Indicators to support 'Managing congestion'
Research outlined in chapter 3, including analysis of ITIS data as well as evidence from our public involvement exercises, showed that congestion is a problem in Bedfordshire. The predicted growth in population and employment in Bedfordshire means that, without action, congestion will remain a serious issue in the future.
We are working on a range of actions to reduce congestion and we have set targets against many of these actions, to show how effective they are. The indicators below all relate to modal shift, that is, to reducing congestion by reducing the number of trips made by private car, which was a key message that came from our public involvement exercises. Other measures to reduce congestion will be monitored by our success in implementing major schemes (Local Indicator 1), and in the longer term, by improving accessibility (see Objective 5, ‘Accessibility’).
Bus patronage on local buses (BVPI 102)
Bus is the mode that has most potential for replacing the car in short to intermediate trips, especially those within Bedfordshire. Tickets are cheaper than on rail, and the network is more extensive. Buses are relatively frequent on the most popular routes. However, comments from the public confirm that there are still improvements to be made, and we are currently working with the major operators to further improve services, including renewal of the bus fleet.
Picture 3 Typical bus in current use
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We are confident that these changes will lead to significant improvements in patronage. This target has a medium-high risk as we are only able to influence operators' commercial decisions to a certain degree. However, all parties are committed to service improvements.
Satisfaction with local bus services (BVPI 104) and Bus punctuality (LTP5)
Our public involvement exercises confirm that satisfaction and punctuality are key factors affecting patronage and will therefore, be monitored alongside patronage. These targets have both been allocated medium-high risk levels, for the same reasons as the patronage target.
Mode share of journeys to school (LTP4)
Comments from the public and our stakeholders, in addition to anecdotal evidence, suggests that congestion is worse during the school term time. Reflecting the priority of tackling 'school run' traffic, we are aiming to increase the proportion of children arriving at school by sustainable mode. It is hoped that if children get into the habit of walking, cycling and using public transport early on, they will maintain this pattern of travel as adults. Achieving this target is a medium risk. Influencing factors are mainly within our control, but we also require active support from all schools.
Number of school travel plans completed (Supporting Indicator 2)
One of the key factors that will contribute to meeting our mode share of journey to school target, is the contribution that travel plans make to encouraging and enabling modal shift. This supporting indicator has been included to ensure that we meet the national requirement that all schools have a travel plan by 2010, and to reflect the public priority of implementing school travel plans county-wide. As with mode of travel to school this is a medium risk target.
Off-Highway Cycling trips (LTP3)
On-Highway Cycling trips (Local Indicator 5)
Over the last year we have seen considerable growth in cycling in Bedfordshire. However, there is still potential to increase this further. Promoting cycling, particularly for commuting trips in the rush-hour, could make a significant contribution to limiting congestion. These have been assessed as medium risk targets. Significant external factors are not within LTP control, but evidence shows that provision and promotion of routes can lead to growth in cycling levels. We are also planning to use cycle audits to improve on-highway conditions.