVs out of the town. A member of the group said “I am surprised that there is no motorway access from Telford Way/Hatters Way”

For most of the group the use of sustainable travel depended on “where you are going and how quickly you have to get there”. Whilst using a car saves time, they felt that people should be educated on reducing their car usage to reduce carbon emissions. Although, the group felt car use saved time.

They didn’t feel that it was appropriate for the Council to use Council funds for electric car charging points.

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They group wanted to see the electronic bus information at bus stops extended throughout the Town. Trams were also suggested.

The group felt vandalism of the bus stop was also an issue.

“Park & ride” scheme was also suggested, but the group felt that this would “not work here as it will leave the car parks redundant” What do you think will encourage use of sustainable travel methods?

One of the group members spoke about the problems that people with disabilities had using public transport. He has “great difficulty walking any distance” and has regular hospital appointments and feels he has “no chance on public transport”.

Other views included “I have to use car due to poor bus timings”, “Not a lot would make me get the bus” and “Takes longer by car – need to find parking”

The group were asked their views on cycling.

They felt that the roads need to be flat for cycling. They felt that motorists should be “more mindful of cyclists”. They also felt that there is a need for proper cycle ways in place with kerbs either side. A comment was made that “cycle ways stop all of a sudden” and there is no traffic control. The group felt it was a “half hearted attempt” to install facilities for cyclists.

However, there was a view that more people are cycling now than they were 5 – 10 years ago. They thought that the Council need to look at places such as Holland for cycle way info/models of best practice. They also thought Milton Keynes have got a good cycle way. They also felt that secure places to leave bikes were needed.

The group felt that car share doesn’t work as everyone had different priorities in the morning. They also thought there would be insurance issues with car sharing.

They suggest that Luton town centre should be a car free zone but they thought that there had to be a combination of solutions.

What can the council do to support sustainable travel around Luton?

Walking buses were mentions. A group member talked about when she walked eight children to school for three years. She organised this as a

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parent, four days a week. She said “they saw me to school and not me seeing them to school”. She felt it was a great way of educating children. The group felt there were safety issue especially for women “Luton’s not the safest of towns” and this needed to be improved so they felt safe. They also felt that the lack of buses at night and the time taken on a bus journey was a problem.

The group suggested the following although they thought funding these ideas would be a problem

Parking a distance away from the schools? Although they felt that this may push the problem somewhere else.

No parking along the red route.

Improve bus service – “easiest way in given timeframe”.

Group 2 – Young People

Most of the group travel sustainably as they do not drive yet. They used buses, taxis and walked to get about Luton. One view was that travel by bus is faster than other methods “the bus gets you there quicker”. The majority of the group disagreed with this statement. They felt that “Buses are really bad”, “Don’t run regularly”, “Don’t run on Sundays in some areas”, “Buses are expensive . . . put the prices up too much” and “when I go to college, takes (bus) all my money”.

Some of the group tried to get lifts to reduce costs but this wasn’t always possible.

When asked about walking to destination they said “Depends on where you are going”, “it about being lazy or active”, “Convenience”.

Group agreed there is a need to improve the bus service in Luton. They felt that you had to “wait too long for a bus” and there was a “Need to have a good bus service . . . with special deals”

A suggestion was made about car sharing – in Bedford a taxi company operate a car share scheme which is cheaper to the passenger. This should be introduced in Luton.

What do you think will encourage use of sustainable travel methods?

It was felt that cycling is dangerous at the moment “there should be more cycle lanes”. They also felt that drivers are not considerate of cyclists -

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there should be greater driver awareness of cyclists as “drivers just pull out in front of you”. They thought the Sustrans free cycle loans were a good idea. For some of the group whether they would cycle depends on the weather – “I would cycle in the summertime”.

Trams were suggested as a sustainable method of travel. Someone said “There would be less people driving which means less accident on the road” However, they felt that although it would provide regular transport and a straight route through the town, it would take time to build – “there is a time and cost issue”.


The group felt that speed of traffic was an issue that meant people didn’t choose walking and cycling.

Group 3 – Mixed adults

The group felt that their choice of transport depended on their age, where they were going, and any time constraints they might have. They thought that if people needed to be somewhere quickly they are more likely to use their car or a taxi. Some said they used their car and walked 50/50 and others used “Mostly public transport”.

