GNLP 2045 Regulation 20 Scoping Consultation

To improve access the GNLP should be based on having a much better understanding of the current door to door travel behaviours, the options available to people and the latent potential to change behaviours as well as the potential benefits of carpooling, adjusting routes, timetables, infrastructure and vehicles to make transport more convenient, sustainable and affordable. This could be achieved by undertaking a mobility census for all residents and employees every 5 years. The investment needed to undertake the census will deliver a rapid return on investment and enable every future investment into transport infrastructure to be more valuable to the local economy.
For an example of how the process can work quickly and effectively please review what has happened at Queen Elizabeth Hospital where undertaking a travel survey and utilising Mobilityways’ CommuteIQ technology has led to greatly improved access to the hospital with 3 new demand driven bus routes, more active travel and more carpooling.
To achieve net zero objectives the GNLP needs to take into account that it will be impossible to reduce transport emissions in line with the targets (68% by 2030, 81% by 2035) unless petrol and diesel consumption significantly reduces by a minimum of 5%/year, each year. ICE vehicle distance travelled must therefore reduce by 5%/year, each year.
Continuing the trend of EV car uptake will only double the distance travelled by EVs from 6% now to 12% by 2030.
Making ALL buses EVs will save a maximum of 8% of emissions in Norwich
Getting EVERY journey under 5miles done by active travel would save a maximum of 15% of emissions, but a more realistic target of doubling active travel would only save 4% of emissions.
Action must therefore be taken to reduce the number of vehicle miles driven by cars, vans and lorries, and as cars currently emit 58% of emissions in Norwich, this needs to be a focus.
It is therefore essential for the GNLP to have a target to increase car occupancy by a minimum of 2% per year every year and a strategy to shift car drivers to becoming car passengers.
Where the The GNLP says e.g. ‘Increasing the proportion of journeys using active travel modes and public transport, including improving accessibility for all.’ It needs to be amended to say ‘Increasing the proportion of journeys using active travel modes, carpooling, shared mobility and public transport, including improving accessibility for all.’

Norwich should undertake a mobility census every 5 years to find out where all residents and workers travel, when they travel, why they travel and what would encourage them to change their travel patterns.
The insights from the census would provide immediate travel demand data so infrastructure investments can be targeted, co-ordinated and support growth.