Coherent District Travel Plan

Zero carbon Harrogate strongly supports a coherent, integrated district travel plan. Researchers have widely accepted that an integrated transport plan will be extremely beneficial to all road users. Not only will carbon emissions be reduced but journeys will become more safer, affordable and convenient. As the Harrogate District is largely rural, Zero Carbon Harrogate supports increasing the transport infrastructure between towns and villages so that residents are less car dependent.

​

Linking up the different modes of transport is key to an integrated plan, increasing flexibility for residents to travel. Zero Carbon Harrogate supports the Harrogate Gateway scheme because it has the potential to set the foundations of an integrated transport plan which can be built on with other projects. For example, the installation of bike racks along Station Parade bus station means that residents will be able to cycle to town and park their bikes safely so that they can get the bus or train to their final destination.

​

Zaro Carbon Harrogate supports increased pedestrianisation in Harrogate town centre. Creating a safer space for pedestrians will encourage more people to walk from further distances. Safer crossings and more low traffic neighbourhood schemes across the district will make it easier for residents to depend less on their cars. Creating lower traffic in the town centre is likely to increase the attractiveness for pedestrians, they may stay longer in the town centre, which is beneficial to the economy. As Harrogate is a very congested town, Zero Carbon Harrogate supports all active transport schemes that are being implemented across the town.

​

Currently there are no cycle routes to link up major areas in the Harrogate area. This includes the residential areas, the town centre and other large destinations like Hornbeam Park. Safer cycle ways are likely to encourage more people to favour cycling instead of using their car. Zero Carbon Harrogate supports the proposed cycle ways of the Active Transport Fund and the Harrogate Gateway Scheme. The projects should act as the beginning of a fully integrated cycle infrastructure within the Harrogate District.

​

Zero Carbon Harrogate supports the increased capacity and affordability of buses and trains in the Harrogate area. Improving public transport routes within the district will encourage more people to take up public transport. For example, there is currently no direct route of public transport between Harrogate and Skipton. Ensuring that the price of public transport is affordable for all residents is also key. As part of an integrated system, having linked passes between bus and train could help encourage residents to use public transport more. For example, if residents are able to travel by bus into town for the train station for no extra cost, their journey will become more convenient.

​

References

 

https://bettertransport.org.uk/sites/default/files/research-files/integrated-transport-a-new-generation.pdf  campaign for better transport

https://globaltransportandlogistics.com/10-most-notable-benefits-of-the-integrated-transport-systems

Integrated Transport Planning: From Supply- to Demand-Oriented Planning. Considering the Benefits

www.harrogateadvertiser.co.uk/news/environment/harrogate-headed-cycle-lane-future-and-if-so-will-it-happen-soon-3131542

www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-york-north-yorkshire-56260253 

http://content.tfl.gov.uk/walking-cycling-economic-benefits-summary-pack.pdf

 

Top

 

Killinghall Bypass

​

Zero Carbon Harrogate strongly opposes the approval of building of the Killinghall bypass.

Studies have shown that building new roads increases the amount of traffic. Only 7% of traffic in the Harrogate area is through traffic, an increase in traffic is likely to remain within the town. In the movement of transitioning to carbon neutral, Zero Carbon Harrogate believes that building new roads sends a mixed message to residents and may encourage further developments similar to the bypass. Transport in Harrogate accounts for almost half of carbon emissions in the area and a new bypass is likely to make reducing emissions more difficult. In addition to extra carbon emissions, the bypass will damage the surrounding countryside. Resources to build the bypass should be invested in alternative transport methods to reduce congestion such as public transport and cycling infrastructure. Zero Carbon Harrogate will support a charging system for peak time traffic or heavy polluting vehicles in the Killinghall area.

 

Top

​

Car Dependent Developments

Zero Carbon Harrogate strongly opposes the building of new housing developments that are car dependent. Harrogate is a vastly expanding town with new developments happening yearly. Without the infrastructure to support buses, trains, walking and cycling hundreds of new households could become car dependent. To reduce car journeys in the development area there should be local facilities within 10 minutes of walking, such as primary schools, shops, sports and health facilities. Pathways to the local facilities should be installed promoting safety and inclusivity, including street lighting, access for wheel chairs and cycle lanes.

​

Zero carbon Harrogate supports the installation of a bus route from the very first residents moving to the development to ensure that there is always an option for residents to not use cars for longer distances. Public transport links in the new development should link up to all nearby major towns and cities.

​

The roads in the surrounding areas of the development should also be considered when planning a new development. Often new developments are built off main roads which can deter people choosing to cycle to their local towns. Within the new development safe cycle routes to the nearby towns and cities should be planned for.

 

References

www.transportfornewhomes.org.uk/new-checklist-to-help-root-out-car-dependent-housing-developments/

www.transportfornewhomes.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/checklist.pdf

​

Top

​

Bus Priority Lanes

Zero Carbon Harrogate strongly supports the installation of bus priority lanes into Harrogate.

