London Fire Brigade
Travel Plan
2013/2018
November 2013
Foreword by Sue Budden Director of Finance and Contractual Services
(senior management champion for environment and sustainability)
I am pleased to introduce the London Fire Brigade’s second Travel Plan.
Travel and transport is recognised as a significant aspect of our operations; it involves not only how LFB
operates its own vehicles but also how staff travel to work every day. This Travel Plan outlines our
approach to managing the impact of this on the environment, our staff and the community we serve for
the next five years.
We had some great successes with our last Travel Plan and our latest staff travel survey has shown
positive results, with 19.48% of respondents cycling to work, compared to a national average of just
2.9% recorded in the 2011 Census. This achievement is even more significant when the recognised
constraints of our organisational role as an emergency responder are taken into account, and shows our
commitment to supporting sustainable transport.
For the first time in this plan we have introduced targets on business travel and awareness, to
accompany our target to increase walking and cycling on the commute to work. To achieve these, we
have outlined the on-going commitments, established by our last Travel Plan, and a range of new
measures are also introduced.
I very much hope that we can all play our part to support this plan wherever possible.
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Contents
Introduction ..............................................................................................................4
Objectives .................................................................................................................6
Recognised Constraints .............................................................................................7
Transport Achievements and Measures to Date ........................................................8
HQ Staff Travel Survey 2013 .................................................................................. 12
Targets, Monitoring and Review ............................................................................. 15
On-going Commitments ......................................................................................... 16
Future Measures..................................................................................................... 17
Appendix A – Policy Context .................................................................................. 21
Appendix B – Staff Travel Survey 2013 Analysis .................................................... 23
Appendix C – Headquarters (Union Street) Site Audit ............................................ 28
Appendix D – Business Audit 2013 ........................................................................ 31
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Introduction
About Us
The London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority (LFEPA) is one of the functional bodies (FBs)of
the Greater London Authority (GLA) and has statutory responsibility for fire fighting and fire safety in
the Greater London area. The London Fire Brigade (LFB) is one of the largest fire-fighting organisations
in the world, protecting people and property from fire within the 1587 square kilometres of Greater
London which has a resident population of 8.2 million, increased by another 500,000 during working
hours.
There are approximately 6550 employees working for the LFB, including approximately 5570
operational fire fighting staff based across our 113 fire stations, 100 control staff and a further 840 nonoperational staff across LFB, with around 600 of these based at our headquarters in Southwark.
Running a 24/7 full time Fire and Rescue Service brings with it operational imperatives that require the
need for flexibility and mobility of its Fire Officers. Therefore many operational staff and operational
support staff at HQ need to be able to travel independently and carry kit to an emergency incident,
which can necessitate vehicle use to deliver an effective service .
We are here to make London a safer city. Our vision is to be a world class fire and rescue service for
London, Londoners and visitors and we aim to be the leader on sustainable development within the UK
Fire and Rescue Service, as it is recognised that as one of London’s largest employers, we have other
responsibilities to meet. This, our second travel plan, addresses our approach to one of those other
areas of responsibility over the next 5 years.
About Travel Plans
A Travel Plan is a general term for a package of measures tailored to the needs of individual sites and
organisations. The principal aim of this Travel Plan is to enable LFB to reduce the impact of its travel
and transport on the environment, without compromising operational effectiveness and to provide
overall corporate direction to all of our sites.
Drivers for the Travel Plan
Although travel is essential for delivery of LFB’s operations, it is also recognised that travel has negative
impacts on the local and global environment and LFB has a responsibility to minimise our contribution.
Journey times can double due to congestion, which can be followed by a frustrating hunt for a parking
space. Air pollution from traffic worsens asthma and respiratory ailments. Additionally the transport
sector generates CO 2 emissions, which is the principal greenhouse gas causing climate change.
Central Government is encouraging more sustainable travel through various regulations, policies and
guidelines, which should improve travel choice and conditions. There are also a number of regional
policies and existing internal policies/issues that the implementation of this Travel Plan will help to
deliver (please see Appendix A for details of the policy context).
In response to these national, regional and local policies, and our impact on the environment and local
travel conditions, LFB has produced our second Travel Plan to help manage and reduce that impact and
improve travel choices for staff. It will encourage staff to consider lower impact travel options and aims
to support the operational effectiveness of our business whilst reducing our impact on the environment
and congestion on local roads.
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Benefits of the Travel Plan
A Travel Plan offers real benefits, not only to our organisation and employees, but also to the
community we serve. The wide ranging benefits impact positively upon all 6 of the key themes outlined
by the brigade’s Sustainable Development Strategy.
