8 CONCLUSIONS
8.1 Travel to Work
Overall, car is the most common mode of transport to work but this varies considerably according to work location. At those buildings positioned centrally, with good, direct public transport routes and limited car parking, public transport use is high. In contrast, car use predominates at those buildings further out of town, where car parking is readily available at or near work.
Although many survey respondents are 'environmentally active' to some degree, environmental concern is generally a low priority when choosing how they travel to work. For public transport users, walkers, cyclists and car users alike, the main motivation behind travel choice is time, convenience and flexibility.
There is scope to encourage cycling and walking for those who live close to their workplaces, but others living further away may be reluctant to change travel behaviour. In particular, some car users perceive car as the only viable option due to the time public transport would take.
8.2 Business Travel
For business travel between buildings, public transport is most common, but taxi use is also perceived as normal and acceptable by some and air travel is used by the majority for London trips. Respondents are generally unaware of the Scottish Executive's stance on business travel policy, but most feel that 'value for money' should be a key priority. The majority book travel tickets through Carlson Wagonlit, but there is concern that the SE pays a 'premium' price for these tickets, and a feeling that the SE should be working to negotiate a better deal.
Respondents are unclear whether their priority for business travel should be ticket costs, salary time or environmental impact and clear guidance is needed on these issues. Clearer guidance is also needed on the use of first/standard class travel and open/fixed time air tickets. Effective communication will be critical in conveying these messages.
8.3 SE Travel Initiatives and Facilities
Awareness of the SE Travel Plan is low and there is much scope to promote the plan and its objectives. In contrast, the majority are aware of SE travel initiatives/facilities, but there is varied uptake of these. Suggested improvements to current initiatives include upgrading and extending the video/telephone conferencing facilities, providing a season ticket scheme which is cheaper than direct debit and greater incentives to cycle.
8.4 Travel Plan Opportunities
There is a need to clarify and communicate SE travel policy more clearly. The intranet is one means of doing this, but this may need to be supplemented by other forms of communication. There is also scope to increase awareness of business travel choices through the provision of travel route information. Other options some respondents favour include increased use of home/remote working and there is a willingness to use the video/telephone conferencing facilities. Cycling could be encouraged through small, but meaningful changes to cycle rack provision and building access.