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Belfast HSC Trust Travel Plan

September 2011

Belfast Trust Travel Plan

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Contents

Section Page

Executive Summary 3

1. Introduction 7

2. Travel Plan Development 9

Benefits of Developing a Travel Plan 9

Travel Plan Scope 9

Site Assessments 9

Smarter Working Methods 10

Staff Travel 10

Business Travel 12

Patient and Visitor Travel 12

3. Travel Plan Objectives and Targets 14

Travel Plan Objectives 14

2015 Travel Plan Targets 14

Setting & Achieving Targets 15

4. Travel Plan Initiatives 16

Car Park Management 16

Public Transport 18

Cycling 20

Walking 22

Motorcycles 23

Car Sharing 23

Addressing Business Needs 24

Travel Plan Implementation 26

Travel Plan Action Plan 28

5. Conclusion 35


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Executive Summary Background

The main objective of the Belfast Trust Travel Plan is to encourage staff to travel by sustainable modes to

and from work as well as for business trips through promoting and enabling such modes in partnership with

Translink, Sustrans and Travelwise NI. The implementation of the plan will ultimately reduce single car

occupancy trips and increase trips by sustainable modes such as walking, cycling, car sharing and using

public transport.

The development and implementation of a sustainable Travel Plan will help to address current parking

pressures in and around the Trust sites, reduce the environmental impacts associated with the Trust’s travel

activities as well as promote healthier lifestyles to the Trust’s workforce. It should be noted that whilst the

plan is focused on staff travel, many of the initiatives contained therein will influence and encourage patients

and visitors to travel in a more sustainable fashion to the various Trust sites within the Belfast area.

Belfast Trust delivers integrated health and social care to approximately 340,000 citizens in Belfast and part

of the Borough of Castlereagh. It also provides a range of specialist services to all of Northern Ireland.

It is estimated that one third of all travel in Belfast is related to the Trust’s activities. Most of this activity is

due to the Trust’s 20,000 employees travelling to work and over one million patient attendances at our acute

sites.

With an annual budget of almost £1bn, Belfast Trust is one of the largest Trusts in the United Kingdom.

The Trust came into existence in April 2007 and is responsible for the services formerly delivered by six

Trusts which were merged on 31 March 2007. These Trusts were: Belfast City Hospital Health and Social

Services Trust; Green Park Health and Social Services Trust; the Mater Health and Social Services Trust;

North and West Belfast Health and Social Services Trust; South and East Belfast Health and Social Services

Trust, and The Royal Group of Hospitals and Dental Hospital Health and Social Services Trust.

The Trust workforce resides throughout Northern Ireland and travel to their sites on a daily basis to provide

such services. The Trust sites can be can be accessed by various modes of transport including train, bus,

car sharing, walking and cycling. One of the motivations for implementing a Travel Plan is to reduce the

reliance on the private car and reduce transport impacts in relation to Trust employees commuting to and

from work on a daily basis.

Belfast Trust Travel Plan Development

The purpose of the Travel Plan will be to drive significant change in transport and travel for Belfast Trust

staff. It should be noted that the development of the Travel Plan will also present benefits to both patients

and visitors where feasible. The Belfast Trust Travel Plan has been developed following the National

Specification for Travel Plans1, as follows:

Detailed site audits, assessing transport facilities, including car parking in and around the sites;

Current staff travel patterns and business journeys;

Travel Plan aims and objectives;

Specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and time bound (SMART) Travel Plan targets for a 5 year

period;

Travel Plan initiatives to achieve these targets; and

Strategy to monitor and review the progress of the Travel Plan.

1 PAS 500: 2008 National specification for workplace travel plans, BSI November 2008 (Publicly Available

Specification)


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This Travel Plan should be considered as a ‘live’ document with measures reviewed and monitored over

time. Updates can be incorporated where necessary to ensure initiatives continue to target the relevant

issues.

Staff Travel Analysis

A staff travel survey was conducted in October 2010 to provide the current modal split for commuter journeys to the Belfast Trust sites. The staff travel survey received a response rate of 12% across all Trust sites which provide an adequate representation of travel behaviours of Trust employees for the development of the Travel Plan. The dominant mode of travel to work is by private car (alone or car sharing), as well as staff travel using bus and train services, taxis, walking and cycling on a regular basis. A number of respondents also indicated that they would consider travelling to work by other modes including car sharing, catching the bus, walking or cycling.

Staff postcode analysis was also undertaken for 17,465 Trust staff who work in the 12 largest Trust facilities.

This showed the potential for staff to use existing public transport services, car share, walk or cycle to work.

A mapping exercise showed there is a large potential for Trust staff to make use of current Metro (8,164

staff), Ulsterbus (1,512 staff), Goldline (5,855 staff) and rail services (7,370 staff) as they live within an

accessible distance of buscentres, bus stops, rail halts or stations. 4,157 employees currently live within

4km of work2 and could potentially cycle to work. Also, there are significant clusters of staff living close to

each other that could potentially car share.

Patient and Visitor Travel Analysis

Random sample visitor and patient interview surveys were conducted at various locations throughout the

following Trust sites:

Arches Centre, Westminster Avenue North;

Belfast City Hospital, Lisburn Road;

Mater Hospital, Crumlin Road;

Musgrave Park Hospital, Stockman’s Lane; and

Royal Group of Hospitals, Grosvenor Road.

The aim of the surveys was to evaluate the existing modal split and consideration of alternative modes, duration of stay and parking arrangements for visitors and patients travelling to the Trust sites. A total of 336 surveys were collected which showed that the majority of visitors and patients travelled to the Trust sites by private car. Travel by bus was the most popular alternative mode of travel for consideration by visitors and patients.

Travel Plan Objectives and Targets

The principal objectives for the Belfast Trust Travel Plan were developed to address transport issues across

the Trust sites with a focus on commuter and business travel. Travel Plan objectives for the Belfast Health

and Social Care Trust is as follows:

1. improve access for all staff, patients and visitors to the Belfast Trust sites;

2. encourage a reduction in car use to the Belfast Trust sites and for business purposes;

3. improve the choice of modes and encourage travel by public transport, car sharing, walking and cycling;

4. improve health and wellbeing of staff through the promotion of active travel; and

5. support the Belfast Trust Travel Plan with other corporate policies.

The indicative Travel Plan targets are set for a five year period to meet the overall objectives of the plan as

listed above. These targets have been set with consideration to the research and information gathering

throughout the Trust, including postcode and staff travel data and are considered to be achievable yet

challenging. It should be noted that all calculations and percentages are based on the current total number

of Trust employees (20,000 staff).

2 Measurement of Accessibility to and from the site, Transport Assessment Guidelines for Development

Proposals in Northern Ireland November 2006


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An increase in the number of trips made by walking and cycling from 6% of staff currently to 16% by

December 2015. Approximately 572 staff (29.6% of respondents) indicated that they would consider

cycling or walking to work as part of the staff survey and the analysis of staff postcode data for the Trust

indicated that approximately 21% of staff lived within a 15 minute walk or cycle ride of work;

An increase in the number of trips made by car sharing from 7% currently to 10% by December 2015.

381 staff (19.7% survey respondents) indicated that they would consider car sharing as part of the staff

survey and the analysis of staff postcode data indicated that there are clusters of staff living in similar

areas;

An increase in the number of public transport users from 12.5% currently to 23% by December 2015.

809 staff (41.9% survey respondents) indicated that they would consider travelling to work by public

transport and the analysis of staff postcode data showed that large numbers of staff live close to a bus

or rail service; and

A reduction in the number of lone car drivers from 71% in 2010 to 49% in 2015 through the use of

alternative modes.

A regular staff travel survey should be conducted to monitor shifts in modal split. The incremental targets set

for Belfast Health and Social Care Trust over the next five years are listed in Table A.

Table A Belfast Trust Travel Plan Targets3

Current (2010)

2011 Target

2012 Target

2013 Target

2014 Target

2015 Target

Car driver trips (single occupancy trips)

71% 65% 61% 57% 53% 49%

Car Sharing 6.9% 8% 8.5% 9% 9.5% 10%

Train 4.7% 6% 7% 8% 9% 10%

Bus 7.8% 9% 10% 11% 12% 13%

Walking 5.4% 6% 6.5% 7% 7.5% 8%

Cycling 2.5% 4% 5% 6% 7% 8%

Supporting Actions

A number of sustainable initiatives will be implemented throughout the Belfast Trust over a five year period in

order to meet all modal shift targets as presented in Table A. These initiatives involve the promotion of

existing facilities as well as introducing new schemes to encourage sustainable travel. Proposed measures

are likely to include:

Travel Plan implementation;

Car parking facilities;

Promoting public transport;

Promoting walking and cycling;

Providing motorcycle and cycling facilities;

Facilitating and promoting car sharing; and

Addressing business needs.

