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4. Corporate Action Plan
4.1 Introduction
4.1.1 Set out below are the critical actions of the Travel Plan in working towards achieving the key targets and objectives. Actions specific to each location are set out in Annexes A to E and should be read in conjunction with the main actions set out below.
4.1.2 The actions below will be addressed and implemented by 31st March 2010. They will be costed and prioritised by the Travel Plan Coordinator. The prioritisation of measures and actions should take into account the purpose of the trip i.e. business or commuting as well as effectiveness of delivering change and complexity of its implementation.
Objective 1: "to reduce the need to travel"
Actions
4.1.3 We will encourage staff to think about alternative working practices, such as home-working, hot-desking or compressed hours, where it is appropriate.
4.1.4 We will encourage staff to use video conferencing and tele-conferencing where practicable. We will provide training and demonstration days for these facilities. We have a number of locations throughout Scottish Government buildings where video conferencing is available and we will continue to ensure that the booking procedures are simple and easily accessible to staff.
4.1.5 We will review the current provision of video-conferencing facilities within the Government to ensure that it meets demand.
4.1.6 We will encourage staff to consider the travel implications of attending meetings, role of substitutes and consider the travel implications for all those attending when organising a meeting.
Objective 2 & 3: "to increase awareness among staff of travel choice and their implications" & "to facilitate and promote more active modes of travel"
Actions
4.1.7 We will promote the range of benefits of sustainable travel options.
4.1.8 We will promote the Ministerial commitment to use Green Tourism Business Scheme accredited properties whenever possible on official business.
4.1.9 The communication strategy, set out in section 5, provides the main vehicle for raising awareness of the Travel Plan.
4.1.10 To assess the potential take up of road cycle training for staff.
4.1.11 Annexes A to F contain specific actions to improve facilities at each site for walking, cycling and travelling by public transport.
Objective 4: "to increase the share of staff commuting to work by public transport, cycling and walking"
Actions
4.1.12 With walking taking the highest priority in the travel hierarchy we will ensure that internal pedestrian facilities are improved where required at an early stage in the development of the Travel Plan.
4.1.13 We will achieve Cycle Friendly Employer status for each of the main buildings. This award recognises the employers' work involved in facilitating and encouraging staff to commute by bike.
4.1.14 We will market existing pedestrian and cyclist provision and undertake improvements from the outset of the Travel Plan.
4.1.15 We will seek to introduce a salary sacrifice scheme for purchase of bicycles for staff. The scheme will enable eligible employees with up to 40% of a bike and safety equipment by paying for the bike from gross salary.
4.1.16 We will consider the introduction of a bike scheme to enable commuters to test cycling to work.
4.1.17 We will review the provision of sheltered secure cycle parking to ensure that all demand is accommodated in an adequate manner.
4.1.18 We will improve showering and locker facilities with hanging space at some Scottish Government locations as set out within Annexes A to E.
4.1.19 We will promote cycle routes and cycle access to Scottish Government buildings, both for staff and for visitors.
4.1.20 We will encourage staff to consider cycling over short to medium distances. As the provision of dedicated on road and off road cycle routes improves, better links are available between strategic / local transport hubs and main business areas.
4.1.21 We will promote bus routes and bus access to Scottish Government buildings, both for staff and for visitors, and market up to date public transport route and fare information.
4.1.22 Interest free salary advance on annual season tickets is currently available and the scheme will continue. We will investigate the possibility of using a salary sacrifice approach which would offer tax savings for the purchase of these tickets.
4.1.23 We will review whether real time information displays can be installed within main reception areas and accessed at other points.
4.1.24 We will undertake periodic travel to work promotions.
4.1.25 We will encourage the use of Park & Ride and Park & Choose (e.g. Park & Cycle, Park & Train) sites for those who currently drive alone to work and as potential pick up points for car sharers.
Objective 5: "to reduce car use, in particular single occupancy car journeys by commuting staff"
Actions
4.1.26 We are committed to the implementation of a car sharing scheme. This may incorporate a guaranteed parking space as well as a guaranteed ride home in-case of unforeseen circumstances.
4.1.27 We will participate in the European 'in town without my car day' and expect a high reduction in car trips on this day. An incentive will be provided to the staff that participate.
4.1.28 We will ensure that staff and visitors have access to a wide range of information relating to public transport and will continue to consult with bus operators to ensure the most appropriate financial options are available.