Sustainable Development Strategy Themes
Benefits
Equality and
Social
Inclusion
Health,
Safety and
Wellbeing
More healthy and productive
workforce from increased
fitness incentives such as
cycling and walking
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Integrated accessibility
considerations
Reduction in traffic
congestion and car parking
demand in London
Reduced car traffic on the
roads will also reduce the risk
of road traffic accidents in the
area as there will be fewer
potential conflicts.
Time/Energy/Cost Saving by
reduction in unnecessary
journeys
Improved local air quality
resulting in a healthier
atmosphere and reduction in
the emissions that worsen
asthma and respiratory
ailments
Reduction of CO 2 and other
emissions into the
atmosphere
Reduction in impacts at a
national/global level such as
climate change
Reduction in noise pollution
and dirt in the local
environment
Complimentary to the
brigade’s Environmental
Management System
Influencing change in
suppliers and other
organisations
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Environment
and its
Resources
Climate
Change
Community
Safety
Economic
Prosperity
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Objectives
The main objective of this Travel Plan is to minimise environmental impacts resulting from LFB’s travel
and transport. It is recognised that in order to provide a cost effective, efficient and effective
emergency service some operational staff need the use of a car and this is taken into consideration
(please see Recognised Constraints section for full details). LFB will strive to help staff choose more
sustainable options, where practicable, such as walking and cycling, by providing the facilities and
information to do so.
1
To reduce environmental, social and business impacts
associated with travel and transport.
2
To promote sustainable travel and raise awareness of travel
choice amongst employees.
3
To provide leadership by example to other organisations in
London and to other Fire and Rescue Services.
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Recognised Constraints
The following constraints currently create challenges for travel planning at LFB:
1. The nature of LFB’s business as an emergency responder means that our first priority is to
minimise the risks, and impact of fire and other hazards.
2. London’s status as a world city, and in particular the reputation of LFB, means that we attract
staff from across a wide geographical area, resulting in commuting distances that can be
relatively high when compared to other UK organisations.
3. Shift and standby patterns for operational staff leads to a substantial number of staff working
during anti-social hours when there may be infrequent or no public transport and cycling and
walking may be considered unsafe. However, shift patterns do mean that a considerable
amount of travel to and from work is completed outside of peak hours, reducing LFB’s
contribution to congestion on roads and overcrowding on public transport.
4. Due to contractual requirements it is challenging for some staff to walk, cycle or use public
transport because of “on call duties” and equipment/kit requirements, necessary to maintain
operational effectiveness.
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Transport Achievements and Measures to Date
As this is the brigade’s second Travel Plan, much progress has already been achieved on the transport
agenda. To demonstrate our position to date and monitor the change since the last travel plan, a
Transport Site Audit of the Headquarters building at Union Street (Appendix C) and a Transport
Business Audit (Appendix D) have been completed.
Fleet
LFB currently has 544 fleet vehicles. In 2012/13 fuel costs were £1,310k and the fleet produced 3.49
tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO 2 ).
A major vehicle investment programme ensured that all our frontline vehicles were Euro 3 compliant by
February 2008, in line with the requirements of the Mayor of London’s Low Emission Zone (LEZ). By
2012/13 41.51 per cent of our fleet is Euro 4 compliant and 5.72 per cent is Euro 5 compliant.
Full data on our fleet is reported in our Sustainable Development Annual Report and is summarised in
Table 1 below.
Table 1: Fleet Data
Fleet Data
2008/09
2009/10
2010/11
2011/12
2012/13
Total No. LFEPA vehicles
543
553
559[i]
544
544
Total diesel fuel used by
LFEPA frontline fleet (L)
1823529
1527582
1514417
1432756
1310686
% Pre Euro N 3 /N 2 /M 3
3.08
1.68
1.65
1.42
1.29%
% Euro I N 3 /N 2 /M 3
5.88
4.76
3.58
1.99
1.29%
% Euro II N 3 /N 2 /M 3
4.48
4.48
4.13
3.4
2.58%
% Euro III N 3 /N 2 /M 3
79.55
81.23
81.54
83.48
46.68%
% Euro IV N 3 /N 2 /M 3
7
7.84
6.61[ii]
6.84
41.51%
2.56
5.72%
3,800,065
3,491,554
% Euro V N 3 /N 2 /M 3
Fleet CO 2 Emissions (Kg)
4,969,274
4,103,274
4,011,939
[i] The replacement of our Heavy Demountable Chassis vehicles with bespoke bulk foam and hose layer units has enabled
further reduction
[ii] 2010/11 Euro figures do not add up to 100 per cent due to incomplete data on our fleet.