Travel by bus: The group felt that Luton needed to look at London for best practice as “London buses have a very good system – need to bring a better system into Luton”. The Council should take rural areas consideration as well as the urban area. At present it was felt that there were not enough buses, there are long waits – “system is not right . . . if there was a regular bus service I’d use it”. Personal safety on buses and reliability of buses were also concerns expressed. “Luton is practically bus-less after 6 o’clock at night in most areas”

Travel by car: The group felt that cars were more reliable. One person said “My car is my office” and another said “I work away from Luton so I need my car. Locally, I walk”.

Parking: One member of the group uses the bus because parking is too expensive in Luton.

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High parking charges encourages people to use the buses but bus fares need to be kept reasonable e.g. MK has just removed free parking and seen a difference in car usage to the shopping centre.

Parking at the L&D hospital is “horrendous” and expensive.

What do you think will encourage use of sustainable travel methods?

The group agreed that it is important that LBC promotes sustainable travel.

They felt that London operates a good scheme where children (school age) travel for free on buses – they wondered whether this was possible in Luton?

They also thought Cambridge had a good park & ride scheme however, they felt that Luton does not have the land for parking to have such a scheme in operation.

They suggested having “an outer zone and an inner zone” where the inner zone is restricted to public transport only and the outer zone is for all. They also suggested extending the town centres pedestrian only area. There felt that there was not enough space in the town - “we are out growing the town”. For Luton bidding for city status, there will be an increase in road traffic for economic success.


The group suggested:-

Walking bus Mini bus/school bus taking children too and from school Young people to patrol during the week as they do Friday and

Saturday nights. More kids should cycle to school. Encourage school to interact with local residents to tackle school

parking/traffic issue. Local radio stations to promote road safety. Council to ensure police enforce the law.

However, the group raised safety issues with regard to walking. Some of the group felt that fear of crime was a reason why people travel by car but they felt it did depend on where you are walking.

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TOPIC GUIDE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

Road Safety Strategy Review & Sustainable Travel Strategy

– Wednesday 2 February 2011

Young people

Introductions – both yourself and group to introduce themselves

Discussion will last about 1 hour and 15 minutes on the topic of road safety and sustainable travel

If you have any questions or queries, feel free to speak with Christine

/ Alan after the discussion.

All information given/comments made will be kept completely confidential and will be used anonymously to review the road safety strategy and sustainable travel strategy and will also inform the Luton Transport Pan – again, you can speak to Christine / Alan about these strategies after the discussion.

Hope you feel comfortable enough to share your views and in turn

respect other people’s views by keeping what is said confidential within the room.

Please only one person speak at a time

Are you happy with the discussion being recorded?

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Ice-breakers:

Facilitator to choose Christine’s introduction Sustainable travel Q7. How do you usually travel around Luton?

What does sustainable travel mean to you? Is sustainable travel important to you? Why? Do you feel this town or the council promotes sustainable travel? Is there a need for more changes around the town to support sustainable

travel? E.g. more cycle lanes, signage, bus priorities etc Need for more changes around the town to support sustainable travel i.e.

more cycle lanes, signage, bus priorities etc What would encourage you to travel by car less?

Q8. What do you think will encourage use of sustainable travel methods?

How can we best promote sustainable travel to adults, young people and children

How do you travel when taking kids to school or to go to work? Can you remember any sustainable travel campaigns and/or events? How

successful were they? Why? What stops you from swapping the car with a more sustainable form of

travel? Q9. What can the council do to support sustainable travel around Luton?

Suggestions for improvement End of discussion – any further questions? Thank you

INFORMATION GIVEN TO FOCUS GROUPS Thank you for coming. Today we want to hear your views on road safety and sustainable travel to help us to determine what we should be doing to make our roads safer and to encourage people to travel more sustainably. Your opinions will also be used to continue to develop the local transport plan (LTP3) which is the over arching document for all transport plans until 2026. We do not have time to go through this in detail but you have a copy of a presentation about it and more information is available on our website at www.luton.gov.uk/currentconsultation .

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http://www.luton.gov.uk/currentconsultation


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The session is divided into two sections road safety and then sustainable travel but there are both inexplicably linked. Sustainable Travel is a general term for modes of travel that reduce the use of the private car to reduce emissions which affect climate change and also reduce congestion. Such as Walking, cycling, bus and train travel, car share. In the last few years we have substantially increased the cycle infrastructure. We provide cycle training through Bikeability for children and adults. Schools can currently get this free for year 5 and 6 children.

consultation report 2011 - luton borough council · cycling, use of public transport and car...

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