Background information
It is predicted that traffic in Scotland will increase by 27% over the next 20 years making roads in Scotland more and more congested. Falkirk Council is committed to improve this situation wherever possible. One of the ways we are tackling it is by working with businesses and other employers to develop Travel Plans.
"Travel Plan" is a general term for a package of measures tailored to the transport needs of an single organisation or a group of organisations in a shared location. The aim is to reduce dependence on the car and to encourage the use of more sustainable forms of transport such as walking, cycling and public transport.
A Travel Plan can consist of any number of measures such as:
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Provision of public transport information
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Provision of secure cycle storage and changing facilities
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A flexible benefits package, for example, an interest free loan for rail or bus season tickets
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Encouraging working from home
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Establishing a car sharing scheme
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IT resources such as video-conferencing to reduce business travel
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Providing pool cars or bikes for business travel
Why develop a Travel Plan?
There are many benefits to be gained, not only to employers, but also to employees and the wider community. Examples of these benefits are:
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Employers and local businesses can benefit from; increased productivity generated by a healthier, more motivated workforce; potential savings in travel expenses; reduced traffic congestion; reduced demand for car parking and improved access by employees, visitors and deliveries. A Travel Plan can also assist a company to gain environmental accreditation.
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Employees can benefit from improved health; greater choice; personal cost and time savings; reduced stress and a general improvement in their quality of life.
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The local community can enjoy reduced traffic congestion, reduced journey times; improved public transport services and facilities which help to tackle social exclusion; reduced overspill parking in residential areas and reduced noise and air pollution.
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The wider environment can benefit from reduced levels of airborne pollutants such as sulphur and nitrogen oxides and reduced carbon dioxide emissions.
What is Falkirk Council doing?
Falkirk Council is committed to tackling the issue of increased traffic and increasing the use of sustainable transport. We are actively undertaking projects to develop Travel Plans across the council area. Travel Plans are currently being developed for several Council offices and we are also working to develop Travel Plans with a number of local businesses and NHS Forth Valley.
What can Falkirk Council offer?
If you would like to develop a Travel Plan for your business please contact our Travel Plan Officer. We are able to offer assistance in many ways, including providing survey templates and conducting Travel Plan roadshows to promote the use of sustainable transport.
Useful links
Traveline www.travelinescotland.com|
Plan any public transport journey within Scotland and from Scotland to main points in the UK.
Transport Direct www.transportdirect.info|
Plan a Journey, Find a Place and Live Travel News.
Choose Another Way www.chooseanotherway.com|
Find out more about other travel options.