Car Schemes (Grey Fleet)
LFB’s Grey Fleet is made up with our lease, essential and casual car user schemes. The car schemes are
available to staff who are deemed by the Brigade to be users whose duties are of such a nature that it is
either essential for them to have a car at their disposal or beneficial (depending on the nature of their
role).
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A full Car Scheme review was undertaken in late 2011, covering all our schemes. The review led to the
introduction of a policy which restricts vehicles to less polluting models. Vehicles must be rated at
150g/km CO 2 or less on all schemes. The Brigade lease car subsidy is set at £4790 if the car is rated at
up to 120 g/km CO 2 , or £2395 (50 per cent rate) if the car is rated between 121g/km CO 2 and
150g/km CO 2 .
Full data on our grey fleet is reported in our Sustainable Development Annual Report and is
summarised in Table 2 below.
Table 2: Grey Fleet Data
Grey Fleet Data
2008/09
2009/10
2010/11
2011/12
2012/13
Grey fleet miles[iii]
2,235,905
2,223,232
2,645,017
2,319,869
1,534,335
Grey Fleet CO 2 emissions
(Kg)
740,071
735,876
875,484
767,862
487,459
[iii] Grey fleet miles provided in reports prior to 2009/10 were estimated using an average annual mileage per vehicle, from
2009/10 actual miles are reported taken from expenses claimed.
Home to office car mileage was withdrawn as a part of the Invest to Save agreement 2012, which
accounts for the significant drop in grey fleet miles claimed over the last year.
Electric Vehicles (EVs)
We have been actively working to identify opportunities to introduce EVs in our fleet for a number of
years, successfully introducing six hybrid vehicles in 2003. After over five years of use, the EVs proved
uneconomical at the time of their replacement, however, we have continued to look for opportunities to
introduce them into our fleet. Since 2008 we have undertaken trials of the Modec 5.5t, Mitsubishi
MIEV, Nissan leaf, Toyota Prius, Toyota Plugged in Prius and most recently the Vauxhall Ampera as a
result of our participation in the Energy Savings Trust (EST) Plugged in Fleets Initiative (PIFI).
The Plugged in Fleets Initiative [PIFI]
LFB participated in a recent PIFI project aimed at encouraging the take up of electric vehicles in
business by providing a practical and real-world insight into where and how electric vehicles (EVs)
could be adopted. The analysis completed considered the financial and operational viability of EV’s
together with an assessment of the infrastructure implications. Opportunities were identified for the use
of EVs in operational duties within the Water Team fleet and also for the Duty Transport Officers
(DTO). Whilst the technology identified can meet our requirements, the vehicles remain financially
unviable at present. The infrastructure report from EDF Energy did however show that it is feasible to
install charging infrastructure at our sites.
Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure
We know that introducing EVs into our fleet is a case of ‘when’ rather than ‘if’ and are therefore
submitting an application for the installation of charge points at 79 Brigade sites. Installing charge point
infrastructure at a majority of our sites will be a significant step towards ‘future-proofing’ the Brigade for
the introduction of EVs into our fleet and supporting our on-going trials of EVs. It would also support
those staff on our lease scheme that are early adopters of EVs, signal to staff that EVs are a viable
option, and show commitment to the Mayor’s wider agenda.
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FIRED –uP
London Fire Brigade and the City of Ghent, Belgium are cooperating in a three-year project, which
focuses on innovation in procurement as a way of improving the environmental performance of fire
service fleets. It is co-financed under the Competitiveness and Innovation Programme of the European
Commission, with full details publically available on a dedicated website www.fired-up.eu.
Parking
191 car parking spaces were originally identified for qualifying staff at Union St and Southwark Training
Centre. Since the last travel plan was published , this has been reduced to 133, which represents just
over a 30 per cent reduction in car parking spaces available at our headquarters.
Logistics
Significant progress has been made on the rationalisation of deliveries through our Brigade Distribution
Centre. A logistics review was undertaken and the Logistics Efficiency Project Report was produced in
September 2010. This resulted in the reduction in our vehicles/distribution routes from 8 to 6 and
brought the distribution of many items in-house. Cross-docking is sought for all new contracts requiring
distribution.
