2f How to Conduct a Site Audit

As part of understanding which measures might encourage greater use of public transport, walking and cycling it is advisable to conduct an audit of current transport facilities located on and around your site.

The quantity and type of information that you decide to collect will depend on the scale of your intended Travel Plan and the size of your organisation.

The following provides a guideline of the information that should be collected for a site audit. The list is not exhaustive.

Walking

• number of people who currently walk to work (travel survey)
  
• number of people who could potentially walk to work (travel survey)
  
• walking routes from residential areas
  
• the state of repair of these routes
  
• level of storage facilities available for outdoor clothing

Cycling/ Motorcycling

• number of existing cyclists/ motorcyclists (travel survey)
  
• number of potential cyclists/ motorcyclists (travel survey)
  
• number/condition of secure parking facilities, storage and changing facilities.
  
• details of loans/ discounts available to purchase equipment
  
• local cycling route provision. Is there a network?

Public Transport – Bus, Rail and Metrolink

• number of existing public transport users (travel survey)
  
• number of potential public transport users (travel survey)
  
• distance/location of nearest stations/stops
  
• condition of pedestrian routes from stations/stops to workplace
  
• level and times of service
  
• areas served and connections to other areas
  
• level of information available at stops
  
• condition of waiting facilities
  
• cost and types of tickets

Car Use

• cost of mileage claims
  
• cost of providing company cars
  
• details of mileage rates
  
• essential and casual car user allowances
  
• cost of taxi usage

Car Parking

• number of car parking spaces (with a breakdown of the number reserved for disabled badge holders, visitors, etc.)
  
• allocation of car park permits
  
• level and cost of on-street and off-street parking
  
• any residential areas which may be affected by new parking control measures
  
• parking charges
  
• type of car park control - for example barrier, pay and display, car park attendant
  
• capital and annual cost of car parking spaces
  
• cost of enforcing any parking control system

Notes

• remember to consider the differences in gender and the needs of the mobility impaired
  
• consider using discussions with staff to understand areas of concern for each method of transport (see Section 6a: Raising Awareness Through Discussion and Section 6b: Establishing User Groups)
  
• approach each audit from the perspective of each user so, for example, ‘think’ like a pedestrian, cyclist etc.
  
• you will need to consider the personal safety and security issues surrounding each method of transport
  
• it is worth contacting your local authority to find out what improvements are planned around the site and ask what maps of designated cycling and walking routes are available. In some cases, funding may be available to improve certain routes
  
• Link in with neighbouring organisations; together you can share the costs of implementing a Travel Plan, and form a powerful lobby for improved public transport, discounted tickets, or an improved cycle/pedestrian network

Deciding on Objectives
Keys to Success, Management
Keys to Success, Staff
Staff Travel Survey
Conducting Travel Surveys
How to Conduct a Site Audit
Setting Targets