3 It should be noted that targets for each year does not total 100% as other modes such as motorcycles and

taxis have been excluded from the target setting


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The Trust will implement this Travel Plan in partnership with organisations such as Travelwise NI, Roads

Service, Sustrans and Translink. The Plan will encourage the use of more sustainable modes of transport

and promote healthier lifestyles as well as reducing environmental impacts and travel costs.

Belfast Trust Travel Plan Coordinator

A Travel Plan Co-ordinator, working 1 day per week, has been identified within the Belfast Trust to provide

support on the implementation and development of the Travel Plan. The Travel Plan Co-ordinator reports to

a Senior Manager within the Directorate of Nursing & User Experience. To assess progress towards the

Travel Plan’s targets, modal split and initiative take-up levels will need to be monitored. The Travel Plan co-

ordinator’s responsibilities will include the organisation of travel surveys on a regular basis to monitor Trust

employee travel patterns. The scope of the Travel Plan Co-ordinator’s duties may be increased in the future

to encompass patient and visitor travel patterns to help monitor the demand upon specific facilities.

Other Travel Plan Co-ordinator responsibilities include:

Obtaining and maintaining commitment and support from senior managers, staff, union representatives

etc;

Designing and implementing effective marketing and awareness raising campaigns to promote the

Travel Plan in co-operation with Travelwise NI;

Setting up, co-ordinating and attending Travel Plan Groups and/ or Working Groups etc;

Acting as a point of contact for all staff requiring information;

Liaising with the various departments within the Trust, Health Promotion Agency, Trust staff, trade

unions and external organisations such as Translink, Belfast City Council and Sustrans; and

Presenting a business case to secure budget for Travel Plan development and ensuring its efficient and

effective use.

The Travel Plan coordinator is key to the success of the Belfast Trust Travel Plan as this individual is the

main driving force behind the plan. The Travel Plan coordinator is supported by the Trust Travel Plan Group

which has representation from Communications, Health Improvement, Estates Services, HR, IT, Finance,

Transport, Occupational Health, Risk Management and the Trade Unions. This Group will provide support

and resource on implementation and development of the plan. The Co-ordinator and Travel Plan Group will

lead by example and have a practical, realistic and balanced perspective of travel issues.

Business Travel

As part of the Travel Plan process, business travel and business travel needs were reviewed as this can also

have a fundamental influence on how staff travel to work. Factors considered include the potential to use

tele-conferencing or video conferencing to reduce the need to travel, or other alternative modes, such as

public transport or walking, to reduce the reliance on the private vehicle.

The encouragement of smarter travel through the use of alternatives to the private car can incur greater

efficiencies to the way the Trust currently manage their business travel in financial terms as well as staff

productivity.


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1. Introduction Background

1.1 Belfast Trust has received support from the Department for Regional Development (DRD)

Travelwise NI in developing a Travel Plan with specific initiatives selected for implementation at

the various Trust sites to encourage staff to conduct travel in a more sustainable way.

1.2 There is potential to encourage staff to travel by sustainable modes as a substantial number of

current car drivers have indicated in the staff travel survey that they would consider using

alternative modes to travel to work. Section 2 of this report provides further information on current

travel patterns.

1.3 It should be noted that although this Travel Plan will not specifically focus on patients and visitors,

due to the large number of trips generated by these individuals there will be potential to extend a

number of initiatives and measures, identified for staff, to influence their travel choices. This will

be referenced as appropriate throughout the document.

Benefits of Developing a Travel Plan

1.4 A Travel Plan aims to reduce dependency on cars by promoting the use of possible alternatives to

single occupancy car use. Implementation of a Travel Plan can potentially provide benefits for the

Trust, their staff, patients, visitors and the Greater Belfast Area including environmental and

economic benefits as summarised in this section.

Benefits for the Belfast Trust

Identifies targets for reducing environmental pollution from transport activities.

Presents a positive image which can be extended to patients and visitors, the local

community as well as to other Health and Social Care Trusts, Belfast City Council and other

local organisations;

Reduces car parking demand and releases spaces for alternative uses, for example for

priority patient parking and reserved car sharer spaces or cycle parking;

Provides better management of staff travel leading to lower mileage and expense claims and

more effective use of staff time; and

Contributes to the improvement of air quality in and around Greater Belfast through the

reduction of carbon emissions.

Benefits to Belfast Trust staff

Provides additional or increased choices through increasing travel and work options;

Reduces travel costs (including parking costs);

Encourages healthier and more active lifestyles which in turn may reduce stress and obesity;

and

Reduces stress associated with driving and car parking for those travelling to the Belfast

Trust sites by private car.

Benefits to patients, visitors and Greater Belfast

Helps to reduce congestion and parking stress;

Helps to improve local air quality;

Encourages healthier and more active lifestyles; and.

Helps to reduce instances of inappropriate parking in residential areas adjacent to Trust sites.


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1.5 To achieve the benefits associated with the development of a Travel Plan both financial and staff

time investment will be required. Plans can be self financing as the investment cost of

implementing measures within the plan can be offset by savings on parking, mileage claims and

staff time. There are also less tangible benefits such as improved image, healthier and more

active staff and the environmental benefits.

Travel Plan Scope

1.6 The Travel Plan is focused on Belfast Trust staff in relation to commuter trips as well as business

journeys.

1.7 The opportunity to influence patients and visitors travel has been captured throughout the

development and implementation of this plan.

1.8 There will be an opportunity to promote a number of Travel Plan measures and initiatives to others

working on the Trust sites, for example Queens University staff and students based at Belfast City

Hospital and Royal Group of Hospitals.

1.9 Where possible in its travel planning, the Trust will consider the impact of travel by suppliers and

contractors across all of the Trust’s sites.

Travel Plan Objectives

1.10 There are a number of key motivations for the production of a Travel Plan for the Belfast Health

and Social Care Trust including improved access, improved health and wellbeing of staff,

improved availability of affordable travel options and a reduced reliance on the private car through

the promotion of sustainable alternatives. These are outlined in Section 3 of this document.

1.11 There are several principles that are vital to achieving success in the Travel Plan:

Commitment from senior management – this is essential as senior management will be

pivotal in the development of objectives and should also lead by example;

Consultation with staff and trade unions – a Travel Plan will only be successful if staff and

representatives support and have ‘buy-in’ to it. Consultation is crucial in encouraging staff to

have a sense of ownership of changes and improvements being introduced;

Resource allocation – appropriate levels of staff time is needed to implement the plan and

maintain the momentum of the plan; the appropriate staffing resource should therefore be

allocated. A budget should also be allocated to cover the development and promotion of

specific Travel Plan initiatives; and

Travel Plan promotion – it is essential to promote the individual Travel Plan measures

initiatives and demonstrate their progress and benefits and ensure staff understand their

travel options and associated benefits.

1.12 Taking the information gathered on the needs of Belfast Trust employees into account; this Travel

Plan document is structured as follows:

Section 2: Travel Plan Development – this section sets out the benefits and scope of the

Belfast Trust Travel Plan. Summary of site audit, staff travel survey findings, postcode

analysis and business travel.

Section 3: Travel Plan Objectives and Targets – objectives and targets addressing transport

issues for Trust staff.

Section 4: Travel Plan Initiatives – a number of measures selected, based on site facilities

and data analysis to encourage sustainable travel throughout Belfast Trust.

Section 5: Conclusion - the conclusion of the Travel Plan.


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2. Travel Plan Development

Travel Plan Scope

2.1 The Belfast Trust Travel Plan will consist of a range of initiatives and activities developed for

Belfast Trust staff. There are approximately 20,000 employees based throughout the various

Belfast Trust sites. This Travel Plan will be taken forward in collaboration with the Travel Plan

coordinator, Translink, Health Promotion Agency, Sustrans and Travelwise NI.

2.2 The Travel Plan presents initiatives and measures which can be implemented and promoted to

encourage staff to undertake sustainable travel wherever possible. The targets, measures and

initiatives have been selected through investigating the current level of facilities (such as cycle

parking, showering/changing facilities etc) on the Belfast Trust sites, as well as carrying out staff

travel surveys with the aim to encourage a change in established travel patterns and analysing

postcode data to assess the potential for staff to travel by alternative modes.

2.3 The plan also emphasises that it is essential to evaluate the effectiveness of the initiatives and

their influence on patient and visitor travel through monitoring the take up of initiatives and the

analysis of regular travel surveys.

Site Assessments

2.4 A number of site audits were conducted on behalf of the Trust to assess the transport facilities

(such as cycle parking, showering/changing facilities etc) available on the Belfast Trust sites. This

is summarised in the following sections. The site audits help to highlight key transport problem

areas and opportunities for the Trust.