Walking and Cycling
Of the 1566 employees, who completed our 2013 travel survey, 16.41per cent staff live within 5 miles
of their workplace, a distance generally considered appropriate for walking or cycling. However, 22.61
per cent of employees responding to our survey reported walking or cycling to work as their main
mode of transport.
LFB has implemented a number walking and cycling measures:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Free lockers are available for staff to store their cycling gear at Union Street Headquarters and
all Fire Stations;
Showers are available at all sites;
Walking and cycling route maps are provided for staff and visitors for all sites;
Mileage rates paid for cycling for business travel have been increased from 2 pence per mile to
20 pence per mile;
Bikes 4 Work Scheme, which began in 2008 offers employees tax free bicycles and cycling
equipment. The scheme has been run 7 times to date, with 3,587 orders made;
Covered, secure cycle storage is provided for staff to store their bicycles at the majority of sites;
Commitment to provide secure, covered and well lit cycle rack storage facilities for a minimum
of 4 cycles or 10 per cent of building users plus a minimum of 10 per cent of building visitors,
whichever is greater, has been added to our Standard Station Design Brief;
Assessment of cycle storage facilities has been added to our programme of internal Health,
Safety and Environment Premises Audits;
Staff are supported to use the Barclays Cycle Hire scheme for short journeys. For journeys of
up to 30 minutes the Brigade will reimburse evidenced usage at a rate of £1 per day.
Air Travel
Staff travelled 161, 276.86 miles by air in 2012/13. This represents an increase on the previous year
and a change in the decreasing trend shown over the previous four years as summarised in Table 3
below.
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Table 3: Air Travel Data
Air Travel
2008/09
2009/10
2010/11
2011/12
2012/13
Miles Travelled
162,858
153,635
101,662
36,165
161,276.86
CO 2 from Air Travel (kg)
32,731
30,735
19,846.33
7,630.00
32,097.03
Overseas air travel requires formal approval by our Commissioner and is not encouraged. Furthermore,
LFB has committed to carbon off-set the small amount of necessary air travel incurred since 2011/12.
Awareness Raising
A range of initiatives have been undertaken to promote sustainable travel and raise awareness of travel
choice amongst employees including:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Travel surveys completed biennially with promotional emails sent to all staff and supporting
intranet articles;
Volunteer Green Champions scheme developed with approximately 200 volunteers currently
registered, receiving a range of training and regular communications such as newsletters;
Transport information posters created for stations;
Sustainable transport integrated into ‘Climate Week’ observations in 2013, including free
guided walks for Southwark Training Centre/Union Street Headquarters based staff;
‘Walk to Work Week’ observed and promoted for 4 years in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012;
Over 500 pedometers and 50 foot care kits and shoe bags given away to staff pledging to Walk
to Work;
Bike Doctor sessions provided annually at Southwark Training Centre/Union Street
Headquarters for the past 3 years and at a further 3 fire stations;
‘Bike Week’ promoted every year to coincide with Bikes4Work scheme promotion;
Toolbox Talks on Eco-driving and Alternative fuels developed for Green Champions.
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HQ Staff Travel Survey 2013
In order to assess travel habits, enable consultation and raise awareness, staff travel surveys are
conducted biennially. The latest travel survey invited 6550 employees to respond and ran for one
month starting in June 2013. During this period 1566 responses were recorded on the electronic
database (a 23.91per cent return rate). Of those responses 445 were from non-operational staff and
1,121 were from operational staff.
This has provided comparison figures for our previous 2011survey, allowing us to observe trends and
changes – please see Appendix B for the full HQ Staff Travel Survey Report.
Journey to Work
The main mode of transport to commute to work was by single occupancy car travel for 42.59 per cent
of all respondents. Public transport represented just over 24 per cent, 19.48 per cent cycle to work and
3.13 per cent of all respondents walk to work (Figure 1).
Figure 1: Main Mode of Transport to Work
Walk
3.13%
Other
0.51%
Cycle
19.48%
Car Driver (Alone)
42.59%
Motorbike
6.07%
Train
14.50%
Underground
7.02%
DLR/Tram
0.19%
Bus/Coach
2.81%
Car Passenger
0.38%
Car Driver
(With
Others)
3.32%
When asked about alternatives to single occupancy car/motor vehicle journeys only 8 per cent of
respondents indicated that there were no alternatives. The preferred method for an alternative travel
option was public transport (44 per cent), followed by cycling (20.79 per cent). The main reason for the
choice of travel method was that it was the quickest method (28 per cent).
