Research

Project Experience

Evaluation of the Nottinghamshire Concessionary Travel Scheme – ITP is carrying out a two year study for Nottinghamshire County Council to evaluate the impacts and responses to the countywide free concessionary travel scheme that came into operation in April 2006. The ultimate aim is to provide advice and recommendations on how the scheme should move forward at the end of the two year period. Our work involves extensive data analysis on scheme usage, a major postal survey of 9000 concessionary passholders and on-bus surveys and data collection.

Social Equity Impacts of Congestion Management Strategies for the West - ITP undertook a research study on social impacts associated with alternative congestion management strategies (including options with road user charging) in the West Midlands, on behalf of Centro and the Metropolitan authorities. This included a literature review and analyses including use of accessibility modelling and various GIS modelling tools.

Best Practice Research in Car Sharing and Club Schemes in Closed Communities - ITP was commissioned by the Department for Transport to research best practice in car sharing and car club schemes in closed communities. Both car sharing and car clubs provide significant opportunities for reducing single occupancy car use and promoting social inclusion, contributing to the Government’s objectives asserted in the Transport White Paper and subsequent 10 – Year Plan. The review assessed the effectiveness of current approaches to car share and car club schemes, through a research programme which included an initial desk study, detailed site reviews, and interviews with leading practitioners. The study produced best practice guidelines for car share and car club schemes, aimed at employers, schools, developers and local authorities .

Research into Public Transport Vehicle Options - ITP was commissioned by GMPTE to undertake research that would assist in the understanding of vehicle options and the role that higher quality rubber tyred vehicles may play in achieving significant modal shift towards public transport and key corridors in Greater Manchester. The work involved a review of vehicle options and existing research, and interviews with users of intermediate mode systems in France and the Netherlands .

Clear Zones Coordinator - Dr Nick Ayland (then of TTR, now of ITP) was Coordinator of the DfT-funded Clear Zones initiative from 2004-5, working with a range of organisations (local and central government, as well as private sector organisations) to develop, promote and evaluate the Clear Zones concept. Clear Zones combines demand management measures with ITS and new vehicle technology to achieve town and city centres that are economically vibrant but have an attractive and clean environment.

Leicester City Centre Access Strategy (LCCAS) - ITP was a key member of this major project team addressing future accessibility of Leicester City Centre in the context of major regeneration and development proposals. ITP was responsible for developing the mobility and demand management strategy associated with LCCAS, which includes a wide range of demand management measures ranging from travel awareness and marketing campaigns through to car sharing and car clubs.

Urban Road User Charging Schemes – Policies and Principles - Nick Ayland and Jamie Wheway of ITP led this research project for the Department of Transport which prepared a draft practical guide to assist local authorities in the design, assessment and implementation of RUC schemes. The work involved a review of international experience and practice into all experience in all aspects of road user charging.

Buses and the economy - ITP provided the transport research expertise in this Phase 1 research study to investigate the impacts of pro-bus strategies on local town centre economies. The work involved identifying and classifying a range of case studies and developing an assessment framework.

Low Emission Zone Study for London - Nick Ayland (now of ITP) played a key role in examining practical, operational, regulatory and technological implications of a Low Emission Zone in London. This was a major project that has led to proposals by the Mayor of London to pursue a Low Emission Zone in the capital.

Study into attitudes and behavioural impacts of next generation traffic enforcement systems - Nick Ayland (then with TTR, now of ITP) led a major research study for the Highways Agency to find out how different groups of road users change their attitudes and travel behaviour in an environment of greater monitoring and enforcement. The project used qualitative and quantitative research to assess how increased enforcement of roads affects traveller behaviour and explored the attitudes to enforcement amongst different groups of travellers. The study also looked into the future by assessing different types of enforcement systems and how traveller behaviour will change over time as the deployment of enforcement technology becomes more widespread.

Equity Issues for Fife from RUC Proposals being considered by Edinburgh - ITP worked with Transport & Travel Research and SQW on a study to consider the equity issues for travellers and residents of Fife arising from the likely introduction of road user charging by Edinburgh City Council. The main objective of the study was to identify whether equitable arrangements can be demonstrated between those that pay the charge, contribute to congestion, and benefit from transport projects in which RUC monies are invested. The study estimated the levels of revenue to be "returned" to Fife Council from RUC income to allow investment in effective public transport alternatives in the Fife/Edinburgh corridors, and identify the best means by which Fife can influence investment priorities.

Advice Panel (Energy Efficiency Best Practice Programme) - Jon Parker is currently a member of the DfT sponsored advice panel, offering site specific advice to many schools, colleges and businesses. This role builds upon the national recognition of Jon’s work in these fields. He has worked on over 40 sites under this programme covering small rural primary schools, through top multi-national commercial organisations across the UK . His role is to offer strategic direction, facilitation of stakeholder groups and workshops, identify funding opportunities, technical assistance on scheme development and support organisations in promoting and marketing initiatives. All schools are making excellent progress, and developing community led initiatives that reduce the impact of the private car on the local neighbourhoods.

QUO VADIS - Jon Parker played a significant role in the multi-million euro QUO VADIS project on urban ITS. He was involved in the development of a Driver Route Choice simulator to assess driver response to variable message sign (VMS) legends, and also in the evaluation of various Driver Information Systems. He contributed to the development of the MCONTRM assignment model for the assessment of dynamic route guidance strategies. This resulted in the development of MCONTRM as an automatic VMS plan development tool, and the application of the MCONTRM assignments into the development of expert systems for VMS sign setting.

HERITAGE Project - Nick Ayland led a feasibility study on using intelligent transport systems to address transport and tourism needs in Bath and other European heritage sites, as part of the EC-funded HERITAGE project.