In the second in our blog series, we look at the current policy landscape that shapes CoMoUK’s guidance offering. Our guidance documents are designed to make it easy for developers to deliver shared transport solutions including mobility hubs, in new housing developments.
“The miracle is this: the more we share the more we have.” Leonard Nimoy
Spock’s quote is increasingly appropriate for domestic transport in Scotland, given that it is now accepted that we can no longer plan around the dominance of the private car. Instead it is recognised that we must prioritise alternatives that are less space wasteful and inefficient. The Scottish Government is currently wrestling with how it can achieve its target of a 20 per cent reduction in car kilometres by 2030. One way forward is to better plan how journeys can be undertaken by being able to blend different options, be they public transport, active transport (walking and cycling), or shared transport. Last month’s CoMoUK blog described what a mobility hub is and the planning benefits that can be achieved by implementing one. The article also gave an overview of how they fit in with current transport policy developments, including NPF4 and STPR2.
CoMoUK has recently published three guidance documents to help and support developers in integrating shared transport into their developments. ‘New developments and shared transport: cutting car dependency’ explains how to rethink transport planning in new development schemes and unlock the potential to deliver transport solutions that encourage modal shift from the private car. The document sets out a compelling case for delivery of mobility hubs at the developmental level as we strive to deliver better, more sustainable places to live.
To understand better how mobility hubs can be practically delivered in a new development, CoMoUK has also published the ‘Mobility Hub Toolkit’. This guide takes users through the different steps involved in creating a hub from conception to implementation.
This is complemented by ‘Delivery Models for Mobility Hubs’ which looks at the different ways of delivering a viable mobility hub, covering topics such as funding, procurement and management. There are sections covering the leadership of hubs and collaboration between partners, moving through funding sources and management of risks to guidance on making hubs financially sustainable. The guide also covers different approaches to specification and procurement of mobility hubs, outlining four indicative delivery models.
As development planning and transport planning policy continues to seek a shift away from the dominance of the private car, the appeal of mobility hubs – a combination of public, shared, and active travel modes alongside good quality public realm and community facilities – will hopefully become more widespread. The ability to market all these benefits to prospective buyers is surely a win for most developments that seek to portray a progressive nature to their offering.
One of CoMoUK’s roles is to support delivery of mobility hubs in Scotland, and we are happy to assist anyone considering promoting one in their development. We understand that developers are naturally cautious about dipping their toe into the world of ‘transport’, but finding alternative ways to deliver a development that meets the transport needs of the end-user client is, like the USS Enterprise, about exploring different universes. We want to encourage developers ‘to boldly go’ indeed. The gains far outweigh the negatives – so let logic prevail, and help ensure that everyone can live long and prosper!
For further information or enquire about how CoMoUK can support your shared transport plans, please contact Mark Dowey.