In response to what would encourage staff to cycle or walk to work, good cycle routes (31.74 per cent),
good weather (24.07 per cent) and mileage allowance for cycling (20.43 per cent) were the options
which were rated highest in the list of incentives, others such as changing and shower facilities were
also noted. Where distance was felt to be prohibitive to cycling, some respondents suggested possible
ways to break up their journey’s, by providing comments such as:
“The distance I travel from home to work is too far to cycle but I would like the
opportunity to park my vehicle part way on my journey and cycle in the rest”
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Cheaper travel was the most significant option that would encourage more people to consider public
transport over car travel (35.07 per cent).
Business Travel
Business travel was carried out by just over 68 per cent of all respondents. 40.76 per cent of
respondents who travel for business did so less than once a month. However, just over 11 per cent of
respondents who travel for business do so every day. Other LFB premises were visited most frequently
(65.27 per cent). The most frequent distance travelled in a week on business travel was less than 2
miles. The highest proportion of respondents reported to use public transport (56.17 per cent) when
travelling on business, which is high when considering just over 42% use the car as their main mode of
transport to work. However, 23.40 per cent use a private vehicle when travelling on business , 8.91 per
cent use lease/essential cars, 6.41 per cent use fleet vehicles, 1.86 per cent are car passengers and only
1.76 per cent cycle and only 1.49 per cent walk.
Car Sharing
24.44 per cent of respondents using the car/motor vehicle as their main mode of transport to work
indicated that there was nothing that would encourage them to car share, however, 56.45 per cent
indicated that there were factors that would encourage them to car share, with the highest being
finding someone who lives close by (22.92 per cent) and finding someone who shares the same
working pattern (12.84 per cent). 3.90 per cent of respondents noted that they already car share.
Electric and Hybrid Vehicles
1.47 per cent of respondents indicated that they already drive an electric and/or hybrid vehicle as their
main mode of transport to work. Of the respondents who do not drive an electric and/or hybrid
vehicle, 38.89 per cent indicated that cost was a limiting factor and 39.78 per cent of respondents
noted that the lack of charging points near home and work was a concern, preventing them from
driving an electric vehicle.
Awareness
When asked about awareness of brigade schemes and facilities, familiarity was low across a range of
initiatives to support sustainable travel. Only 24.90 per cent of respondents were aware of video
conferencing facilities and only 22.16 per cent were aware of teleconferencing facilities. The greatest
awareness was noted for Bikes 4 Work, with 91.51 per cent of respondents being familiar with the
scheme (Figure 2).
Figure 2: Awareness of Schemes/Facilities
100.00%
90.00%
80.00%
70.00%
60.00%
50.00%
40.00%
30.00%
20.00%
10.00%
0.00%
91.51%
47.45%
24.90%
53.70%
22.16%
5.36%
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Survey Conclusions
What is clear from the survey is that there is a fairly widespread use of the more sustainable forms of
transport (public transport, walking and cycling). Despite the recognised restraints of our organisation,
we have a particularly high percentage of staff (19.48%) cycling to work as their main mode of
transport, when compared to the 2011 Census results in which just 2.9% (760,000)of the UK population
stated they cycled to work. When broken down by local authority, Hackney was the only London
borough to appear in the 2011 Census’s top five highest proportion of people cycling to work at 14.6%,
and LFB’s cycle rate is outperforming even this. This can likely be attributed to our successful Bikes 4
Work Scheme and a healthy and active workforce culture.
The proportionately high percentage (42.59%) of staff commuting via single-occupancy car travel, is still
significantly lower than the 57.5% (15.3 million) of the UK population who stated they travelled to work
by driving a car or van in the 2011 Census.
However, despite the positive results observed, the survey does suggest that there may be some
opportunities to reduce the environmental impact of our travel further still. There is clear potential
around car sharing, electric vehicles and raising awareness of the facilities and schemes we already
have in place.
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Targets, Monitoring and Review
These Travel Plan targets and initiatives to support leadership, are derived from consideration of the
current position and what is reasonable in light of operational constraints. Progress against these will
be reviewed biennially through travel surveys. Where appropriate, targets will be revised upwards for
any targets that are easily met.
This Travel Plan will be reviewed every 5 years. Monitoring data will be reported annually in our
Sustainable Development Annual Reports, published on our website.