2.5 The following sites, which are the 12 largest facilities in the Trust, were chosen for a survey of

accessibility by public transport services, cycle paths, pedestrian footways and provision of car

and cycle parking:

Arches Centre, Westminster Avenue North

Belfast City Hospital, Lisburn Road

Bradbury Centre, Lisburn Road

Carlisle Centre, Antrim Road

College Street (no. 16)

Grove Wellbeing Centre, York Road

Forster Green & Knockbreda Centre, Saintfield Road

Knockbracken Centre, Saintfield Road

Mater Hospital, Crumlin Road

Muckamore Abbey Hospital, Abbey Road, Antrim

Musgrave Park Hospital, Stockman’s Lane

Royal Group of Hospitals, Grosvenor Road

2.6 As most of the sites are located within the Greater Belfast area, there is great accessibility by

public transport, walking and cycling. It should be noted that Muckamore Abbey Hospital is in a

rural location on the edge of Antrim town and access by sustainable modes is limited.


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Smarter Working Methods

2.7 There are tele-conferencing facilities available within the Belfast Trust as well as video-

conferencing facilities. This technology allows for joining conferences, meetings or training

courses, according to needs, for a number of people with similar equipment from anywhere in the

world.

2.8 The Trust has developed a number of staff policies which aim to improve working lives through a

work life balance. Flexible work policies include:

Job sharing;

Flexi-time scheme;

Compressed working; and

Homeworking

2.9 The policies listed allow for flexible working and work could be arranged to suit travel such as

public transport timetables or working hours of car sharer. Homeworking also reduces the need to

travel.

Staff Travel

2.10 A staff travel survey is the foundation of a Travel Plan as it provides an understanding of how staff

currently travel to work, as well as providing a baseline with which to measure progress of the

Travel Plan after it has been implemented.

2.11 The data also assists in identifying which initiatives will be most effective in changing travel

behaviour.

2.12 In addition post code analysis was carried out into all staff working in the 12 core facilities (approx

18,000 staff) to identify proximity to public transport and cycle routes, proximity to place of work

and clusters for potential car sharing.

2.13 The response to the staff travel survey in 2010 was 11.6%. An ‘Analysis of Travel Survey Data’

report was produced in December 2010 to provide a summary analysis of the survey responses

collected.

2.14 A breakdown of the actual modal split for Belfast Trust staff as established from the staff surveys

are in Figure 2.1.

Figure 2.1 Current Travel to Work Modal Split for Belfast Trust staff

68.4 %

6.6

4.6

7.6

2.5 0.55.2 1.3

Car driver

Car sharing

Train

Bus

Cycle

Motorcycle

Walk

Taxis


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2.15 A summary of the key findings from the survey is as follows:

It is evident that the predominant mode of travel to and from work is by car as it is quick and

convenient compared to other modes available and allows for domestic and caring

responsibilities;

6.6% of staff who responded to the survey currently car share to work on a regular basis.

The survey indicated that 325 car drivers currently travelling on their own would consider car

sharing. These respondents would be encouraged to car share if they had help finding a

colleague to share with and if there was a dedicated car sharing parking space available at

their for their use;

57 survey respondents cycle to work daily and 163 additional staff members’ cycle

occasionally. Other staff members who currently do not cycle to work stated they would cycle

if improvements were made at to local routes making them safer and better lit; and

282 survey respondents currently use public transport as their main mode of transport to

work, be it bus, train or park and ride. Respondents stated discounted tickets, more frequent

and direct buses and better connections between home and bus stops would encourage

them to use public transport.

2.16 A summary of the key findings from the postcode analysis for Belfast Trust staff is as follows:

8,164 staff currently live near a Metro bus route and are potential bus users;

5,855 staff live near a high frequency Goldline express service (within 400m of a bus stop,

10km of a buscentre with parking facilities and bus based park and ride facilities or 4km of a

bus centre with cycle parking facilities (without car parking facilities);

1,512 staff currently live within 400m of an Ulsterbus bus stop, 10km of a buscentre with

parking facilities and bus based park and ride facilities or 4km of a bus centre with cycle

parking facilities (without car parking facilities);

7,370 staff currently live within 4km of a train station or halt with cycle parking facilities

(without car parking facilities) or 10km of a train station or halt with parking facilities and rail

based park and ride facilities;

4,157 staff live within the recommended 1km walking and 4km cycling distance to work4; and

There are significant clusters of staff living close to each other that could potentially car share

throughout Northern Ireland to the various sites in the Greater Belfast Area.

4 Measurement of Accessibility to and from the site, Transport Assessment Guidelines for Development

Proposals in Northern Ireland November 2006


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Business Travel

2.17 The staff survey also provided the opportunity to collect data on business travel for the Trust.

Table 2.1 summarises average business miles travelled annually by usual mode used.

Table 2.1 Belfast Trust Staff Business Travel

Mileage

Number of staff claiming by mode

Total

(survey respondents)

Car

driver

Car

sharing Bus Train

Trust

Shuttle

Bus

Motor-

cycle Cycle Walk Taxi

0-500 352 40 24 5 50 1 8 45 10 535

501-1,000 158 9 1 0 5 1 1 3 2 180

1,001-

3,000 210 5 2 0 3 1 0 4 0 225

3,001-

5,000 102 3 0 0 4 0 0 3 0 112

5,001-

10,000 58 1 1 1 3 0 0 1 2 67

Over

10,000 32 2 1 0 8 1 0 4 0 48

2.18 Only a small proportion of staff travel over 10,000 miles per annum for business purposes. It

should also be noted that car sharing, the use of the Trust Shuttle bus and walking are all

sustainable travel modes used by Belfast Trust staff on a regular basis for business purposes. 2.19 A number of key findings from the staff survey in relation to business travel are as follows:

816 respondents who stated they drove to work as they needed their car for business trips.

The majority of these respondents conduct business trips at least once a week (total of 716

staff);

22% of those conducting business by car (231 of 1,058) would consider using bus or train to

conduct business travel and 24% would consider using a pool car;

707 respondents stated they would consider working at home; and

1,048 staff conducting business travel stated that they do not have access to tele

conferencing or video conferencing facilities.

2.20 It should be noted that duties associated with job roles may not facilitate home working or smarter

working methods such as home visits.

Patient and Visitor Travel

2.21 There were 336 patient and visitor interview surveys completed at five Belfast Trust sites, namely

Holywood Arches Centre (69), Belfast City Hospital (78), Mater Hospital (51), Musgrave Hospital

(35) and Royal Group of Hospitals (103).

2.22 The aim of the survey was to gain an understanding of:

Modal split;

General parking arrangements; and

Willingness to use alternative modes to the car if they do not already.


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2.23 The Travel Survey analysis report as included in Appendix A summarises all data collected as part

of the 2010 surveys.

2.24 Actual modal split for visitors and patients to the Belfast Trust sites are in Figure 2.2.

Figure 2.2 - Travel Modal Split for Belfast Trust Patients and Visitors

2.25 A summary of the key findings from the survey is as follows:

74.7% of patients and visitors duration of stay at the Trust facilities is two hours or less;

236 (72.4%) patients and visitors travelled by car on the day of the survey (car driver or

passenger). 124 of the total persons surveyed would consider using alternative modes

including public transport, walking and cycling;

42% of those who travelled by car had difficulty finding a parking space at the Trust site;

1 Arches Centre survey respondent cycled and 27 persons walked to Holywood Arches

Centre, Belfast City Hospital, Mater Hospital and Royal Group of Hospitals; and

33 survey respondents travelled by public transport to all the sites except for Musgrave Park

Hospital (10%).

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

160

180 164

72

1

276

28 27

1


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3. Travel Plan Objectives and Targets 3.1 This Travel Plan has been developed to encourage staff to travel by more sustainable transport

modes to and from the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust sites.

3.2 The Travel Plan objectives and targets address all transport related issues linked to staff

commuting to their place of employment and those travelling for business purposes. The

opportunity to influence all users of the Trust sites through the workings of this Travel Plan

including visitors and patients has also been identified.

3.3 There are approximately 20,000 staff employed by the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust. The

staff travel survey showed that the dominant mode of travel to all the sites is by private car.

3.4 46% of staff who regularly drive on their own to work and responded to the survey indicated that

they would consider using an alternative mode of transport. An overall target of a reduction of

21.7% of car driver trips over the next five years is therefore not unrealistic.

3.5 The staff travel survey also showed that business travel is undertaken by 38% of respondents at

least once a week to conduct home visits, meetings, training and other work related visits in

association with their job.

Travel Plan Objectives

3.6 Travel Plan objectives determined for the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust to encourage staff

to use sustainable modes where possible to reduce staff reliance on the private car are as follows:

1. improve access for all staff, patients and visitors to the Belfast Trust sites;

2. encourage a reduction in car use to the Belfast Trust sites and for business purposes;

3. improve the choice of modes and encourage travel by public transport, car sharing, walking

and cycling;

4. improve health and wellbeing of staff through the promotion of active travel;

5. improve the availability to staff of affordable travel options; and

6. support the Belfast Trust Travel Plan in line with other corporate policies.

