Universitys travel plan praised as an exemplar
The University of Leicester’s travel plan has now been published and has received high praise from the city council.
The project led by Dr Sandra Lee from our Environment Team was described as being of ’a very high standard’ and ‘exemplary.’
The council states: “It really is testament to your hard work that so many practical initiatives have been set up. It is for this reason I use the University of Leicester Travel Plan as the exemplar Travel Plan in the city.”
Trevor Humphreys, Director of Estates, said: “Our Travel Plan is considered an exemplar within and beyond the HE sector and the detailed comments received demonstrate just how well our Plan is regarded and its successful implementation.
“This successful outcome has been led by Sandra Lee who has worked tirelessly to implement all of the original objectives and more. She is to be congratulated for this outstanding success.”
Dr Lee added: “The previous Travel Plan focused on improving alternative commuting options for our staff and students, such as building the underground Bike Park and introducing public transport discounts as well as different types of parking permits to cater for all needs. This new plan focuses on working with local authorities and other large employers to improve the travel infrastructure in Leicester as well as alternatives for business travel.”
The review, conducted by Leicester-based sustainable travel specialist, Go Travel Solutions, revealed that the number of staff and students driving alone has dramatically reduced - from 49 per cent in 2010 to 37 per cent in 2015 for staff and from 9 per cent in 2010 to 5 per cent in 2015 for students.
In addition, staff walking to campus has increased from 16 per cent to 21 per cent and students walking is up from 56 per cent to 62 per cent over the same time period.
The review of the University's Travel Plan included a University-wide staff and student survey, carbon calculations, GIS mapping of postcode data for bus, walk and cycle routes and advice on data capture.