Travel
Mode
Air Travel
Walking
and
Cycling
Target/
Initiative to Support
Leadership
12/13 Position
• 161,276.86 miles in 2012/13
• CO 2 from Air Travel (kg)32,097
in 2012/13
• 22.61% of employees
responding to our 2013 survey
walk or cycle to work as there
main mode of transport
• 3,587 orders made on Bike
Scheme since 2008 (including
bike accessories) total value of
approximately £2.3 million
• Only 22.16% of respondents
were aware of teleconferencing
facilities
Business
Travel
Fleet
When travelling on business in the
2013 survey:
• 56% use public transport (56%)
• 23% use a private vehicle
• 8.91% use lease/essential cars
• 6.41% use fleet vehicles
• 1.86% are car passengers
• 1.76% cycle
• 1.49% walk
In 2012/13:
• 544 fleet vehicles
• Spent £1,310,686 gross on fuel
• Produced 3,491,554 kg CO 2
Zero emissions through
off-setting
10% increase from 2011
baseline in staff walking or
cycling to work as their
main mode of transport by
2018
Monitored
Expenses Claims
Off-setting
contributions
Staff Survey
Monitoring uptake of
“Bikes 4 Work
Scheme”
Staff survey
20% increase in awareness
of teleconferencing
facilities by 2018
5% increase in use of
walking, cycling or public
transport for business
travel
Establish emissions
monitoring process for
NOx and PM10s
Page 15 of 33
Mileage Claims
Staff Survey
Monitoring uptake of
“Bikes 4 Work
Scheme”
Fleet composition
Fuel Spend
Fleet CO 2 emissions
On-going Commitments
Several on-going commitments will be maintained in order to support our Travel Plan Objectives.
Objectives
To reduce environmental,
social and business impacts
associated with travel and
transport
To promote sustainable
travel and raise awareness
of travel choice amongst
employees
To provide leadership by
example to other
organisations in London
and to other Fire and
Rescue Services
Commitment
Delivery Team/
Department
We will ensure all new and revised brigade policies are
assessed for travel impacts through the Sustainable
Development Impact Assessment process
Sustainable
Development
We will off-set carbon emissions from all flights through an
off-setting scheme (such as DEFRA’s)
Sustainable
Development
We will continue to reduce deliveries to fire stations, utilising
our distribution centre and our cross-docking system
Procurement
We will continue to provide a “Bikes 4 Work” Scheme
HRD
We will provide ‘Bike Doctor’ services at least annually for
headquarters office
Sustainable
Development
We will ensure the provision of secure, covered and well lit
cycle rack storage facilities for a minimum of 4 cycles or 10%
of building users plus a minimum of 10% of building visitors,
whichever is greater through our Station Design Brief
Technical Service
Support (TSS)
Continue to trial electric vehicles with a view to identifying
potential vehicles to introduce into fleet
Technical Service
Support (TSS)
We will complete a biennial travel survey of staff at all LFB
sites
Sustainable
Development
We will report biennially on travel survey results and
progress of travel plan implementation to Corporate
Management Board
Sustainable
Development
We will continue to produce communications for all staff and
provide information to promote sustainable travel choices
and initiatives e.g. “Bike-Week”, Barclays Bikes, public
transport choices, via our intranet and internal publications
Communications
We will conduct awareness raising activities of our existing
and new policies, provisions and facilities, using our
volunteer Green Champions, Toolbox Talks and events
Sustainable
Development
We will continue to provide an interest free season ticket
Loan Scheme
HRD
We will publish fleet performance data and travel survey
data, in our externally available Sustainable Development
Annual Report
Sustainable
Development
We will maintain the BREEAM credits for ‘Travel Plan and
Cycling’ as “Priority” credits for LFB for all new builds and
major refurbishments, including the credits TRA3-TRA8
Technical Service
Support (TSS)
To maintain Bronze level accreditation with the freight
Operators Recognition Scheme
Technical Service
Support (TSS)
Page 16 of 33
Future Measures
A variety of future measures will be implemented across LFB sites in order to achieve our Objectives
and Targets. Measures will be implemented over the following timescales;
 Short – should be achieved within 18 months. Short may mean it is achieved at one site in this
timeframe and then another site may be targeted.
 Medium – should be achieved within 2-3 years. Medium may mean it is achieved at one site in
this timeframe and then another site may be targeted.
 Long – should be achieved within 5 years.
