TRAVEL PLAN MONITORING REPORT LONDON GATEWAY PORT

Transcription

1 TRAVEL PLAN MONITORING REPORT LONDON GATEWAY PORT November 2017

2 Contents Page 1. Introduction 1.1 Overview The Development Planning Context Reporting Requirements 3 2. Staff Movements 2.1 Scope Methodology and Data Gathering Results Conclusions 10 APPENDICES Appendix A Staff Travel Questionnaire notification Appendix B Conclusions and Recommendations Spreadsheet Ref: TH/DPW/TP/

3 1. Introduction 1.1 Overview This presents the results of monitoring of staff travel patterns at the DP World London Gateway Port (the Port) for the 12 month period ending September 2017 (Reporting Period 4). The report considers travel related to the movements of staff directly employed in the operational use of the Port and the overall administration of the Port and associated Logistics Park development. Berths 1 and 2 of the Port were operational throughout the reporting period. Berth 3 however was brought into operational use on the 1 st April 2017 and was therefore operational for approximately half the reporting period. As of September 2017 a total of 491 staff were directly employed by the DP World London Gateway (DPWLG) group companies (i.e. Port operations and Port and logistics park development administrative teams). The movements of staff associated with the construction of the Port is beyond the scope of the Travel Plan monitoring regime. 1.2 The Development The Port, is located at the former Shellhaven oil refinery site to the northern banks of the Thames Estuary in Stanford-le-Hope, Essex. Once fully developed the Port shall provide six shipping berths providing additional deep sea shipping and container handling facilities with an annual throughput of 3.5 million TEU (twenty foot equivalent containers). In total it is anticipated that the Port shall give rise to the creation of approximately 1,900 direct jobs. The development of the Port, alongside the London Gateway Logistics Park (the Park), shall offer significant efficiency savings, resulting from the ability to ship, store and process goods at a site within very close proximity to the significant consumer markets of the London and South East area. This portcentric approach, along with significant opportunity for the transportation of goods via rail and transhipment, will result in an estimated annual reduction of 65 million HGV miles off the UK s road network equating to approximately 2000 HGV s per day. Construction of the Port commenced in 2008 with the first three berths becoming operational in November 2013, May 2014 and April 2017 respectively. Ref: TH/DPW/TP/

4 1.3 Planning Context The Port is subject of a Harbour Empowerment Order (HEO), which was made on the 2 nd May 2008 and came into force on the 16 th May It is also subject to an agreement pursuant to Section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 securing compliance with the London Gateway Harbour Empowerment Order Travel Plan dated May 2003 (Ref: APP/0/103). Requirements for monitoring of operational staff travel patterns are set out therein. 1.4 Reporting Requirements The above mentioned Travel Plan sets out provisions for the formation and operation of a Travel Plan Committee (TPC) comprising the following member parties: London Gateway Port Limited (the Harbour Authority) London Gateway Park Development Limited The Local Highways Authority (Thurrock Council) Essex County Council Highways England (formerly the Highways Agency) A constitution for the establishment and operation of the TPC was initially agreed during early 2008, since which the TPC has been meeting on a 6 monthly basis. Revisions to the constitution were agreed during late 2013 as part of the development of the Travel Plan relating to the Park. This established agreement regarding the standardised timing of monitoring information and committee meetings to facilitate a more efficient decision-making process. The Travel Plans establish obligations for the Port and Park developments to provide funding to the TPC as the developments are rolled out. Such funds are to be utilised by the TPC to promote increased use of sustainable modes of transport for staff and freight movements associated with the Port and Park. Protocols for the holding and allocation of such funds are set out in the revised TPC constitution. This monitoring report, and subsequent reports, shall inform decision making regarding the allocation of such funds. It is the intension that this report informs discussions at the next TPC meeting, which is proposed to be held during January Ref: TH/DPW/TP/

