University of Hull Travel Plan

Travel Plan, Car Parking Charges and Environmental Schemes

In the People and Planet league table of environmental performance, the University of Hull recently moved up to a Second Class Lower Division (2/2) for 2008/9 from being awarded a Third Class (3rd) in 2007/8.  As part of our carbon reduction programme we have made good progress on energy, waste and encouraging bio-diversity but we now also need to cover transport.

A Travel Plan produced in November 2007 proposed ways that the University could encourage staff and students to choose alternative transport modes such as public transport, cycling and walking.  It also recommended that car parking charges be increased, as these were deemed low in contrast with other Universities, and that promotion of 'greener' transport by applying national planning policy would involve measures which would reduce demand for on-site parking, in the longer-term.

Our car park registration charges pay for car parking management comprising registration passes, car park attendant costs, plus relevent maintenance and security. 

The threshold for paying for a full-time permit has been increased to 22.5 hours per week in recognition of the needs of part-time staff.  This effect of increasing the threshold is to reduce parking charges for a large number of part-time staff.  Since some staff have recently asked how increased revenue would be used, it is worthwhile explaining that these charges do provide a fund for environmental, security and access improvements.  Progress has been made through the following measures:

• promotion of cycling through the 'Cycle to Work' scheme, and provision of additional secure cycle parking;

• installing video-conference equipment to reduce the need to travel;

• improving the campus layout by constructing the new Western Entrance incorporating over 300 new parking spaces, with raised road tables designed to provide safer pedestrian crossing points;

• safety improvements aimed at pedestrians and cyclists by adding cycle lanes and new pedestrian routes that also serve Newland School for Girls, at the rear of the campus;

• improved bus stops to the rear of the site on Inglemire Lane;

• installation of additional CCTV security cameras that provide better coverage of vehicle parking areas.

Looking ahead, it is proposed to pursue some additional initiatives relating to transport.  Schemes under consideration include some resurfacing of campus car parking surfaces; measures that would encourage more cycling; encouraging walking by creating a jogging and walking track around the perimeter of the main campus with fitness stops; examining possible use of eco-friendly electrical vehicles for campus deliveries; plus some possible park and ride, or car sharing arrangements.  Comments on any of these proposals would be welcome.

If you wish to know more, the web-links to the following documents are shown below:

The Travel Plan is published on the Facilities Directorate web-site.

The new Green Travel Plan Policy  was introduced on June 2009.