Much of the congestion in our conurbation occurs at peak rush hour times. It is expensive for employers to provide car parking facilities, and also to have staff sitting in traffic queues rather than at work or leisure.
Poole LA21 have approached and met with several of the larger local employers to exchange
ideas about enabling and encouraging changes to staff habits. We were encouraged both by
the initiatives already occuring at sites, and that the companies were receptive to exchange of
ideas. We intend to continue and expand the process.
Cars . / . Public Transport . / . Cycling . / . At work & videoconferencing . / . Flexible working, teleworking . / . Organisations
| Issue | Commentary |
| Car parking | all companies have experienced pressure on available spaces. One introduced charges for staff several years ago. |
| Car sharing | bulletin of available shares perceive difficulties of policing benefits importance of promotion |
| Parking exclusion zone | two sites have no parking for residents within a certain radius one has parking for essential users only |
| Off-site parking | one firm uses, but parking is in town centre. minibus runs at peak period. |
| Issue | Commentary |
| Buses | One employer prepared to consider subsidy to staff punctuality in rush hour is a problem |
| Minibus | One firm runs minibus from off site parking (at a loss) LA21 suggested running from rail station, and sharing with another employer |
| Trains | Links to sites may be helpful |
| Issue | Commentary |
| Cycle storage | Secure lock up sheds, security cameras |
| Changing room | Lockers, changing and showers |
| Safe routes to site | Employer help identify key routes/problems - ask your staff |
| Barriers to travel | Dress code time delay from changing |
| Car Pool | for staff who may need to travel occasionally at short notice between sites or to customers |
|---|---|
| Bike Pool | where inter-site distances are short (Borough of Poole have 2 bikes) |
| Promote Public Transport | Ability to work or relax during train journeys |
| Videoconferencing | This technology has the potential to reduce the necessity for some staff travelling, either for meetings or to undertake training. One organisation has longstanding experience, others are actively considering pursuing it. |
| Homeworking | Some staff groups do not need to be on site all of the time. They may benefit from a framework for regular or occasional sessions to be home based. This can provide dedicated time to concentrate on complex reports or work. |
|---|---|
| Flexible working | Shifting the start and end of the working day may suit both staff and the employer. |
| Teleworking | Whether by phone or by electronic link, some staff may be equally able to work from home and keep in touch with others or customers. Telephone helpdesks, sales staff, project managers could all operate this way. |
| Questionaires | One employer has undertaken a detailed questionnaire of staff habits and intentions, another is considering a traffic survey on car use. |
| Incentives | breakfast for cyclists, potential car sharers by postcode etc |
| Company | Profile |
| Visited | We are very grateful to representatives of the following ; |
|---|---|
| Barclays International | 2,400 employees |
| Poole Hospital NHS Trust | 3,000 employees, large public access need |
| RNLI | National headquarters and support, in centre of Poole |
| Sunseeker International | Production of powerboats with several sites around the centre of Poole |
| Borough of Poole | 4,000 employees, many sites, public access |
| Contacted | |
| Marconi- Plessey | Traffic Management |
| Post Office | Royal Mail and Parcels |
| Hamworthy Engineering | Marine and specialist engineers |
| Liverpool Victoria | Insurance company at County Gates |
| B&Q Depot | Large DIY store at Fleetsbridge |
| Ryvita | Biscuit makers |
| University Art College |
Large student population |
| Dolphin Packaging | Manufacturer of Cartons and containers |
If you would like to contribute to discussions, we would be pleased to hear from you.
To find out more about any of our projects, contact Kirsten Robb 01202 633062
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