5 2. Staff Movements 2.1 Scope As discussed in Section 1.1, this report considers the travel behaviour of staff associated with the operation of the Port and the administration of both the Port and the Park. The latter includes, members of the Engineering team overseeing construction activities, in addition to members of the Human Capital, Health and Safety, Environmental, Facilities Management and Port and Park Commercial teams. At the time of publication of this report 491 staff are directly employed by the DPWLG group companies on site. Approximately 50 of these are based at the No.1 London Gateway building (west of the Park site) with the balance based at the Port Terminal and Amenities Buildings (to the east of the Port site). 2.2 Methodology for Data Gathering Information relating to staff travel patterns and choices was gathered using a Staff Travel Questionnaire (STQ) comprising 31 questions. The STQ also provided staff with opportunity to provide additional comments and feedback. The STQ was launched on the 29 th September 2017 for a period of 21 days, closing at 4pm on the 20 th October. The questionnaire was accessed via the London Gateway Port Travel Plan website The Port Travel Plan Coordination team (TPCo) advertised the STQ via regular e- mails and posters placed on notice boards and at key locations around the site buildings. The STQ was also advertised via the information screens that exist at key locations within the Terminal, Amenities and No.1 London Gateway buildings. To further encourage a high rate of return, all staff that completed and returned a STQ were entered into a free prize draw to win one of the following three prizes: 2 night Boutique Escape for Two (choice of over 40 hotels) The View from the Shard with a Three Course Meal for Two at Marco Pierre White's London Steakhouse Co 50 Lakeside gift Card Details of this offer are set out on the notification, a copy of which is provided at Appendix A. Following the close of the survey period the information received via completed STQ s was analysed to obtain the results presented in Section 2.3 below. Ref: TH/DPW/TP/

6 2.3 Results In total 190 of the total 491 directly employed site staff completed and returned a STQ representing a rate of return of 38.7% (2016: 38.2%). The raw data results are presented as follows. Where relevant the results from the previous reporting period ( Reporting Period (RP) 3 comprising the period to October 2016) are provided to allow changes in travel patterns to be identified. Distance of Journey to Work The proportions of staff that live within the stated distance ranges from the Port are indicated by Chart 2.1. Exact figures are provided within Table 2.1 Chart 2.1 Proportion of Staff Living within Stated Distances 0-1 Miles 1-2 Miles 2-5 Miles 5-10 Miles +10 Miles Table Proportion of staff living within stated distances Percentage Distance Reporting Period 4 (RP4) Reporting Period 3 (RP3) 0 1 miles 1% 1% 1 2 miles 3% 9% 2 5 miles 23% 20% 5 10 miles 26% 20% Over 10 miles 47% 50% Ref: TH/DPW/TP/

7 Mode of Travel In total, of the staff that completed the travel survey, 31% (RF3: 27%) indicated that they engage in car sharing for some journeys to work. This percentage however does not represent the overall level of car sharing, given that many staff only engage in car sharing for some journeys, utilising other modes for the remainder of their travel. Instead the overall level of take up of each mode, taking account of proportional use, is indicated by Chart 2.2 and Table 2.2. Chart 2.2 Take up of each mode of transport for journeys to work Cycle Bus/Train Car/Motorbike Car Share Combination Table Take up of each mode of transport for journeys to work Percentage Mode RP4 RP3 Walk 1.52% 3.14% Cycle 3.56% 3.34% Bus/Train 0.00% 1.21% Car Share 9.65% 13.26% Combination of Modes 3.56% 3.54% Total 18.29% 24.49% Ref: TH/DPW/TP/

8 Car Share/Car Share Database In total, of the staff that completed the travel survey, 30% (RP3: 27%) indicated that they are registered with the Port Car Share database ( However, the car share database actually lists registrations from 192 staff (equivalent to 39% of the overall staff base). Of those staff who indicated they are registered with 29% indicated that the database has identified suitable car share partners. Approximately 6% of staff that completed the survey indicated that they are a member of a registered car share Budi team. In fact, records indicate that 26 Budi teams are formally registered comprising 59 staff. This equates to just over 12% of the overall staff base. The data presented in Table 2.2 indicates that car sharing is utilised for just under 10% (RP3: 13%) of journeys to work. In terms of factors which affected the decision of staff to car share, reduced travel costs was most influential followed by use of the Priority Parking Bays, the security of the Guaranteed Ride Home scheme and social benefits (i.e. meeting new people). When asked for suggestions as to how the Car Share system may be improved responses included the following: Flexible/aligned working hours More dedicated car share bays Identification of remote parking sites to leave one car (so routes can be merged allowing car share) Auto-route system on Liftshare needs to improve as it does not currently identify actual route taken Liftshare needs to improve in how it identifies potential Budi s. It does not identify people who do not live near you but you pass on-route Improved awareness regarding the system and the incentives package Public Transport The 300 bus service was suspended in July 2016 due to very low patronage. Since this time there has been no direct public transport connectivity to the Port and Park. Discussions regarding the re-establishment of a bus route, connecting the Port and Park to Stanford-le-Hope station and the local area, are currently taking place. Staff were asked how likely they would be to utilise the bus service if reestablished. 178 staff provided a response with responses indicated in Table 2.3. Ref: TH/DPW/TP/

