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Final Travel Plan Policies

1. Purpose

The Sustainable Travel Plan was adopted by Cabinet on 6th January 2003.  To implement the sustainable travel plan SABC will implement a series of policies that aim to reduce congestion in Shrewsbury.

These policies will be phased in over the next 3 years with all measure financed through savings at no cost to the tax payer. The policies are part of an inter-related, holistic package which should be viewed in its entirety.

The policies were finalised after lengthy consultation to include the recommendations of the Travel Plan steering Group (TPSG), taking on board the views of the Unions and Corporate Management Team, and the Joint Personnel Consultative Committee (JPPC).

2. Car Allowance Policy

  • Current allowances remain unchanged and a review of car user allowances will be undertaken independently of the travel plan to be completed by March 2005.

3. Priority Car User Policy

  • Essential car user status will be allocated based on the criteria below:

Type of user Criteria Benefits

Essential

Not less than 1000 miles per annum and a frequency of at least 3 times a week

Lump sum and essential user allowance and free parking privileges

Casual

Neither of the above

Casual user allowance and free parking (whilst it is available)

  • Employees who do not meet the essential criteria at this stage and who are currently in receipt of the allowance will cease to receive the allowance after 1st August 2005.
  • Annual reviews will be undertaken and allowances allocated according to usage over the preceding twelve month period.

4. Car loan policy:

  • Car loans will be offered to priority users only with certified green vehicles, with effect from 1st April 2004.
  • If a member of staff joins from another local authority and is part way through their car loan scheme, the loan will be honoured.

4.1 'Green' cars

This is based on the Inland Revenues system for car taxation, which will move over time. Currently a 'green car' is a vehicle that produces less than 145gCO2/km and is either:

  • Petrol
  • Electric
  • Hybrid car
  • LPG, or
  • Euro IV compliant diesel

If you want to know your cars CO2 emissions this information is available from the Vehicle Classification Agency.

5. LPG conversion loan policy:

  • A loan will be offered for LPG Conversion to bridge the gap between any Powershift grant and the cost of converting the car (100% loan available if not eligible for Powershift grant).
  • The Loan will be offered for a 3-year period from January 2004. The details of the loan are subject to review.

6. Public Transport Policy:

  • A 50% subsidy will be provided on all Arriva Park and Ride and normal busses to staff travelling within a set 'urban area' as defined within the current Local Plan.
  • Loans will be available to staff for the purchase of public transport seasonal passes with the ability to pay for this via the wage.

7. Home Working Policy:

  • A review will be undertaken by Personnel regarding the feasibility of increasing home working and more flexible working patterns.

8. Cycling Policy:

  • That a pool of bicycles with appropriate safety equipment be purchased for a bike pool.
  • That the transport manager's role is extended to manage this pool, with an appropriate maintenance schedule.
  • That all people who wish to access the bike pool are offered refresher training in bike road safety.
  • That an interest free loan of up to £500 be offered to members of staff for the purchase of an approved bicycle and appropriate equipment.
  • That a grant of up to £500 be offered to members of staff for the purchase of an approved bicycle and appropriate equipment in lieu of a free car parking space.
  • That the current local agreement on Bicycle provision be amended in that;

  1. Maximum permissible journey - To the town boundary as specified in the adopted Local Plan.
  2. Remove the requirement for essential users to have a car available at work.

9. Car sharing Policy:

  • That the Council looks to establish a local Shrewsbury and Atcham Borough Council lift share scheme
  • That SABC personnel who participate in the liftshare scheme to be allocated spaces at the Telephone House site and basement of Raven Meadows introduced on the basis of trust and random checks undertaken by car park personnel.

10. Car Pool Policy:

  • That a car pool be established for use by all Shrewsbury and Atcham Borough Council staff
  • A survey will be undertaken to determine the type and quantity of vehicles required by the car pool

11. Business Travel Policy

  • The existing Business Travel Policy will remain be continued.
  • That a system is established for relevant personnel to purchase Railcards (for example Young Persons Rail Card) at Council cost prior to the purchase of tickets for Council Business travel.

12. Car Parking Policy:

  • That the car-parking arrangements be reviewed independently of the travel plan.