Our travel plans (STEPS)

STEPS: Sensible Travel Equals Perfect Sense

STEPS started in 1996, as a new innovative idea from Nottinghamshire County Council to assist staff in managing their journeys to work in an environmentally friendly way.  It involved the introduction of a “travel plan” – sometimes called a “commuter plan” – to encompass all modes of travel (bus, tram, train, cycling, car and walking).  Following a staff competition, the name STEPS (Sensible Travel Equals Perfect Sense) was chosen to refer to the commuter plan for Nottinghamshire County Council staff based in West Bridgford.

What does STEPS do?

• STEPS has put in place a wide range of incentives for staff, including cycle facilities, a car share scheme, better public transport and information.  It also looks at other ways of reducing unnecessary car journeys, such as flexible working and video conferencing.
• STEPS is a way of demonstrating good practice to other employers in the County.  As the first Authority to have a travel plan, many large employers have followed suit, including Boots, Experian, Capital One, and Wilkinsons.
• STEPS fits into Government’s Sustainable Development Strategy, carbon reduction targets and the county council’s environment and transportation policies.

It is not an anti-car scheme and recognises that some staff will require the use of a vehicle for journeys to and from work and for their work related journeys.  However, not all drive-alone journeys are necessary and STEPS aims to offer choice to those people who would like to consider alternatives.

STEPS initiatives

• We set up a car share scheme for our staff and offer priority parking spaces for those actively sharing their car.  We also run a "Guaranteed ride home" service for those car sharing who may be stranded if their car share partner has to change plans due to an emergency.  Matchmaker chocolates are also offered when people find a match within the scheme.
• We run an active Bicycle User Group (BUG) that meets three times a year to discuss cycling schemes, facilities and initiatives.  There are 250 BUG members who are part of a cyber network and communicate via e-mail and a website.  Nottinghamshire County Council gets involved in Bike Week, running events such as Bikers Breakfasts, Doctor Bike and "Try a BIke" Day.
• We upgrade facilities at our offices to ensure cyclists and walkers have adequate showering, changing and storage facilities.
• We get involved with the annual "Walk Week" and have a walk to work day, with refreshments, competitions and prizes.
• We have trialled pool cars and purchased cars that workers can share to do work journeys in.

What’s currently happening?

Travel surveys take place every summer to get information about how and why people current travel.  The results of the survey form the next phase of the travel plan and set the priorities across the Authority for the next few years.

This plan paves the way for us to become a UK leader in the development of both workplace and school travel plans. This enables us to offer best practice advice and training in this diverse and growing area.

For more information, please contact STEPS on 0115 9774658 or e-mail:steps@nottscc.gov.uk.