9 Table 2.3 Likelihood of utilising re-established bus service to London Gateway Likelihood Proportion of responders Likely 1.7% Possibly 13.5% Unlikely 84.8% Walking and Cycling The survey results indicate that walking and cycling journeys represent 1.52% (RP3: 3.14%) and 3.56% (RP3: 3.34%) of all journeys respectively. Given the relative remoteness of the Port site from residential areas, the low proportion of walking journeys is expected and as such the survey did not investigate the reasons for this further. The STQ highlighted a number of factors which might act as an incentive to staff to cycle to work and asked staff to indicate which would positively influence their decision. The results are indicated in Table 2.4. Table 2.4 Measures which positively influence decision to cycle to work Measure Proportion of responders Implementation of a bike hire scheme 4.5% Free cycle training 0.7% Free cycle servicing 4.5% Better cycle to/from work facilities 27.7% In addition, staff were asked for suggestions as to how cycling amenity to/from London Gateway could be improved. 44 responses were received citing measures as indicated in Table 2.5: Table 2.5 Suggestions regarding how cycling for access to the Port can become more amenable Suggestion Responses Public network improvements including additional off-road facilities 12 Reasonable priced bike hire 1 Direct link from A1014 to Canvey 5 Bikes allowed on trains in peak periods 1 Cycle Club / organised activities 1 The new Port parking area will become operational from November This new facility is located to the southeast of the Park site and will benefit from dedicated off road facilities, linking to The Sorrells roundabout. Staff were asked if the proposed new parking facilities would encourage them to cycle to work. Of 178 staff that responded 30 (16.9%) replied positively. Ref: TH/DPW/TP/

10 Personal Journey Planning Service In association with Liftshare, the Port has established a Personal Journey Planning service (MyPTP). This is available to all staff upon request and provides a spreadsheet comparison of the various available modes of transport based on a number of factors including journey time and cost. It also provides route information and, in terms of public transport, details of available services. Information regarding the MyPTP service has been provided to the Human Capital department for inclusion within staff inductions. The scheme is also advertised via the new Port Travel Plan website (see details below). However, the TPCo only received one request for a Personal Journey Plan during the RP4 period. Travel Plan and Travel Plan Coordination Service To assist raise awareness of Travel Planning measures and the TPCo the Port Travel Plan website was launched in August The travel survey indicated that 61% (RP3: 66%) of staff are aware of the website and how to access it. Staff were also asked to rate the usefulness of the website. 83 staff provided a rating with results as indicated in Table 2.6. Table 2.6 Usefulness of Port Travel Plan website Rating Percentage of Responses Excellent 9.6% Good 69.9% Average 15.7% Poor 4.8% In addition to the launch of the website, a number of additional measures have been implemented to raise awareness. In particular, over the summer of 2017, the TPCo was attending some of the Port terminal operatives morning tool box talks to discuss Travel Planning with Port staff. Notwithstanding this, the staff travel survey has indicated that awareness of the coordination service has decreased to 60.6% in RP3 (66.5%: RP3). Ref: TH/DPW/TP/

11 2.4 Conclusions The survey indicates that the total use of sustainable modes in the RP4 period has decreased from the previous (RP3) period by 6.2% from 24.5% to 18.3%. This is in some part due to the suspension of the 300 bus service providing the only direct public bus connection to the Port. The proportion of journeys attributed to car share has also reduced, notwithstanding the increased number of staff registered to the Liftshare database and registered within Car Share Budi teams. Car share however, still accounts for a reasonably high proportion (nearly 10%) of journeys and overall take up of sustainable modes remains above targeted levels (18.3% in Year 4 compared to a target of 25% in Year 6), notwithstanding the lack of any direct public transport services. Awareness of the Travel Plan measures and TPCo services has reduced slightly but remains strong at around 61%. Additionally, staff awareness of the Port Travel Plan website remains relatively good at 61% with approximately 80% of staff rating the website as Good or Excellent and only approximately 5% rating the website as of Poor quality. In terms of challenges identified by the survey, these remain consistent with the conclusions of RP3, being the lack of direct public transport connectivity and poor quality off road cycle facilities in the wider area (surfacing and lighting on the Manorway). However, cycle access will be significantly improved upon first operational use of the new Port parking facility and discussions are underway regarding the re-establishment of a direct bus service between the Port and Park, Stanford-le-Hope station and the local area. It is hoped that a bus service can be reimplemented early in Growth within the Park development should help to increase bus patronage and thus ability to sustain the service. Survey responses indicate that there is potential to encourage an additional 32% of staff to cycle or utilise public transport for their journeys to work. Based on the results of the staff travel survey, recommendations with respect to the various modes of sustainable transport are provided within the Table provided at Appendix B. Ref: TH/DPW/TP/