3.7 The Travel Plan targets were set with the purpose of meeting the objectives as listed above. The

information collected through staff surveys and other means has been used to make an informed

judgement about opportunities for change.

2015 Travel Plan Targets

3.8 A number of Travel Plan targets are provided to enable the Trust to quantify whether they are

meeting their objectives over the next 5 years. These achievable, but challenging targets are

based on current best practice and the Trust’s motivation to develop a sustainable Travel Plan

which in turn will reduce harmful transport related greenhouse gas emissions, reduce congestion

in and around Greater Belfast through better management of existing car parking facilities and

promote healthier and more active lifestyles for employees.

An increase in the number of trips made by walking and cycling from 7.9% of staff currently

to 16% by December 2015. Approximately 572 staff (29.6% of respondents) indicated that

they would consider cycling or walking to work as part of the staff survey and the analysis of

staff postcode data for the Trust indicated that approximately 21% staff lived within a 15

minute walk or cycle ride of work;

An increase in the number of trips made by car sharing from 6.9% currently to 10% by

December 2015. 381 staff (19.7% survey respondents) indicated that they would consider

car sharing as part of the staff survey and the analysis of staff postcode data indicated that

there are clusters of staff living in similar areas;


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An increase in the number of public transport users from 12.5% currently to 23% by

December 2015. 809 staff (41.9% survey respondents) indicated that they would consider

travelling to work by public transport and the analysis of staff postcode data showed that

large numbers of staff live close to a bus or rail service; and

A reduction in the number of lone car drivers from 70.8% in 2010 to 49.1% in 2015 through

the use of alternative modes.

Setting & Achieving Targets

3.9 Implementation of initiatives which can deliver these targets forms the basis of the Belfast Trust

Travel Plan. The choice of initiatives reflects the current transport facilities on and around the

Trust sites and facilities within the Greater Belfast area as well as the analysis and feedback

gained from the staff survey results. Each initiative will contribute towards one or more of the

targets.

3.10 The targets strike the right balance between being achievable yet challenging. In addition,

success in achieving these targets will deliver tangible improvements on the ground within the

Trust sites. The targets therefore need to deliver sufficient change to provide a reward and

encouragement for the scheme to continue. The targets will be reviewed regularly through the

conduct of regular staff travel surveys to ensure initiatives are successful and still relevant. The

initiatives and related targets are summarised in Chapter 4.

3.11 Visitors and patient travel will also be targeted to encourage the use of sustainable modes. There

are a number of initiatives set in the Travel Plan which will have an influence on visitor and patient

travel but there are no specific targets set. As the plan develops, additional visitor and patient

interview surveys will be conducted at the Belfast Trust sites to monitor how the Travel Plan

influences travel.

Monitoring & Reviewing the Travel Plan

3.12 The Travel Plan Coordinator and the Travel Plan Group are responsible for organising regular

staff travel surveys and a key task will be to review the Belfast Trust Travel Plan. The data

collected from the surveys can be used to assess if the targets and initiatives are realistic and to

monitor the plans’ progress.

3.13 The data gathered through staff travel surveys will allow the Travel Plan group to review the

Travel Plan initiatives, to continue with measures which have a positive effect or changing

direction where they have lacked efficiency or impact.


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4. Travel Plan Initiatives 4.1 This section outlines the means by which Travel Plan Targets and Objectives will be achieved by

the employees of Belfast Health and Social Care Trust. As previously noted, there may also be

the opportunity to influence visitor and patient travel. Initiatives outlined for the Trust will promote

the use of sustainable modes of transport to and from the various Trust facilities. The staff travel

data and site audit results were taken into account to select Travel Plan initiatives and measures.

4.2 This section also describes how the Travel Plan initiatives and measures will be implemented,

monitored and reviewed during the coming five years to ensure that progress is being made in

facilitating more sustainable travel patterns. To encourage staff to walk, cycle and use public

transport to travel to and from work the Trust needs to accommodate and ensure non-car modes

are more attractive. Alternatives to the car could also be promoted to patients and visitors to

make them aware of all the travel options available to them to get them to and from the facilities

conveniently.

4.3 Each initiative is summarised in a short table showing:

the actions required to implement and develop each Travel Plan measure;

a target based on current staff travel data and a subsequent timescale within which the

measure should be implemented. It should be noted that the timescale given is subject to

necessary resources; and

who will be responsible for implementing the initiative.

4.4 Initiatives are as follows:

Travel Plan implementation;

Car parking facilities;

Promoting public transport;

Promoting walking and cycling;

Providing motorcycle and cycling facilities;

Facilitating and promoting car sharing; and

Addressing business needs.

4.5 At the end of this section, the Travel Plan Action Plan summarises all initiatives identified for the

Trust and their associated characteristics.

Car Park Management

Background

4.6 Managing car parking facilities is a vital part of travel planning. If plentiful car parking is provided

for staff, they will not be encouraged to use an alternative to travel to work. Parking pressures are

experienced at a number of the Trust sites at peak times especially during outpatient clinics and

visiting times at the hospital sites. The Trust has developed a Draft Operational Car Parking

policy to reduce congestion on sites which has caused patients to arrive late for their

appointments.

4.7 The management of car parking has allowed the Belfast Trust to allocate parking for a number of

user groups as well as implement parking charges. User groups and facilities are as follows:

Patients / visitors – designated paid parking areas provided at Belfast City Hospital, Royal

Hospital and Mater Hospital (ticket and pay station system) for patients and visitors. Tariffs

are displayed as hourly rates and vary on each site. There is free parking eligibility for


17

patients with specific acute conditions attending hospital on a regular basis and next of kin

when transporting a patient. Other discretionary situations include parents staying with sick

babies or with a very sick or dying patient for example which is certified by a ward sister to a

maximum of 7 days.

The Hospital Travel Cost Scheme (HTCS) also provides financial assistance to low income

patients which allows a reimbursement of part or full fares incurred in travelling to hospital

based services if the reason for travelling to the Trust sites meets the criteria.

Disabled patients / visitors – reserved charged parking spaces provided in all Belfast Trust

sites in a convenient location to entrances. Those using spaces without blue badges will be

subject to wheel clamping. It should be noted that there is no requirement to provide free

parking where parking charges apply.

Staff – designated charged car parking is provided on each Trust site which can be accessed

using a valid parking pass for Belfast City Hospital, Royal Hospital and Mater Hospital sites.

This is managed by Estates Management. All staff are subject to charges and regular car

park users pay by salary deduction only (amount varies for each site). If cards are not used

for 90 days they are deactivated and a new application must be made. There is a waiting list

for new staff and each pass must only be used by the person to whom it was issued. Staff

parking at other sites where charges are incurred, are required to pay and reclaim the

charges through their expenses.

Emergency services – Ambulance Service Trust vehicles are exempt from charges and are

not permitted to park in restricted areas during periods of driver down time.

4.8 Other user groups facilitated by the Belfast Trust in their car parks are as follows:

Disabled staff;

Volunteer drivers;

Motorcyclists;

Cyclists; and

Service providers and contractors – contractor vehicles are subject to charge unless

allocated site compounds are agreed.

4.9 The policy allows for clamping of vehicles parked in unauthorised areas by Belfast Trust security

staff and will be removed when a fine is paid (waived in exceptional circumstances except if the

vehicle is obstructing traffic flow or emergency vehicles). Unauthorised areas include drop off and

pick up zones, emergency hatched areas / in front of emergency exits, double yellow lines,

ambulance bays, grass verges, pavements and disabled bays if no blue badge is displayed.

4.10 There may also be an opportunity to review the current parking policy to implement a points based

criteria throughout the Belfast Trust sites to restrict staff bringing their cars to work. Criteria could

include:

1. Mobility difficulties;

2. Essential Business Users;

3. Car sharing;

4. Out of hours work responsibilities;

5. Care commitments / responsibilities (personal circumstances); and

6. Home address too far to walk or inconvenient for using public transport.

4.11 The permit system should be fair and should be applied to all staff grades and can be controlled

easily using barriers.


18

Survey Data

4.12 As outlined in section 2, there are 886 respondents who stated that they drove to work as they

needed their car for business trips; 716 of these respondents conduct business trips once a week

or more frequently and 13 staff never conduct business travel. Also 22% of those conducting

business by car (231 of 1,058) would consider using the bus or train to conduct business travel

and 24% would consider using a pool car as alternative to the car.

4.13 It has been noted that 707 respondents stated they would consider home working and although

staff have access to tele conferencing or video conferencing facilities it should be noted that duties

associated with job roles such as home visits may not facilitate home working or smarter working

methods such as home visits.