Objective: 6 "to introduce a parking system which supports the delivery of the other travel objectives"
Actions
4.1.29 We will undertake a full assessment of the current parking management system with the aim of implementing a more needs based parking scheme, which takes into account overspill parking in neighbouring residential areas. The criteria for this scheme are likely to include accessibility by public transport, work requirements, personal circumstances and vehicle efficiency. We will also review the 'travelling officer' protocols to ensure the system is operating fairly.
4.1.30 As part of implementing a car-sharing scheme, we will provide specific areas within our car parks for employees who car-share.
Objective 7: "to maximise the efficiency of our fleet"
Actions
4.1.31 We will undertake a fleet review to determine whether it is being used efficiently, including a Green Fleet Review.
4.1.32 We will provide advice to staff on low emission vehicles, so that they can consider emissions when hiring cars as well as when they are considering purchasing a car
4.1.33 We will market the Edinburgh City Car Club to Edinburgh staff. City Car Clubs can help combat non essential private car use, reduce costs to users and reduce the overall number of cars on the road.
4.1.34 We will undertake an appraisal of Car Clubs in Edinburgh and Glasgow as a potential part of the Government's fleet.
4.1.35 We will encourage all staff to consider the way in which they drive to work/ for work purposes. Advice on good practice (the 'top ten tips of eco-driving') will be available electronically and on credit size cards. Small changes to driver habits can result in significant financial and environmental benefits.
4.1.36 We will promote government information and websites on vehicle efficiencies and emissions to assist people who are purchasing vehicles for themselves. We will also consider in the longer term whether we can use policies like mileage rates to reward staff who have made lower emission choices.
Objective 8: "to increase the share of more sustainable forms of transport on official business"
Actions
4.1.37 We will publish guidance advising on most appropriate mode of transport to use for business trips. Directorates may wish to personalise this for their particular needs.
4.1.38 We will:
- Promote travel by rail and bus on longer distance journeys or video and tele-conferencing where appropriate. This can often improve productivity where travel time can be used as work time;
- Encourage walking, taxi sharing, cycling and bus travel over short to medium distance journeys;
- Encourage the use of the low emission pool cars for medium distance trips, and car sharing (the lowest emitting vehicle suitable for that journey) where there is no practical public transport alternative or cycling is not an option.
4.1.39 We will review travel and subsistence policies to encourage staff to use more sustainable travel when travelling on business.
4.1.40 We will develop a system to review travelling officer status on a regular basis.
4.1.41 There has been success with the uptake of Lothian Bus City Singles and we will continue to provide this service to staff. We will explore opportunities for staff in Glasgow re bus travel.
4.2 Mainstreaming and Monitoring of Travel Plan
Objective 9: "To ensure the Travel Plan is embedded into existing processes, costed and reviewed on a regular basis"
Actions
4.2.2 We have appointed a full time Travel Plan Co-ordinator to cost, facilitate, promote, deliver, monitor and review the Travel Plan.
4.2.3 Each Directorate and Client Committee will assume over-all responsibility for the Travel Plan.
4.2.4 Progress on implementing the Travel Plan will be reported to People, Business and Innovations Group ( PBIG) on a quarterly basis.
4.2.5 The Travel Plan Co-ordinator will consult with relevant groups, including the HR Diversity Team, on all reviews and developments in this Travel Plan.
4.2.6 Travel surveys will be undertaken on a biennial basis, and include a benchmarking exercise with other organisation in both the public and private sector. The surveys will serve two purposes; a consultation tool to staff and a mechanism to monitor the development of the Travel Plan.
4.2.7 The Travel Plan will be revised at least every three years, with the next review to be completed by 2010. This will include a review of the targets and objectives, as well as the success or otherwise of the actions.
4.2.8 The Travel Plan will be flexible to current and future needs, and will be regularly monitored and developed by the Travel Plan Co-ordinator. The Travel Plan Coordinator will develop a detailed monitoring programme for the Travel Plan with the help of Analytical Services in the first year of its implementation.
4.2.9 The Travel Plan Coordinator will provide an annual report against actions in the Travel Plan to the Climate Change Delivery Group and the People and Business Innovation Group, as well as the Director of Change and Corporate Services, with extra reporting if requested.
4.2.10 The Travel Plan Co-ordinator will undertake regular onsite reviews of the uptake of measures such as cycle parking and the car sharing scheme. They will also carry out frequent staff "snapshot" mode share surveys. The information collated from these reviews will be incorporated within the management reports.
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