12 APPENDIX A Ref: TH/DPW/TP/

13 From: Matt Abbott Sent: 22 September :10 To: * London Gateway <all.staff@londongateway.com> Subject: Staff Travel Survey 2017 Message sent on behalf of Trevor Hutchinson, Travel Plan Coordinator & Head of Planning Colleagues, It is that time of year again when we seek to gather information regarding staff travel patterns. The information we collect helps inform discussions with various public transport operators and local authorities, with the end goal of improving accessibility to DP World London Gateway by all modes of transport. The 2017 staff travel survey shall launch on Friday 29 th September. This year access to the survey is via the Port Travel Plan website To complete the survey simply go to the website and click on the Staff Travel Survey 2017 tab on the Home page. You will then be prompted to answer a number of questions. As an incentive to participate, anyone who completes a survey will be entered into a FREE PRIZE DRAW for the following prizes: 2 night Boutique Escape for Two (choice of over 40 hotels) The View from the Shard with a Three Course Meal for Two at Marco Pierre White's London Steakhouse Co 50 Lakeside gift Card Staff who have completed a survey before the deadline will be entered into the prize draw. Prizes to be drawn during the week commencing 22 nd October. Don t forget to enter your staff identification number to be eligible to claim. The deadline for submission of the Staff Travel Survey will be 4pm on Friday the 20 th October. Any queries please contact the Port Travel Plan coordinator (Trevor Hutchinson) at trevor.hutchinson@dpworld.com Best wishes, Trevor Hutchinson Head of Planning M: +44 (0) T: +44 (0) E: trevor.hutchinson@dpworld.com DP World London Gateway No.1 London Gateway Stanford-le-Hope

14 Essex SS17 9DY UK londongateway.com Safety is sacrosanct; it will not and cannot be compromised. Message sent by: Matt Abbott Communications Manager M: +44 (0) T: +44 (0) E: DP World London Gateway No.1 London Gateway Stanford-le-Hope Essex UK SS17 9DY londongateway.com

15 APPENDIX B Ref: TH/DPW/TP/

16 Initiative Year 1 Target Tear 6 Target Reporting Period Actual Conclusions/Issues Identified Recommendations Car Share 1.2 persons/car 1.25 persons/car 9.65% Further promotion of the benefits of car sharing would be beneficial Process of claiming for a guaranteed ride home has been relaxed but the formal written protocol has yet to be amended and disseminated to staff. This needs to be completed Issues have been identified regarding un-permitted use of Car Share bays and continued vigilance and enforcement by Security staff is required, particularly in relation to the Gate 3 parking area TPCo team to discuss a spring/summer 2018 promotional event with Liftshare TPCo team to amend Guaranteed Ride Home protocol and disseminate to staff Clamping enforcement of Car Share bays to continue Continue to progress discussions regardin reestablished direct bus connection (TBC to tender contract for service). Again consider coordinating a promotion event with re-establishment of bus route Public Transport 5% non car 7.5% non car 5.08% non car Results remain limited by lack of direct public transport links to site and poor quality cycle access facilities to the Gate 3 parking area. SLH rail station improvement scheme being progressed but further measures need to be developed to address the impacts of the level crossing on bus accessibility to the rail station New Port parking area to become operational in November 2017 should significantly improve cycle access, in addition to providing improved arrangements for public transport journeys. Consider coordinating promotional events with opening of facility Walking and Cycling Poor quality cycle access facilities to the Gate 3 parking area and poor connectivity by site shuttle bus to No.1 London Gateway is supressing use of cycling as a means of travel to/from LG TPCo to participate in SEAT Programme Board to explore how SEAT funding award and related initiatives can benefit sustainable travel to DPWLG Incorporate into a promotional event to be held spring/summer 2018 Reitterate to Human Capital team the need to highlight within staff inductions Travel Plan Coordination N/A N/A 60.6% aware of service Awareness still reasonable good but has dropped off slightly over past year Port Travel Plan Coordinator to schedule to attend more morning 'Toolbox talks' and Town Hall events to meet terminal Operatives in person and discuss any issues Continued development and updating of the Port Travel Plan website