Target
Area
Flexible and
Smart
Working
Practices
Managing
our Estate
Fleet and
Car
Schemes
Beneficiary
Employees
Travel Plan Measures 2013-2018
Timescale
Delivery
Department/
Team
All
Evaluate potential to improve
“Electronic Working” facilities and
practices such as webinar facilities and
video conferencing, to reduce the
need to travel
Long
ITC
Nonoperational
Recommend a ‘Home Working’
policy, to reduce the need to travel or
travel at peak times and to support
employees with accessibility issues
Medium
HRD
Operational
Implement and support individual
Travel Plans for any new/major
refurbishment Fire Stations as have
been developed under planning
conditions
Long
Property/
Sustainable
Development
Team/ PFI
Provider
All
Expand the transport site audit
beyond HQ, utilising station based
green champions to complete site
audits
Long
Sustainable
Development
Team
Operational
Review emissions limits for vehicles
permissible within car schemes and
incentivise with increased subsidy for
lower emission vehicles, in line with
HMRC rates, as and when they
change
Long
HRD/
Procurement
All
Investigate the viability of establishing
a car sharing resource
Medium
Sustainable
Development
Team
Operational
Engage with the market to identify an
innovative approach to improve the
efficiency of fire service vehicles and
reduce the environmental impact of
our fleet, through the EU funded
FIRED-uP project.
Medium
Procurement /
Technical
Service Support
(TSS)
Page 17 of 33
Target
Area
Beneficiary
Employees
Timescale
Delivery
Department/
Team
Operational
and Public
Introduce Cycle Safety provisions for
vehicles into our fleet
Long
Technical
Service Support
(TSS)
All
Achieve Gold Standard of the Freight
Operators Recognition Scheme
Long
Technical
Service Support
(TSS)
Operational
Improve the quality of data we hold in
relation to our fleet, with a view to
establishing a reliable baseline for air
pollution (including CO 2 emissions,
NO X and PM10)
Medium
Technical
Service Support
(TSS)
Operational
Investigate potential for operational kit
storage to reduce kit carrying
requirements for those on longer term
standby’s who choose to cycle
Long
Operations,
Prevention and
Response
All
Review Policy 378 - Parking of nonAuthority vehicles, including motor or
pedal cycles, on Authority premises,
to consider the inclusion of provision
for parking applications to be made
for outer London stations, allowing
the inner London part of a journey to
be cycled for those employees living
further afield (including an
assessment of whether this would
positively or negatively effect miles
driven i.e. those using public
transport might be encouraged to
drive part of their journey)
Short
HRD/ Technical
Service Support
(TSS)
All
Amend Policy 514 – Subsistence and
Public Transport Expenses, to include
a limiting distance to travel on
Authority business using single
occupancy car travel
Short
HRD
Operational
Agree revision to Policy 813 – Driving
Whilst on Authority Business, to
include commitment to ‘Eco-driving’
to reduce emissions within the driver
training programme
Short
Operational
Procedures
Operational
Implement changes to include ‘ecodriving’ to reduce emissions within
the driver training programme to
reflect internal policy
Medium
HRD/Training
All
Implement Eco-driver e-learning for all
car scheme users
Medium
Sustainable
Development
Driving
Practices
Eco-driving
Travel Plan Measures 2013-2018
Page 18 of 33
Target
Area
Beneficiary
Employees
Travel Plan Measures 2013-2018
Timescale
Delivery
Department/
Team
Team
All
Investigate opportunities for installing
Charging Points on brigade sites
Short
Sustainable
Development
Team
All
Subject to ensuring compliance with
relevant HMG ICT security standards
and controls (relating to the
management of end-user devices)
investigate the potential use
of electric vehicle and charge
point apps such as Polar Network –
accessed through brigade issued
mobile phones
Short
ITC
All
Participate in Mayor’s Cleaner
Vehicles Initiative
Long
Technical
Service Support
(TSS)
All
Introduce restrictions into Policy 514 –
Subsistence and Public Transport
Expenses, to ensure ALL flights
require Commissioner approval and
not just those picked up by Policy 596
– Arrangements for Overseas Travel
Medium
HRD
All
Amend Policy 514 – Subsistence and
Public Transport Expenses, to specify
that all flights should be booked
through the brigade’s current travel
booking agency
Medium
HRD
All
Review Policy 596 – Arrangements for
Overseas Travel to include a minimum
distance or time for journeys made by
air
Long
Democratic
Services
All
Investigate partnership opportunities
to signpost staff to cycle proficiency
training
Medium
Sustainable
Development
Team
All
Evaluate the potential of developing
corporate links with/promotion of
digital cycling tools such as
Pleasecycle
Medium
Sustainable
Development
Team
All
Subject to ensuring compliance with
relevant HMG ICT security standards
and controls (relating to the
management of end-user devices),
investigate the potential use of cycling
and walking apps such as Strava,
Short
ITC
Electric
Vehicles
Air Travel
Cycling and
Walking
Page 19 of 33
Target
Area
Beneficiary
Employees
Travel Plan Measures 2013-2018
Timescale
Delivery
Department/
Team
Stravel, Citymapper and MapMyWalk
– accessed through brigade issued
mobile phones
All
Pending the outcome of the Central
Government trial (where part time
workers can buy reduced rate travel
for the days that they work)
implement any necessary changes to
the season ticket loan scheme for
part-time workers
Long
HRD
All
Set targets with key suppliers to
reduce their emissions
On-going
Sustainable
Development
Group/Procure
ment
All
Introduce emissions targets into our
fleet service contract
Long
Procurement
Operational
and Public
Introduce Cycle Safety provisions for
vehicles into key contracts
Long
Procurement
All
Require Key Suppliers to achieve the
Freight Operators Recognition
Scheme Bronze accreditation
Long
Procurement
Public
Transport
Suppliers
Page 20 of 33
Appendix A - Policy Context
Travel plans are an integral part of the Government’s policy for the creation of sustainable
communities at the national, regional and local level. They are key elements of national transport,
planning and housing policies as well as at the regional, local and organisational policy level.