Travel Plan Initiatives

4.14 The following initiatives have been included to make better use of car parking spaces that are

currently provided at the Belfast Trust sites.

(CP) Action Targets Responsibility

CP1

Car Park Management: Enforce vehicle

clamping at appropriate sites to ensure

vehicles only park in designated areas,

including disabled parking spaces;

December 2012

Belfast Trust, Facilities / Estates

Management, Travel Plan coordinator

CP2

Car Park Management: Review and

improve signage to clearly direct staff,

visitors and patients to designated parking

areas;

June 2012



CP3 Car Park Management: Allocate car parking

spaces to car sharers; June 2013



CP4

Car Park Management: Review the need for and provide covered motorcycle parking facilities, typically 3 motorcycles can be fitted into an average car parking space;

Review - June 2012

Implementation -

June 2013



CP5

Car Park Management: Review and update the car parking policy with a view to discouraging staff and others travelling by car and to include the measures noted above;

June 2012



CP6 Car Park Management: Consider the provision of a number of electric charging points for electric powered vehicles

June 2013


Management, DRD, Travel Plan coordinator

4.15 There is a potential to review the current Car Parking policy to give certain staff priority to spaces

(using a fair and equitable criteria system) in an effort to reduce the carbon footprint by travelling

more sustainably to and from work.

Public Transport

Background

4.16 Belfast Trust sites are located in the Greater Belfast area with exception to Muckamore Abbey

Hospital. All sites are accessible by public transport which includes a mix of bus and train and

park and ride.


19

4.17 However, using public transport can be a stressful experience as there are so many uncertainties

such as the location of the bus stop, the time the bus or train leaves, whether you have enough

money, whether you make your connection on time, and so on. These uncertainties can be

minimised through planning and making travel information available and also by using the

Translink website and call centre.

4.18 Flexitime can help to schedule the working day around catching buses and trains. There are

many advantages of using public transport such as saving money on city centre parking and

charged car parking within Trust sites as well as reducing the stress of finding a space. Public

transport it is more environmentally friendly mode of travel.

Survey Data

4.19 282 survey respondents currently use public transport on a regular basis to commute to and from

work. 25% of regular lone car driver respondents stated that they would consider using public

transport as a means of travelling to work. Postcode analysis also showed there is a large

potential for Belfast Trust staff to travel to work by bus and train (included in Appendix B).

Initiatives

4.20 The table below summarises initiatives in relation to promoting and increasing the use of public

transport for commuter trips as well as for business purposes. Travel information displays will

also encourage visitors and patients to use public transport and other sustainable modes.

(PT) Action Targets Responsibility

PT1

Public Transport: Inform staff of Public Transport facilities including the Interactive Journey Planner service, ticketing, public transport services and Park and Ride services;

June 2012 Translink, Travel Plan Coordinator, Communications

PT2

Public Transport: Promote existing public transport services through Getting There section on website and link in with patient appointment cards;


PT3

Public Transport: Investigate opportunities to use the Translink’s Corporate Commuter Initiative (CCI) to encourage staff to travel to work by alternative modes;

March 2012 Translink, Travel Plan Coordinator

PT4

Public Transport: Promote TaxSmart which

allows staff to purchase annual tickets via

monthly payments to the Trust through

salary sacrifice);

ongoing

Translink, Travel Plan Coordinator

PT5

Public Transport: Promote Advance Salary

scheme which allows Belfast Trust to

purchase annual NIR tickets on behalf of

staff thus facilitating monthly payments to

the Trust;

December 2011 Translink, Travel Plan Coordinator

PT6

Public Transport: Target staff induction

days for promotion of public transport,

including TaxSmart and Advance Salary

scheme;


PT7

Public Transport: Develop document to

explain public transport schemes and

associated incentives, including TaxSmart

and Advanced Salary scheme;

November 2011 Travel Plan Coordinator


20

PT8

Public Transport: Continue to introduce

Infopoint Units for direct dial to Translink for

Public Tranport information and provide real

time travel information points in foyers to

display public transport information;

June 2013

Translink, Travel Plan Coordinator, Facilities / Estates

Management

PT9

Public Transport: Consult Roads Service

on the need for Real Time Information at

bus stops;

June 2013

Translink, Travel Plan Coordinator, Roads Service,

Facilities / Estates Management

PT10

Public Transport:Promote internal bus

service for staff which runs from Belfast City

Hospital to Royal Group of Hospitals; and


PT11

Public Transport:Investigate possibility to

expand internal bus services between

hospital facilities and link in with staff travel

policy i.e. where bus is available mileage

expenses are not reimbursable.

December 2012 Travel Plan Coordinator,

Finance

4.21 It should be noted that other integrated journeys associated with public transport travel are walk

and ride and cycle and ride. These modes should be promoted in association with the need for

active lifestyles and health promotion.

Cycling

Background

4.22 Cycling provides health benefits such as reducing the risk of heart disease and strokes, helps

control weight and reduces stress. Cycling can often get you to work more quickly and reliably in

areas where there is traffic congestion as well as providing exercise. Cycling is also good for the

environment and is a relatively low cost mode of transport.

4.23 Also it is important that those staff who can cycle to work and for business purposes are

encouraged to do so to reduce the number of car trips and parking pressures as well as carbon

emissions.

4.24 Cycling can be promoted through Bike User Groups (BUG). A Bike User Group should be

established at Belfast Trust to include employees who cycle or would like to cycle to work or for

leisure. The group would meet in their own time to discuss how conditions for cyclists can be

improved and to persuade more people to give cycling a try. The group should be open to all bike

users and their views, ideas, needs and concerns as these are all valuable. A single

representative can provide feedback at Travel Plan Group or management meetings to make the

workplace more cycle-friendly.

Survey Data

4.25 57 survey respondents cycle to work daily and 163 additional staff members’ cycle occasionally.

Other staff members who currently do not cycle stated they would be encouraged to cycle if

improvements were made at to local routes making them safer and better lit and secure cycle

parking facilities were provided in a good location.

4.26 The postcode data analysis revealed that approximately 4,157 staff could be encouraged to cycle

to work as they live within the 4km recommended cycling distance of their workplace. There may

be a number of staff living beyond this distance willing to cycle to work so this should be treated

as a guide only.

4.27 The survey data also revealed that 153 respondents would be interested in cycling for business

purposes and 12 employees currently conduct business by bicycle and claim mileage allowance

for such travel.


21

Initiatives

4.28 The following initiatives or actions should help increase the number of Belfast Trust staff cycling to

work. Cycling is ideal for short journeys and has many advantages including saving money.

(C) Action Timescale Responsibility

C1

Cycling: Establish a Bike User Group (BUG) within The Trust. The group would have a number of functions including arranging training days for employees, provide ‘bike doctor’ and ‘bike buddy’ services and take part in bike week;

March 2012 Sustrans, Travel Plan

Coordinator

C2 Cycling: Promote Trust Cycle to Work scheme; ongoing Travel Plan Coordinator

C3 Cycling: Arrange staff discounts at local bicycle supplier stores;

June 2012 Travel Plan

Coordinator, BUG

C4 Cycling: Investigate a pilot scheme to allow staff to either hire a bicycle or use Trust pool bicycles (if available) for a month to try out cycling;

March 2013

Belfast Trust, Travel Plan Coordinator

C5

Cycling: Promote ‘Bike It with Translink’. All

bicycles will be carried free of charge on trains

(dedicated space permitting) and buses, if the bus

has a boot and space available (there are no

restrictions for folding bikes). However, bicycles

are only permitted after 09:30 Mon-Fri;

March 2012 Travel Plan

Coordinator, BUG

C6 Cycling: Promote health benefits of cycling and link into Active Belfast group;

ongoing

Travel Plan Coordinator, BUG,

Health Improvement, Active Belfast

C7

Cycling: Review cycling links and signing in and

around the Trust sites and implement

improvements where deemed necessary;

Review – June2012

Implementation - June 2013

Sustrans, BUG, Travel Plan Coordinator,

Estates Management

C8 Cycling: Take part in the annual Bike to Work

Week; ongoing


Health Improvement

C9 Cycling: Promote staff mileage allowance for business travel by bicycle (20 per mile);

March 2012 Travel Plan Coordinator

C10

Cycling: Review cycle parking facilities on all

Trust sites (secure and covered stands) and

provide / increase / improve facilities where

deemed necessary;

Review – June 2012

Implementation

- June 2013

Belfast Trust, Estates Management, BUG,

Travel Plan Coordinator

C11 Cycling: Provide a number of pool bicycles at key

locations; June 2013

BUG, Travel Plan Coordinator

C12 Cycling: Develop cycle parking procedure and

integrate into car parking policy; and June 2012


C13

Cycling: Review existing locker, changing room

and shower facilities on all Trust sites and provide

/ increase / improve facilities where deemed

necessary.