Well-designed bus priority lanes can be beneficial for all road users, as a more efficient bus system will have positive knock-on effects to other modes of transport. Due to the reduced amount of traffic on bus priority lanes there is improved bus reliability and passenger journey times. This can encourage more residents to use buses and reduce overall traffic. The reduced traffic makes roads safer for both pedestrians and cyclists.

 

Zero Carbon Harrogate supports the Harrogate Gateway scheme to add priority bus lanes to the town centre. The roads within Harrogate town centre often are congested, particularly during peak times, delaying buses. Therefore, having lanes designated solely for buses will help to improve the efficiency of buses around the town centre and bus station on Station Parade.

 

Top

 

Additional Rail Halts Claro Road

Zero Carbon Harrogate strongly supports the installation of new rail halts such as on Claro Road. Currently in Harrogate there are only five rail way stops. Extra rail halts will make trains more accessible to residents and reduce their journey times. Installing new rail halts will make travelling by train a more convenient option for because residents will have a shorter distance from their home to a railway stop. A closer rail halt may also increase active transport, as the closer stops will be easier to walk and cycle to. Increasing the amount of rail halts over the Harrogate District may also help alleviate congestion travelling into the town centre as Harrogate Station is currently one of the most used stations.

 

Top

 

Low Traffic Neighbourhoods

Zero Carbon Harrogate supports the installation of low traffic neighbourhoods into areas of Harrogate.

 

Low traffic neighbourhoods prevent cars driving through residential areas and keep them on made roads. Measures include traffic cells to create barriers on roads, wider pavements, more crossing areas for pedestrians and cycle lanes A low traffic neighbourhood can encourage active travel, ease the pressure on public transport, increase safety for non-motor travellers and improve local air quality. Zero Carbon Harrogate supports the introduction of low traffic neighbourhoods in the Bilton area and supports further opportunities to introduce them into other areas of Harrogate.

​

Low traffic neighbourhoods have come under criticism by local residents, not only in Harrogate but in other areas where they have been initially implemented. However, there has been evidence that highlights that after a low traffic neighbourhood has been implemented there, local residents can increase their walking or cycling by up to 45 minutes per week. When introducing low traffic neighbourhood measures, Zero Carbon Harrogate believes that it is important for the council to have clear communication to the residents. This includes explaining in full what the potential plans are, giving notice in advance and the opportunity to have a full consultation. The low traffic neighbourhoods need to be planned as an overall vision and not just randomly placed.

​

Top

​

Park and Ride

Creating a park and ride system in Harrogate can provide an interim measure to reduce cars in the town centre. Studies on park and ride operations show that congestion in town centres can be reduced by implementing them. For people who have never travelled by public transport before, park and ride provides a good opportunity for people to start using different modes of transport. However, congestion and air pollution surrounding the park and ride areas can increase. Park and ride need large amounts of space for car parks and roads to be built. To be effective park and ride operations need to be affordable and in a convenient place. Overtime Harrogate should be working towards having a transport infrastructure that will not need cars for any part of the journey.

 

References

Truong, L.C. and Marshall, W.E., 2014. Are park-and-rides saving the environment or just saving parking costs? Case study of Denver, Colorado, light rail system. Transportation Research Record, 2419(1), pp.109-117.

‘Zhao, X., Chen, P., Jiao, J., Chen, X. and Bischak, C., 2019. How does ‘park and ride’perform? An evaluation using longitudinal data. Transport Policy, 74, pp.15-23.

Zhao, X., Chen, P., Jiao, J., Chen, X. and Bischak, C., 2019. How does ‘park and ride’perform? An evaluation using longitudinal data. Transport Policy, 74, pp.15-23.

Wiradinata, I., 2019. A sustainable transportation: a literature study on park and ride in the Bandung metropolitan area. In MATEC Web of Conferences (Vol. 276, p. 03008). EDP Sciences.

www.its.leeds.ac.uk/projects/konsult/private/level2/instruments/instrument035/l2_035b.htm

​

Top

​

Working from Home

Zero Carbon Harrogate strongly supports the movement to flexible working from home and in the office. Working from home reduces the amount of people commuting into town centres. This reduces congestion and improves air quality within cities and towns.

Since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic there has been a huge increase of people working from home. The past 12 months have seen up to a third less traffic on the roads in the UK. When the pandemic has passed Zero Carbon Harrogate supports companies adapting policies that give workers the choice to work more from home. There are also other benefits than environmental to not commuting each day. Congestion is costly to the economy as delays in transport can mean less hours available to work. Commuting less days a week can also help reduce a workers stress levels as they do not have to plan their daily commute.

​

Top

​

Electric Vehicles

Zero Carbon Harrogate supports the installation of electric vehicle charging into the major car parks of the Harrogate District. Zero Carbon Harrogate appreciates that not all journeys can be made by public transport or active travel and supports the increased infrastructure for low carbon alternative vehicles. The electric vehicle market is widely expanding as companies and individuals want to reduce their carbon footprint. Increasing the amount of electric charging stations available for the public to use will encourage residents to consider buying electric vehicles when replacing their car. Having charging stations in each car park can reassure residents that they do not have to worry about whether their car will not have enough charge on their journeys.

​

Top