Agenda item

In accordance with Standing Order 23(2) Councillor Hannaford has requested that the Committee consider this matter

Report of the Head of Planning, Transportation and Environment (PTE/18/2), attached

In accordance with Standing Order 23(2) Councillors Hannaford had requested that the Committee consider, in accordance with Standing Order 23(2), the Travel Plan published by the University of Exeter.

The Committee considered the Report of the Head of Planning, Transportation and Environment (PTE/18/2) on the Travel Plan produced by the University of Exeter for the Exeter Campuses 2016-2020.  The University of Exeter was one of the leading organisations in the city for seeking to increase non-car mode share through its Travel Plan.  As part of its sustainable transport fund workplace engagement programme, Devon County Council engaged with several major businesses around the city and cited the University’s Travel Plan as an example of good practice.  The University performed well compared to other higher education ‘leading Travel Plan’ institutions and to the average Travel to Work mode share for Exeter. 24% of staff walked to work; 14% cycled; 9% travelled by bus; 7% by train; 10% car shared and 36% drove.

The Report outlined the progress of The Plan to date noting that the  Sustainable Travel Plan for the Exeter Campuses 2016-2020has been formally adopted by the University and there were no plans to renew/amend this particular document.  There was nevertheless a dynamic action plan that combined the 110 actions highlighted in the plan (p21-36) with many others added on an ongoing basis.  The Report also outlined achievements to date and upcoming activities.

The Head of Planning, Transportation and Environment reported on actions which had been previously suggested by the former HATOC on which the University had progressed in conjunction with the County Council and other partners. These included a Car Parking Policy which would consider limiting parking days (car free days), potential for number plate recognition, parking bands and charges and off-site issues which were being investigated by the County Council, encouraging students not to bring their cars to the City, and access for staff and students with disabilities.

Members suggested that the following ideas could also be raised with the University for consideration as further action points in the Travel Plan:

·         use of car park revenues raised by the University for public transport subsidies for students and staff;

·         broader consultation with local members by the University whilst acknowledging the positive current arrangements; 

·         more bike rack provision on campus;

·         improved information on the University’s website to discourage students from bringing their cars; 

·         more home working and on-line tutorials and flexible working arrangements;

·         review of visitor arrangements to the Northcott for example;

·         reference to Nursery provision;

·         liaison with the Student Union/Body, and 

·         reference to car park policy at other sites, St Luke’s for example.

The local member (Duryard and Pennsylvania) referred to proposals by the University to build a multi storey car park on the campus to alleviate local on-street carparking pressures.

The Head of Service undertook to take these suggested action points to the University for consideration and to circulate to members details of the successful bid to the Access Fund and resulting creation of a three-year programme to promote sustainable travel with local businesses and workplaces.

[details of the successful Access Fund bid submission https://www.devonnewscentre.info/funding-for-sustainable-travel-projects-in-devon/  and link here to open the pdf with more details about the programme]

The Chair requested that the University representatives be invited to a future meeting of the Committee.