2.1 Introduction
This chapter describes the study structure and the approach that
has been adopted in carrying out each of the elements. It
essentially follows through four hierarchical stages. Subsequent
chapters describe the work associated with each of the elements.
Further background information, associated with a number of study
activities, can be found in the Outline Report submitted to
B&NES Council in January 2002.
2.2 Study Structure
The overall approach to the study is outlined in Figure 2.1. At
the heart of this structure is the interaction between two work
streams:
- A top-down visioning exercise carried out by a panel of
transportation planning experts known as the Oversight Group which
resulted in the development of the transportation vision and its
associated strategies, plans and projects.
- A bottom-up analysis carried out by the Core Team to ensure
that the emerging strategies, plans and projects were practical and
feasible.
Essentially these two work streams progressed in an iterative
fashion until ‘convergence’ was achieved.
In addition, a series of stakeholder consultations was conducted
to obtain a wider set of views on transport matters in B&NES.
The results of these consultations formed input to both the
top-down and bottom-up work streams.
The study outputs are hierarchical, and comprise of the
following:
- A review of the overall B&NES vision and objectives;
- A tangible Transport Vision developed within the context of the
overall vision and objectives;
- A Transport Strategy which defines the means of achieving the
vision; and,
- Transport measures that are the components of the
strategy.
From these outputs, it was then possible to identify those types
of transport interventions, which would need to be implemented by
B&NES Council over and above those already set out in the Local
Transport Plan. This includes measures for the current 5-year
programme and in subsequent periods over the coming 20 years.
The client team of B&NES Officers were actively involved in
the study process providing information and data, reviewing outputs
and taking part in consultations.
2.3 Study Process
The study process is shown in Figure 2.2. This process is
centred on the four hierarchical study outputs, with iteration
between the top-down and bottom-up analysis.
In practice this was achieved by an initial top-down appraisal
which set out a Transport Vision for B&NES and identified the
key issue of achieving modal transfer. Subsequent iteration was
then required to determine a realistic strategy that could effect
the necessary change. In essence this process recognised the real
world constraints and the compromises which would be required.
The scale of iteration required was much greater than that
originally envisaged in the Study Proposal due to the complexity of
the issues. We consider that, despite the additional resources that
this has taken in terms of staff inputs and study duration, this
has improved the quality of the Transport Vision and
Strategy.
2.4 Vision & Objectives
It was first necessary to articulate an acceptable definition of
the over-arching vision and objectives for the B&NES area. This
was done in the first instance through review of existing B&NES
and Government policy statements. It was reinforced through a
stakeholder consultation with B&NES Council Members.
2.5 Transport Vision
The Transport Vision to serve the B&NES vision and
objectives was developed by the Oversight Group using a framework
based on the Government’s 21 transport sub-objectives as set out in
their Guidance on Methodology for Multi Modal Studies (GOMMMS).
Each sub-objective was examined to determine to what degree it was
achieved within B&NES, and whether it had relevance to the
Vision. This was carried out with reference to local studies and
data that described the existing and forecast future transport
situation but was not constrained by this information. The
resultant transport vision was the subject of a presentation to
B&NES members, who provided further feedback.
It should be stressed that this initial ‘uninhibited’ Transport
Vision leant towards an ideal situation for the community, without
taking full account of behavioural and other operational
constraints, which might be in conflict with each other. It was
considered important that this uninhibited vision should be defined
as a goal to be sought and that any compromises and trade-offs be
identified as part of the subsequent stages of transport strategy
development and design of transport measures.
2.6 Transport Strategy
The Transport Vision was translated into a strategy defining the
broad policies and measures that would be necessary to achieve it.
The initial part of this work was to identify the existing and
future problems and issues associated with the Transport Vision and
where necessary, to produce compromises between the elements. Local
studies and data were drawn on where relevant and further analysis
was conducted as necessary. The results of a wider consultation
with some 250-stakeholder organisations were also examined to
identify generally held policy aspirations.
2.7 Transport Measures
The outline of specific key transport measures forming part of
the strategy was developed. This process drew on the assessment of
problems and issues, and was developed through further technical
analysis. At this stage, an assessment of future technological
advances was made to determine the role of technology in executing
the strategy. Specific suggestions arising from the wider
stakeholder consultation were also incorporated, where
appropriate.
Previous |
Next
3 Page of 8
