Transport Policy Sub-Committee
24th February 2009
Agenda item 9
TPSC/08/13
Transport Policy Coordinator Update
General
In the two months since the last meeting, a substantial amount of time has been dedicated to
addressing car parking issues and following up on the implementation of funded projects and
costing of prioritised projects, all of which are covered in other agenda items.
Public transport
In March, the Colchester 2020 Travel Plan Club is launching a 35% discounted 12 single
tickets for First bus travel around Colchester for Travel Plan Club members, coupled with the
launch of their commuter ‘Bus around Colchester’ leaflet and map. This will shortly be
promoted within the University. The Students’ Union is convening a meeting to establish a
‘public transport user group’ in March which it is hoped, will both help improve and
encourage greater public transport use. Efforts on pursuing season ticket rail discounts are
waiting on recent institutional changes with National Express East Anglia.
Cycling
Promoting cycling at the University
The University’s cycling strategy at the Colchester campus is further outlined in agenda items
7 and 8. Dr Bike free cycle checks commenced at the start of term at the Colchester campus,
coinciding with the Students’ Union fruit & veg market. They have been popular, particularly
on the first Friday of term which coincided with Re~cycle’s sale of bikes and confidence
training offered by Colchester Cycling Champion’s project.
The University and bicycle user group (Essex BUG) in conjunction with the Students’ Union
and Colchester Cycling Champion project is planning a number of promotional measures
including activities during Colchester’s ‘Bike to learning’ week 20-24th April, coinciding with
the County ‘Bike to School’ week.
With regard to access to cycling access to campus, the design for the upper Wivenhoe to
University cycle route has been completed by the Highways Agency and the public
consultation is likely to take place in May. It is proposed to be 5m wide which should amply
accommodate the needs of both pedestrians and cyclists. On the approach from Colchester,
the Highways Agency is shortly completing the cut through to Swan Close from Clingoe Hill
and the closure of the south side path so that pedestrian and cycle traffic will either enter via
the Salary Brook route and Swan Close, or down Elmstead Road. The Highways Agency has
been approached to consider facilitating a crossing of Elmstead Road for those coming from
Swan Close.
Cycling Towns
The Highwoods cycle route is due to be completed by April. Colchester will be hosting the
first Quarterly meeting of the southern cluster of 9 cycling towns which will be an
opportunity for the University to promote synergies between Colchester and Southend cycling
town projects.
Implementation of transport related projects
The attached list gives details of completed projects from the current year’s programme. In
terms of University related projects, a ‘way finding survey’ will be undertaken next academic
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year as part of the Capital & Development re-signing on campus which will include
pedestrian and cycle signage. A periodic assessment of pavements is being done by Estate
Management and action taken to address shortcomings. Recent repairs have also been made
to Boundary Road. Obviously, the extension of the Sports Centre, linked with associated
transport access improvements is relevant and is a concrete example of transport policy
working with Capital & Development.
Estate Management Section is in the process of negotiating with Wombat Car Club to have a
car for business use by the section, and accessible for use by staff during other periods.
With regard to financial management, new budget codes have been set up to make the income
streams clearer and better inform car parking management. The issue of interest from monies
accrued has still to be determined. Given that this year there is strong compliance with the
regulations and payment of fees, a comprehensive financial report will be presented at the
next meeting.
Transport Policy Sub-Committee is requested to note and endorse the measures being taken to
implement the University’s Sustainable Transport Strategy.
Jo Leyland
Transport Policy Coordinator
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COMPLETED PROJECTS 2008/9 FUNDED FROM CAR PARKING INCOME
Item
North Towers overflow car park
improvements
sweeping of cycles under Sq 1
after post grads and under grads
depart
Recalibrate P&D machines for
occasional users car parking
Re-align zoned car park area –
North Towers
Actual
cost/(£)
Transport Policy Sub-Committee
2 4th February 2009
Agenda item 9
Installed
Notional
Cost
Comment
Autumn 2008
6,000
September 2008
1,000
1,057.39
Scheme reworked for operation in conjunction with vehicle immobilisation
service, including improved demarcation of permitted parking areas.
Ensures cycles will not be left over after student departures
September 2008
8,000
7,613.72
Required in order to accommodate extra tariff rates. Completed
December 2008
1,000
500.00
Re-alignment of North Towers barrier parking requested to release further
parking spaces to general parking, given number of barrier parking
subscribers.
JL, 28 Nov. 08
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