Local planning - development of sustainable infrastructure
Every local authority has a legacy of transport infrastructure which it must manage – existing roads and public transport services – and responsibilities to create new infrastructure which supports and encourages active, low carbon and sustainable transport.
Action to address carbon dioxide emissions from road transport will, in turn, help to address other local priorities around road safety, health and traffic congestion, and will contribute to the achievement of air quality objectives.
Planning is a powerful tool that should be used to deliver sustainable transport infrastructure to new communities, developments and regeneration areas and local planning authorities therefore need to work in close collaboration with spatial planners and others whose work impacts on the transport system. Managing emissions is easiest when planned into developments from the outset, so making well informed decisions on the location of key destinations, developments and facilities will be a key determinant of their long-term sustainability.
Addressing emissions through planning and the delivery of transport infrastructure should be tackled as part of a strategic approach to reducing emissions: a combination of short and long terms goals which engages all sectors of society, so that the infrastructure provided embeds the long term behaviour change and modal shift that makes sustainable transport choices the logical option for constituents.
In England, the third round of Local Transport Plans (LTPs) includes a specific goal to reduce carbon emissions. Whilst more information on the LTP can be found in the appropriate section, it is clear that infrastructure delivered in the next round must enable more journeys to be made on foot or by bicycle, and to favour public transport and low carbon vehicles over conventional vehicles.
This should lead to an increase in walking and cycle networks, more bus lanes, electric vehicle infrastructure and charging points, improved public transport provision and connections, more integrated management of public transport between modes and operators, but also between councils and regions.
In Scotland, protecting the environment is one of five national objectives that Local Transport Strategies should contribute to in a local context. Guidance on Local Transport Strategies states that local authorities should put in place measures to discourage unnecessary use of private transport, and to increase the energy efficiency of transport – for example, by considering alternative fuels, low-carbon vehicles, and travel plans.
It is vitally important to involve spatial planning in decision around transport infrastructure as development of any kind will impact on the numbers of people travelling into, out of, and around developments. This will not only help ensure that emissions associated from transport are considered but should also provide an opportunity to combine resources and achieve a better result at the end.
What can planning do to help curb carbon emissions?
There are a number of ways in which planning can help influence transport infrastructure in a way that minimises emissions.
Key planning measures may include:
- Specifying minimum emissions standards for vehicles used on site.
- Parking management policies favouring more efficient and lower emission vehicles.
- Planning conditions or obligations on developments to provide, or finance, more sustainable transport infrastructure.
- Provision of electric vehicle infrastructure such as parking and charging points.
- Setting up of car clubs deploying low emissions vehicles.
- Creation of a dedicated Low Emission Zone.
Further resources
The following resources have been developed to help plan for sustainable transport infrastructure:
Manual for Streets
Manual for Streets has been produced by the Department for Transport (DfT) and provides guidance for practitioners involved in the planning, design, provision and approval of new residential streets, and modifications to existing ones. It aims to increase the quality of life through good design which creates more people-orientated streets. Similar guidance entitled ‘Designing Streets’ was developed by the Scottish Government and consulted on in early 2009.
Visit the DfT's website for more information on the Manual for Streets
Visit the Scottish Government's website for more information on Designing streets
Building sustainable travel into new development: Options for growth points and eco towns
Also produced by the DfT, this provides guidance on planning, designing and implementing an effective sustainable transport system in new developments.
Good Practice Guidelines: Delivering Travel Plans through the Planning Process
These guidelines provide best practice, drawn from case study research, to help local authorities, developers and planners produce high quality, robust travel plans. The suggested steps are recommendations only, and are not additions to Government policy or law.
Visit the DfT's website to view Good Practice Guidelines: Delivering Travel Plans through the Planning Process
Low Emission Strategies
A comprehensive website containing information, guidance and best practice examples on how to implement low emission strategies. The emphasis is on accelerating the uptake of low emission fuels and technologies which is especially effective in combination with complimentary measures such as smarter choices, green travel planning and investment in public transport.
Visit the Low Emissions Strategies website
Guidance on local transport plans
This has been developed by the Department for Transport as guidance to local transport authorities on the next round of LTPs. For the first time, this includes a goal to reduce carbon emissions and the plans will also cover a longer period of time than the previous five year plans. Further information on the LTP process can also be found on the appropriate page in this section.
Visit the DfT's website for more information on Guidance on local transport plans
Guidance on local transport strategies
The Scottish Government developed this guidance to help local authorities in Scotland to develop effective local transport strategies. It provides guidance about how different types of transport, travel behaviour and demand management can contribute to the delivery of national and local objectives.
Visit the Scottish Government's website more information on local transport strategies
Making Residential Travel Plans work
Guidance from the Department for Transport which includes good practice around planning for new developments.
Visit the DfT's website for more information on Making Residential Travel Plans work
Meeting Targets through Transport
A short guide produced by the Department for Transport in conjunction with Sustrans, Campaign for Better Transport and the Local Government Association, designed to help local authorities when planning and delivering local transport schemes within their community.
Visit the DfT's website for more information on Meeting Targets through Transport
Planning Policy Guidance 13: Transport
In England, Planning Policy Guidance 13 (PPG13) sets out the objectives to integrate planning and transport at the national, regional, strategic and local level and to promote more sustainable transport choices both for carrying people and for moving freight.
Visit CLG's website for more information on Planning Policy Guidance 12: Transport
Scottish Planning Policy 17: Planning for Transport
SPP17 sets out a hierarchy according to which modes of personal transport should be prioritised: accessibility by foot, cycling routes and public transport services should be prioritised over motorised transport.