BUG, Travel Plan Coordinator, Estates

Management


22

4.29 Implementation of the actions listed over the incoming five years will help increase the number of

cycling trips to reach the target walking and cycling modal split of 16% by December 2015

(increase from current modal split of 7.9%).

Walking

Background

4.30 Walking is a cheap way of travelling to work and also provides health benefits such as reducing

the risk of heart disease and strokes, helps control weight and reduces stress. Also it is important

that staff who can walk to work and for business purposes are encouraged to do so to reduce the

number of car trips and carbon emissions.

4.31 A walking group could also be established for those employees who live within close vicinity of

each other but feel unsafe walking alone. The group could identify routes and pickup points for

staff to meet and walk to work wherever possible.

4.32 The Health Promotion Agency NI promotes active living and can be utilised to provide information

and support to the Belfast Trust. There may be an opportunity to provide Trust staff with

pedometers or personal alarms.

Survey Data

4.33 The survey data revealed that 93 respondents currently walk to work and 291 employees

occasionally walk.

4.34 The postcode data analysis revealed that there are 1,272 employee lives within the 1km

recommended walking distance. As the survey data showed, there is a number of staff living

beyond these distances willing to walk to work so these should be treated as a guide only. 168

employees revealed that they would consider walking as a means of making a business trip

instead of using the private car as they do so now.

Initiatives

4.35 The following initiatives or actions should help increase the number of Belfast Trust staff walking

to work. Walking is also ideal for short journeys and has many advantages including saving

money.

(W) Action Targets Responsibility

W1

Walking: Investigate opportunities for foot MOTs

for those who walk to work through a chiropodist /

podiatrist;


W2

Walking: Establish walking groups at main sites

and link with existing established walking groups

across the Belfast Trust area;

March 2012

Travel Plan Coordinator,

Health Improvement

W3 Walking: Offer walker leader training to

interested staff; March 2012


Health Improvement

W4

Walking: Review walking links and signing in and

around the Trust sites and implement


Review – June2012



walking group, Estates

Management

W5

Walking: Review existing locker, changing room

and shower facilities on all Trust sites and

provide / increase / improve facilities where

deemed necessary;



BUG, Travel Plan Coordinator,

Estates Management


23

W6

Walking: Promote the health benefits of walking through initiatives such as 10,000 steps to health (www.10000steps.org.au/index/workplaces); and link into Active Belfast group;

ongoing


Health Promotion Agency, Active

Belfast

W7 Walking: Investigate providing staff with personal

alarms and pedometers to encourage walking; June 2012


Health Promotion Agency

W8 Walking: Investigate opportunity to link into staff

discounts at local outdoor leisure stores; June 2012



W9

Walking: Investigate providing awareness

training to vehicle drivers to improve safety of

pedestrians;

June 2013



W10 Walking: Investigate options to provide additional

flexibility for staff walking to work June 2012



4.36 As the actions listed are implemented staff will be encouraged to walk instead of using the private

car, especially for business trips. This will help reach the target walking and cycling modal split of

16% by December 2015 (increase from 7.9% in 2010).

Motorcycles

Background

4.37 Motorcycles have many advantages over cars. These include being cheaper to run, easier to park

and more flexible in traffic. Also motorcycles take up only one third the space of a car in a car

park, therefore 3 motorcycles can be accommodated for every one car parking space

4.38 However, Motorcyclists have an especially poor safety record when compared to other road user

groups. Their killed and serious injury (KSI) rate in the UK, per million vehicle kilometres, is

approximately twice that of pedal cyclists and over 16 times that of car drivers and passengers5.

Survey Data

4.39 The survey data showed that 11 respondents use a motorcycle regularly to get to work and 36

others use a motorcycle occasionally.

Initiatives

4.40 Motorcycling is an alternative mode to travelling alone by private car. Action CP4 in the car

parking management section should therefore be implemented to improve motorcycle facilities

around the Trust sites.

Car Sharing

Background

4.41 It is fact that people have been car sharing for years informally. The Car Share NI is an initiative

which formalises those who share a lift to work and helps staff realise the potential to provide

5 Indepth study of Motorcycle Accidents, Department for Transport, Road Safety Research Report No. 54

November 2004


24

other individuals with a lift within the same organisation from a similar origin or those working

locally to others car sharing.

4.42 Car sharing is a great way of reducing travel and parking expenses, reducing traffic on the roads

as well as reducing congestion and pollution.

4.43 The Belfast Trust actively encourages staff to car share and has established a car share user

group on the NI car share website. Membership of this scheme enables staff to find a match for

car sharing to and from work which helps to reduce travel costs and environmental impacts.

Survey Data

4.44 The survey data showed that 6.9% of survey respondents are currently car sharing their journey to

and from work. There is a potential to increase the modal split for car sharing further as reported

from the staff survey.

4.45 1,199 respondents stated that they are not aware of the car share NI website and so information

about the website and car sharing should be distributed to all staff. 22 staff reported that they are

registered on the website but currently do not car share. 667 Trust staff would like some help to

find a colleague to share a lift to work with and 280 staff they would be encouraged to car share if

they have a dedicated parking space.

Initiatives

4.46 There are a number of actions that can be considered over the incoming 5 year period to increase

the number of staff car sharing and in turn reduce the number of staff travelling alone to work in

their private vehicles on a regular basis.

(CS) Action Targets Responsibility

CS1

Car sharing: Promote car sharing to staff

including the use of the Belfast Trust’s Car

Share website;

ongoing Travel Plan Coordinator, Travelwise NI

CS2 Car Sharing: Organise breakfast or lunch

sessions for prospective car sharers to meet; March 2012

Travel Plan Coordinator, Travelwise NI

CS3 Car Sharing: Offer Guaranteed Lift Home

(GLH) in case of an emergency; June 2012


CS4 Car sharing: Provide designated car sharing spaces; and

June 2013



CS5 Car Sharing: Prepare car sharing policy and link into other relevant policies such as the car parking policy and staff travel policy.

June 2013 Belfast Trust, Travel

Plan Coordinator

Addressing Business Needs

Background

4.47 Business travel is also an important element of the Belfast Trust Travel Plan. There are a number

of ways to reduce business travel mileage and the impact of travelling due to technological

advances and improved public transport in Northern Ireland.

4.48 Belfast Trust staff already has access to telephone conferencing and video conferencing which

reduces the need to travel to meetings locally and further afield where a flight might be involved.

Flexi working and home working arrangements help avoid peak time traffic and reduces the need

to travel to work.


25

4.49 Pool bicycles and cycling is also a smart way of conducting business locally and when staff use

their own bicycle for business use they can claim business mileage (rate 20 per mile).

Staff Surveys

4.50 Approximately 1491 Trust staff who responded to the survey currently conduct business travel

with 872 staff conducting trips in association with work at least once a week. Only a small

proportion of staff travel over 10,000 miles per annum for business purposes.

4.51 1057 respondents normally use a car to conduct business travelling, driving alone, travelling with

another in a car or using a taxi. Only 7% use public transport services.

4.52 10.7% of respondents currently use video and tele conferencing equipment. 70% reported that

they do not have access to such equipment and so are not aware of their availability within the

Trust.

4.53 231 staff who normally conduct business travel by carreported that they would be encouraged to

use public transport. It has been noted that duties associated with job roles , for example home

visits, may not facilitate home working or smarter working methods.

Initiatives

4.54 Those staff conducting business travel can be encouraged to travel less or travel more sustainably

instead of using the private car where possible. The following initiatives should be implemented

and promoted to Belfast Trust staff.

(B) Action Targets Responsibility

B1

Business Needs: Provide pool bikes and safety

equipment for staff use during their working day

for business trips (see ‘Providing motorcycle and

cycle facilities’ section above).

June 2013 Belfast Trust, BUG, Travel Plan Coordinator

B2 Business Needs: Investigate providing pool

cars or vans for staff use. December

2013 Travel Plan Coordinator

B3

Business Needs: Review business travel policy

within Trust to promote use of sustainable modes

including walking, cycling (and potentially provide

cycle milometers), car share, car allowances.

December 2012


B4

Business Needs: Promote the use of

sustainable modes for business travel, attending

training etc and link in with business travel

policy.

December 2012


Finance

B5

Business Needs: Promote availability and use

of existing video and telephone conferencing

facilities for business use.

December 2012


B6

Business Needs: Review Trust Fleet vehicles

and their use in conjunction with the Energy

Savings Trust (to include internal mail

distribution) and investigate the use of bicycles

or electric vehicles.

December 2012

Belfast Trust, PCSS, Travel Plan Coordinator

B7 Business Needs: Review Grey Fleet usage in

conjunction with the Energy Savings Trust. December

2013

Belfast Trust, Finance, Travel Plan Coordinator

B8 Business Needs: Produce travel information

specifying which modes of transport the Trust March 2012



26

considers acceptable for staff travel in relation to

each main site for business purposes (depends

on type of trip undertaken) and support with

walking/cycling route maps where appropriate.

