PAS 500:2008 National specification for travel plans
Finding ways to make the best possible use of transport infrastructure and minimizing loss of time and economic damage is a clear priority and an activity in which all businesses and sectors of the economy can engage.
Workplace travel plans (WTP) offer one proven methodology for bringing about this change.
A travel plan is a long-term management strategy for an organisation and its various sites that seeks to deliver transport objectives through positive action and is articulated in a document that is regularly reviewed. It provides a coherent approach to transport management that brings benefits to commuters, business travellers, businesses and the urgent need to address climate change, congestion and air pollution problems.
This Publicly Available Specification (PAS) defines requirements for developing and implementing a WTP, including public availability, resources and claims of conformity.
It is intended for use by any organisation planning or developing WTPs and applies to all WTPs and all the situations in which WTPs are initiated, developed and implemented. This includes WTPs:
- initiated as part of an organisational policy to manage transport impacts for the benefit of staff, the environment, corporate social responsibility, the reduction of congestion, the better management of parking and to foster good relationships with neighbours
- submitted with planning applications and/or transport assessments as part of the development control process
- designed to reduce pollution from motor vehicles as part of an air quality strategy.
PAS 500 is applicable in all situations where the term “travel plan” is likely to be used and is deemed relevant to all those involved in the travel plan process. It applies to all the main components of transport generated by a particular site. These include:
- commuter trips made by staff
- trips made by staff in undertaking their duties
- visitors to the site
- contractors involved in carrying out projects at a particular site
- students travelling to university and college campuses
- trips made by all those carrying out work related tasks at premises covered by the travel plan
- trips made by delivery vehicles.
WTPs generate benefits to the business, the local economy, the individual members of staff, the community, the environment and increase the quality of life for all those who live and work in the area or location addressed by the travel plan