10.9 To reinforce the above policies, dependent on the scale of new development, one of 3 types of Travel Plan (a Measures-only Travel Statement, or a Travel Plan Statement or a Full Travel Plan) should be in place to encourage modal shift, deliver subsequent health benefits from more active travel modes and reduce the impact of congestion.

10.10 Measures-only Travel Statements (MoTS) are suitable for smaller sites where the level of investment is less and unlikely to include large scale measures such as off-site works. MoTS are therefore focussed on on-site actions such as cycle parking, and information/incentive packages for occupiers. There is very little difference between Travel Plan Statements (TPS) and Full Travel Plans with TPS being slightly less onerous than Full Travel Plans to reflect the scale of the development.

10.11 The differences between these types of Travel Plan are best illustrated by reference to Policy TA2, which indicates the different contents required with each type. A summary of the Travel Plan type, its content and when used in applications in relation to a particular land use for outline, full and hybrid applications is shown in table 1 in the policy.

10.12 Similarly the thresholds for each of the travel plan types are set out in the policy. This considers the type of Travel Plan required in relation to the Gross Floor Area (GFA) and employment densities[1]

10.13 There are cost benefits to both the developer and end user in providing greater choice in travel modes. For the developer this often equates to more efficient land use, whilst to the end user the reduced need to use a car can lead to significant monetary savings.

10.14 Somerset County Council has been preparing a guidance document on travel plans and the key elements of this have been taken on board in producing the Policy TA2.

10.15 A summary of the measures is:

• A Site–Specific Travel Information leaflet
• A Smarter Travel Policy Dossier (more in depth than SSDC’s Travel Information Packs)
• Cycle Parking (included in proposed Chard & Yeovil policies)
• Motor Cycle Parking
• Management of car parking at employment sites to seek to prioritise car sharing and minimise use by those employees living within walking or cycling distance or with good public transport links.
• Travel Website
• Travel Information Notice boards (Real-time versions included for Chard & Yeovil)
• Promotional Activity – on street event, fair or other occasion
• Travel Plan Coordinator (Resource included in Chard & Yeovil Policies in respect of Personalised Travel Planning)
• An additional measure should involve the setting up of a Travel Plan Forum to work with neighbouring sites and key stakeholders (or join one if already in existence) to achieve the critical mass necessary to offer significant modal shift.

10.16 The lesser requirement for Travel Plan Statements and Measures only Travel Plans are included in the Policy itself.

10.17 Travel Plans for specific sites should not be seen in isolation. There is greater potential for the delivery of the more significant measures through joint working with other Travel Plans, both new and existing. Travel Plan Forums should therefore be set up to include key stakeholders (developers, public transport, occupiers, employers, residents, as well as SSDC & SCC). Setting up a new Travel Plan Forum or joining with an established Travel Plan Forum is a central role for the Travel Plan Coordinator. The subsequent cooperation between different sites can achieve the critical mass for zonal travel planning to deliver Quality Bus Partnerships (QBPs) for bus routes, car share schemes, infrastructure improvements and other benefits.

10.18 In respect of the Yeovil Eco Town and Urban Extension a Framework Travel Plan (as set out below) should be used to address transport system design issues. This will lay down how the policy measures discussed above can be put in place and delivered. The guidance for transport in eco towns[2] advocates that it should be “articulated in a planning document and its contents will be implemented and subsequently reviewed and revised”.

10.19 The eco-town Framework Travel Plan should set out the following:

• The outcomes to be sought.
• The indicators used and targets to be achieved.
• The means of achieving the outcomes and targets sought using hard and soft measures in the form of an action plan, and the subsequent relationship with lower order travel plans, e.g. for particular activities or sites.
• The monitoring regime.
• The implementation process, considering deliverability and accessibility for different client groups and ages in relating to the location of services and facilities. The Commission for Accessible Transport evaluation methodology should be used.
• The ongoing management arrangements for the construction, occupation and post occupation phases to ensure long-term sustainability.
• The financial provisions.
• The review process.