Finance

B9

Business Needs: Investigate the opportunity to

provide staff access to bus services through the

purchase of Smartlink cards and Travel cards by

Trust departments.


Coordinator, Travel Plan Group

B10

Business Needs: Investigate options which

would allow staff to car share for meetings

throughout the Trust’s Intranet, the Outlook

System or –Lliftshare.

June 2013

Belfast Trust, Finance, Travel Plan

Coordinator, IT,

Travel Plan Group

Travel Plan Implementation

4.55 For the Travel Plan to achieve its objectives and targets, measures and initiatives will need to be

implemented, promoted and monitored. The Travel Plan Coordinator with support from the Travel

Plan Group will set up and implement the Travel Plan measures and initiatives. External partners

may include Translink, Travelwise NI, Sustrans, Health Promotion Agency and the Carbon Trust.

4.56 The Travel Plan Coordinator or coordinators should engage in:

Marketing campaigns to promote sustainable travel and the Travel Plan;

Setting up, coordinating and attending Travel Plan group, interest group and working group

meetings;

Acting as a point of contact for staff requiring information; and

Coordinating the monitoring and review of measures and Travel Plan action plan.

4.57 It is important to brand and continually promote the Travel Plan. Travel Plan communications

should be branded so that staff can see that all the initiatives, information and messages are

linked to the Travel Plan.

4.58 The Travel Plan targets and objectives should be explained as well as informing staff of initiatives

and available travel alternatives.

4.59 For the Trust to progress towards the Travel Plan’s targets, modal split results should be reviewed

through conducting staff travel surveys on a regular basis. For interim years it would be

acceptable to carry out snap shot surveys to collect relevant baseline travel data.

4.60 The Travel Plan coordinator will also gather data on initiatives take up levels such as:

the number of car share scheme members;

the number of employees taking part in the Advance Salary scheme, TaxSmart scheme and

Cycle to Work scheme to purchase public transport tickets or bicycles; and

the number of employees using the cycle and motorcycle parking facilities, etc.

4.61 The Travel Plan coordinator will report on progress to the Travel Plan Group according to the

survey results. The Travel Plan group and the coordinator will then decide on new initiatives,

modification of existing ones, review of targets to ensure they remain challenging but achievable,

etc. If the targets set in the Travel Plan are not met, the Travel Plan coordinator and Group will

review the targets and identify what is preventing them from being met.

Initiatives

4.62 A number of actions can be followed from implementation of the Travel Plan to ensure staff are

aware of their travel options for commuter trips and business purposes.


27

(TP) Action Targets Responsibility

TP1

Implementation, Marketing and Promotion: It is important that the Belfast Trust Travel Plan is branded to give it an identity that staff can easily recognise when marketing or promoting sustainable measures and initiatives.

September 2011

Belfast Trust, Travel Plan Coordinator,

Health Improvement, Communications

TP2

Implementation, Marketing and Promotion:

The Travel Plan coordinator should use every

opportunity to promote the Travel Plan to

employees as well as visitors and patients such

as taking part in events such as Bike Week,

Walk Week and European Mobility Week and

organising promotional and charity events.

ongoing Travel Plan Coordinator

TP3

Implementation, Marketing and Promotion: The Trust should promote sustainable travel to employees by providing travel information on staff induction packs.

December 2012 Travel Plan Coordinator

TP4

Implementation, Marketing and Promotion: Travel information provided on intranet site and ensure links are available to Cycle to Work scheme, TaxSmart scheme, Car Share NI, Travelwise NI Energy Saving Trust etc to enable staff to easily access all Travel Plan related information.

December 2011

Travel Plan Coordinator (in

alliance with Translink)

TP5

Implementation, Marketing and Promotion: Travel information should be provided on webpage under Getting There section (with PT, walk and cycle outlined before car options giving the sustainable modes a sense of priority) to enable patients and visitors to review travel options.

December 2011



TP6

Implementation, Marketing and Promotion: The Trust should (or continue to do so where applicable) promote sustainable travel to visitors and patients by providing travel information on patient appointment cards.


TP7 Implementation, Marketing and Promotion: The Trust could offer journey planners for staff and patients to outline their travel options.

December 2013



TP8

Implementation, Marketing and Promotion: Nominate a travel plan coordinator/s to oversee the development and implementation of the Travel Plan (1-2 days per week).

Complete Belfast Trust

TP9

Implementation, Marketing and Promotion: Invite the relevant departments to nominate a representative to attend Trust Travel Plan group meetings.

Complete Belfast Trust, Travel

Plan Coordinator

TP10

Implementation, Marketing and Promotion: Regular initiative take up monitoring and regular staff travel survey, snap shot surveys and consultation where relevant.

September 2012

Belfast Trust, Travel Plan Coordinator, Travel Plan Group

4.63 As the actions listed are implemented staff will be encouraged to use sustainable modes instead

of using the private car. This will help reach the targets set for the Belfast Trust as follows:


28

An increase in the number of trips made by walking and cycling from 7.9% of staff currently

to 16% by December 2015;

An increase in the number of trips made by car sharing from 6.9% currently to 10% by

December 2015;

An increase in the number of public transport users from 12.5% currently to 23% by

December 2015; and

A reduction in the number of lone car drivers from 70.8% in 2010 to 49.1% in 2015 through

the use of alternative modes.

Travel Plan Action Plan 4.64 Table 4.1 summarises the Travel Plan initiatives and measures, showing their target groups,

implementation and expected impact as well as who will be responsible for implementing them

and timescales. The Travel Plan coordinator and Travel Plan group will use this table to monitor

progress.

4.65 The actions have been selected primarily to target staff, however there are a number of measures

and initiatives that will influence visitor and patient travel accordingly.

Table 4.1 Belfast Trust Travel Plan Action Plan

Action Targets Responsibility

CP1

Car Park Management: Enforce vehicle

clamping at appropriate sites to ensure

vehicles only park in designated areas,

including disabled parking spaces

December 2012



CP2

Car Park Management: Review and

improve signage to clearly direct staff,

visitors and patients to designated parking

areas.

June 2012


Management, Travel Plan

CP3 Car Park Management: Allocate car

parking spaces to car sharers. June 2013



CP4

Car Park Management: Review the need for and provide covered motorcycle parking facilities, typically 3 motorcycles can be fitted into an average car parking space.

Review - June 2012

Implementation -June

2013



CP5

Car Park Management: Review and update the car parking policy with a view to discouraging staff and others travelling by car and to include the measures noted above.

June 2012



CP6 Car Park Management: Consider the provision of a number of electric charging points for electric powered vehicles

June 2013


Management, DRD, Travel Plan coordinator


29


PT1

Public Transport: Inform staff of Public Transport facilities including the Interactive Journey Planner service, ticketing, public transport services and Park and Ride services;


PT2

Public Transport: Promote existing public transport services through Getting There section on website and link in with patient appointment cards;


PT3

Public Transport: Investigate opportunities to use the Translink’s Corporate Commuter Initiative (CCI) to encourage staff to travel to work by alternative modes;

March 2012 Translink, Travel Plan Coordinator

PT4

Public Transport: Promote TaxSmart

which allows staff to purchase annual

tickets via monthly payments to the Trust

through salary sacrifice);

ongoing

Translink, Travel Plan Coordinator

PT5

Public Transport: Promote Advance Salary

scheme which allows Belfast Trust to

purchase annual NIR tickets on behalf of

staff thus facilitating monthly payments to

the Trust;


PT6

Public Transport: Target staff induction

days for promotion of public transport,

including TaxSmart and Advance Salary

scheme;


PT7

Public Transport: Develop document to

explain public transport schemes and

associated incentives, including TaxSmart

and Advanced Salary scheme;

November 2011 Travel Plan Coordinator

PT8

Public Transport: Continue to introduce

Infopoint Units for direct dial to Translink for

Public Tranport information and provide real

time travel information points in foyers to

display public transport information;

June 2013

Translink, Travel Plan Coordinator, Facilities / Estates

Management

PT9

Public Transport: Consult Roads Service

on the need for Real Time Information at

bus stops;

June 2013

Translink, Travel Plan Coordinator, Roads Service,

Facilities / Estates Management

PT10

Public Transport:Promote internal bus

service for staff which runs from Belfast City

Hospital to Royal Group of Hospitals; and


PT11 Public Transport:Investigate possibility to

expand internal bus services between December 2012 Travel Plan

Coordinator,


30


hospital facilities and link in with staff travel

policy i.e. where bus is available mileage

expenses are not reimbursable.

