More than 47,500 new houses are due to be built in Cambridgeshire by 2016. Without appropriate mitigation measures there could be a substantial increase in the number of cars on Cambridgeshire's roads, which would cause an increase in both congestion and pollution. Residential travel plans can assist in addressing problems such as these by encouraging the use of alternative forms of transport.

What is a Residential Travel Plan ?

A residential travel plan is a group of measures designed to reduce the number of single occupancy car trips from a development by implementing a range of measures such as car clubs and parking management.

Benefits to developers can include:

• An increase in the amount of space available for development (i.e. if the number of parking spaces is reduced, there will be more land available to build houses)
• A decrease in car park construction and maintenance costs
• An increase in the speed at which planning permission is decided
• An increase in the likelihood of gaining planning permission
• Improved marketability
• Creating good relations with the local community
• Leading the field in sustainable design

Benefits to residents can include:

• Improved health (i.e. increased fitness and reduced stress and obesity)
• A reduction in travel costs
• A cleaner environment
• Improved accessibility to local services
• Increased road safety
• Reduced travel times
• Improved travel choice
• Reduced congestion and demand for parking spaces
• A reduction in the need to travel

Guidance Document

A document to guide developers on residential travel plans in Cambridgeshire is currently being drafted by Cambridgeshire County Council in conjunction with the district councils.