Residential travel plans (RTPs)
A residential travel plan (RTP) outlines the targets and measures that will help reduce the number of single-occupancy car journeys to and from residential developments by encouraging sustainable travel.
Developers must create a RTP in support of any planning application that will create a significant impact on transport. This should then be reviewed and monitored on an annual basis.
Like with all travel plans, it must include:
- clear and achievable aims, objectives and targets
- details of promotion and marketing
- details of monitoring and management procedures.
A RTP is an evolving document, created by the Travel Plan Coordinator and supported by a working group.
RTP working group
To create and support your RTP, you'll need to set up a working group.
This should be made up of:
- a representative from the developer
- a resident group
- members from the local community.
How to create a residential travel plan
You can use Modeshift STARS to help you create a residential travel plan.
The scheme recognises residential developments that have shown excellence in supporting cycling, walking and other forms of sustainable and active travel.
The Modeshift STARS online travel plan toolkit can help with:
- creating, developing and implementing travel plans
- monitoring and evaluating travel plans and initiatives
- recognising and rewarding excellence in the promotion of sustainable and active travel.
We endorse Modeshift STARS to help with creating school travel plans only.
If you're looking to create a residential travel plan and would like to register your interest in using this scheme, please contact us at transportinitiatives@medway.gov.uk.
If there is enough demand for this service, we may be able to fund the extended use of Modeshift STARS to cover residential developments.
Find out more about Modeshift STARS.
Benefits of residential travel plans
RTPs can help:
- reduce travel costs for residents
- build healthy exercise into daily life
- reduce carbon footprint
- make the development more attractive
- increase profit margin as having a RTP can enable higher densities of housing
- potentially reduce the need for expenditure on new transport infrastructure
- reduce air and noise pollution
- reduce possible congestion issues
- raise awareness of sustainable travel choices.
We're currently developing a Medway-wide travel plan for all residential developments to feed into.
This will help Medway move towards a more sustainable way of living through high level partnership working with residents, businesses and developers.
Contact us
If you have any questions or would like to discuss residential travel plans further, please email us at transportinitiatives@medway.gov.uk.