Finance

C1

Cycling: Establish a Bike User Group (BUG) within The Trust. The group would have a number of functions including arranging training days for employees, provide ‘bike doctor’ and ‘bike buddy’ services and take part in bike week;

March 2012 Sustrans, Travel Plan Coordinator

C2 Cycling: Promote Trust Cycle to Work

scheme; ongoing


C3 Cycling: Arrange staff discounts at local bicycle supplier stores;


Coordinator, BUG

C4

Cycling: Investigate a pilot scheme to allow staff to either hire a bicycle or use Trust pool bicycles (if available) for a month to try out cycling;

March 2013


C5

Cycling: Promote ‘Bike It with Translink’.

All bicycles will be carried free of charge on

trains (dedicated space permitting) and

buses, if the bus has a boot and space

available (there are no restrictions for

folding bikes). However, bicycles are only

permitted after 09:30 Mon-Fri;


Coordinator, BUG

C6 Cycling: Promote health benefits of cycling and link into Active Belfast group;

ongoing


Health Improvement, Active Belfast

C7

Cycling: Review cycling links and signing in

and around the Trust sites and implement


Review – June2012


Sustrans, BUG, Travel Plan

Coordinator, Estates Management

C8 Cycling: Take part in the annual Bike to

Work Week; ongoing


Health Improvement

C9 Cycling: Promote staff mileage allowance for business travel by bicycle (20 per mile);


C10

Cycling: Review cycle parking facilities on

all Trust sites (secure and covered stands)

and provide / increase / improve facilities

where deemed necessary;


Implementation - June

2013

Belfast Trust, Estates

Management, BUG, Travel Plan Coordinator

C11 Cycling: Provide a number of pool bicycles

at key locations; June 2013


C12 Cycling: Develop cycle parking procedure

and integrate into car parking policy; and June 2012


C13

Cycling: Review existing locker, changing

room and shower facilities on all Trust sites


where deemed necessary.




Management


31


W1

Walking: Investigate opportunities for foot

MOTs for those who walk to work through a

chiropodist / podiatrist;


W2

Walking: Establish walking groups at main

sites and link with existing established

walking groups across the Belfast Trust

area;


Coordinator, Health Improvement

W3 Walking: Offer walker leader training to

interested staff; March 2012

Travel Plan Coordinator, Health

Improvement

W4

Walking: Review walking links and signing

in and around the Trust sites and implement


Review – June2012


Travel Plan Coordinator, walking

group, Estates Management

W5

Walking: Review existing locker, changing

room and shower facilities on all Trust sites


where deemed necessary;




Management

W6

Walking: Promote the health benefits of walking through initiatives such as 10,000 steps to health (www.10000steps.org.au/index/workplaces); and link into Active Belfast group;

ongoing

Travel Plan Coordinator, Health Promotion Agency,

Active Belfast

W7

Walking: Investigate providing staff with

personal alarms and pedometers to

encourage walking;


Coordinator, Health Promotion Agency

W8 Walking: Investigate opportunity to link into staff

discounts at local outdoor leisure stores; June 2012

Travel Plan Coordinator, Health Promotion Agency

W9

Walking: Investigate providing awareness

training to vehicle drivers to improve safety

of pedestrians;


Coordinator, Health Promotion Agency

W10 Walking: Investigate options to provide

additional flexibility for staff walking to work June 2012

Travel Plan Coordinator, Health Promotion Agency

CS1

Car sharing: Promote car sharing to staff

including the use of the Belfast Trust’s Car

Share website;

ongoing Travel Plan Coordinator,

Travelwise NI

CS2

Car Sharing: Organise breakfast or lunch

sessions for prospective car sharers to

meet;

March 2012 Travel Plan Coordinator,

Travelwise NI

CS3 Car Sharing: Offer Guaranteed Lift Home

(GLH) in case of an emergency; June 2012


CS4 Car sharing: Provide designated car sharing spaces; and

June 2013




32


CS5 Car Sharing: Prepare car sharing policy and link into other relevant policies such as the car parking policy and staff travel policy.

June 2013 Belfast Trust, Travel

Plan Coordinator

B1

Business Needs: Provide pool bikes and

safety equipment for staff use during their

working day for business trips (see

‘Providing motorcycle and cycle facilities’

section above).

June 2013 Belfast Trust, BUG, Travel Plan Coordinator

B2 Business Needs: Investigate providing pool

cars or vans for staff use. December 2013


B3

Business Needs: Review business travel

policy within Trust to promote use of sustainable

modes including walking, cycling (and potentially

provide cycle milometers), car share, car

allowances.

December 2012 BUG, Travel Plan

Coordinator

B4

Business Needs: Promote the use of

sustainable modes for business travel,

attending training etc and link in with

business travel policy.

December 2012


Finance

B5

Business Needs: Promote availability and

use of existing video and telephone

conferencing facilities for business use.

December 2012 Belfast Trust, Travel

Plan Coordinator

B6

Business Needs: Review Trust Fleet

vehicles and their use in conjunction with

the Energy Savings Trust (to include

internal mail distribution) and investigate the

use of bicycles or electric vehicles.

December 2012 Belfast Trust, PCSS,


B7

Business Needs: Review Grey Fleet usage

in conjunction with the Energy Savings

Trust.

December 2013 Belfast Trust,

Finance, Travel Plan Coordinator

B8

Business Needs: Produce travel

information specifying which modes of

transport the Trust considers acceptable for

staff travel in relation to each main site for

business purposes (depends on type of trip

undertaken) and support with

walking/cycling route maps where

appropriate.

March 2012


Finance

B9

Business Needs: Investigate the

opportunity to provide staff access to bus

services through the purchase of Smartlink

cards and Travel cards by Trust

departments.


Coordinator, Travel Plan Group

B10

Business Needs: Investigate options which

would allow staff to car share for meetings

throughout the Trust’s Intranet, the Outlook

System or –Lliftshare.

June 2013

Belfast Trust, Finance, Travel Plan

Coordinator, IT,

Travel Plan Group


33


TP1

Implementation, Marketing and Promotion: It is important that the Belfast Trust Travel Plan is branded to give it an identity that staff can easily recognise when marketing or promoting sustainable measures and initiatives.

September 2011

Belfast Trust, Travel Plan Coordinator,

Health Improvement, Communications

TP2

Implementation, Marketing and

Promotion: The Travel Plan coordinator

should use every opportunity to promote the

Travel Plan to employees as well as visitors

and patients such as taking part in events

such as Bike Week, Walk Week and

European Mobility Week and organising

promotional and charity events.

ongoing Travel Plan Coordinator

TP3

Implementation, Marketing and Promotion: The Trust should promote sustainable travel to employees by providing travel information on staff induction packs.


TP4

Implementation, Marketing and Promotion: Travel information provided on intranet site and ensure links are available to Cycle to Work scheme, TaxSmart scheme, Car Share NI, Travelwise NI Energy Saving Trust etc to enable staff to easily access all Travel Plan related information.

December 2011



TP5

Implementation, Marketing and Promotion: Travel information should be provided on webpage under Getting There section (with PT, walk and cycle outlined before car options giving the sustainable modes a sense of priority) to enable patients and visitors to review travel options.

December 2011



TP6

Implementation, Marketing and Promotion: The Trust should (or continue to do so where applicable) promote sustainable travel to visitors and patients by providing travel information on patient appointment cards.


TP7

Implementation, Marketing and Promotion: The Trust could offer journey planners for staff and patients to outline their travel options.

December 2013



TP8

Implementation, Marketing and Promotion: Nominate a travel plan coordinator/s to oversee the development and implementation of the Travel Plan (1-2 days per week).

Complete Belfast Trust


34


TP9

Implementation, Marketing and Promotion: Invite the relevant departments to nominate a representative to attend Trust Travel Plan group meetings.

Complete Belfast Trust, Travel

Plan Coordinator

TP10

Implementation, Marketing and Promotion: Regular initiative take up monitoring and regular staff travel survey, snap shot surveys and consultation where relevant.

September 2012 Belfast Trust, Travel

Plan Coordinator, Travel Plan Group


5. Conclusion 5.1 A draft Travel Plan had been formulated following staff travel surveys conducted in late 2010,

visitor travel surveys, postcode analysis and site audits. Targets have been set and a list of

initiatives and measures identified for the Trust to influence a positive change in modal split where

more staff are car sharing, using public transport, walking and cycling for commuting purposes as

well as for business trips.

5.2 It is important that Travel Plan initiatives and measures and action plan are reviewed to ensure

staff are encouraged to use alternative modes when possible for commuting and business trips.

This will help reduce congestion and vehicular emissions in Belfast city centre as well as reduce

costs for the individual and Belfast Health and Social Care Trust as well as improving travel times.

5.3 The Travel Plan coordinator and Travel Plan Group should ensure all targets are met and support

is gained throughout the development and implementation, period from senior management.

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