Thursday, February 26 2009
Transport planner JMP is assisting Mid-Cheshire College with the implementation of a Travel Plan for its Hartford Campus near Northwich, Cheshire, which it hopes could eventually embrace some ten other educational sites in close proximity.
Although the Campus, two kilometres to the south of the town, has direct access to rail and bus services the College has on-site parking and there is a current heavy reliance on single-occupancy vehicle use among the 2,000 students and 500 staff.
While a significant proportion of the catchment can and do access the site by alternative modes, there is a perception by many that there is no suitable alternative to the car. In addition, the availability of a private travel allowance for qualifying students has served to provide further incentive to its use, at a significant cost to the college.
Now the College is keen to reduce the impact of private car use and to encourage neighbouring educational sites – encompassing primary, secondary and residential schools - to co-operate in promoting car sharing at an area-wide level. A number of these schools immediately surround the college and share the same access routes.
This is seen as a positive contribution to reducing the effect of the ‘school run’ at times of peak congestion as well as ensuring viability and shared financial commitment.