National Policy Context
The Transport White paper “Creating Growth, Cutting Carbon: Making Sustainable Local Transport
Happen” clearly supports and encourages the development of Travel Plans and states:
“The Government wants to encourage and enable more sustainable transport choices. Enabling choice
is epitomised by the “nudge” concept, which works with human behavioural tendencies to encourage
“good” choices. To count as a “nudge” an intervention must be easy and must not forbid choice. In
transport terms, this might be exemplified by reducing unnecessary signs, posts and other street clutter
to improve road safety and encourage walking, by travel planning, or by presenting information in such
a way as to encourage choice.”
The policies of Central Government regarding sustainable transport policies are set out in Planning
Policy Guidance Note 13: Transport (PPG13). Paragraphs 87-91 of PPG13 give a clear indication of
Central Government’s intention to “promote the widespread use of Green Transport Plans amongst
businesses”.
PPG13 notes that “The Government wants to help raise awareness of the impacts of travel decisions
and promote the widespread use of Travel Plans amongst businesses, schools, hospitals and other
organisations. Local authorities are expected to consider setting local targets for the adoption of Travel
Plans by local businesses and other organisations and to set an example by adopting their own plans”.
In addition to the promotion of Travel Plans PPG13 also outlines Central Government’s commitment to
reducing the number of single occupancy trips by requiring Local Authorities to actively encourage
more trips to be completed by public transport, walking and cycling.
Regional Policy Context
The Mayor’s Spatial Development Strategy (The London Plan) (2011) outlines 6 key objectives, 2 of
which directly support the development of Travel Plans:
•
•
A city that becomes a world leader in improving the environment locally and globally,
taking the lead in tackling climate change, reducing pollution, developing a low carbon
economy, consuming fewer resources and using them more effectively.
A city where it is easy, safe and convenient for everyone to access jobs,
opportunities and facilities with an efficient and effective transport system which actively
encourages more walking and cycling, makes better use of the Thames and supports delivery
of all the objectives of this Plan.
Specifically, the “Indicative List of Transport Schemes” in the London Plan notes that there should be
“Increased use and power of travel plans for workplaces, schools and individuals”.
The main source of policy on transport is the Mayor’s Transport Strategy (MTS) (2010) which outline
various policies to encourage sustainable travel. In Proposals 53 and 62 the Mayor commits to
promoting Travel Plans in order to promote walking and cycling. In Proposal 96 the Mayor commits to
promoting Travel Plans (as a part of a range of Smarter Travel Initiatives) to encourage more use of
lower carbon transport modes, eco-driving practices, better vehicle maintenance and flexible working
patterns to reduce CO 2 emissions.
Page 21 of 33
Furthermore, The Climate Change Mitigation and Energy Strategy (CCMES), published in 2011, sets
out the Mayor’s ambition to reduce CO 2 emissions across London by 60 per cent from 1990 levels by
2025. Chapter 9 requires the GLA Group to reduce corporate CO 2 emissions in line with the overall
target. In addition to delivering saving CO 2 , it is recognised that taking action across the FBs helps to
reduce the organisations’ energy bills, improve energy resilience, and demonstrate leadership in order
to enhance the Mayor’s reputation and influence. Specifically Policy 15 focusses on “reducing CO 2
emissions from transport in the GLA group” and Action 15.1 requires the production of a Green Travel
Plan (GTP) – per organisation – which sets out a series of actions to encourage more sustainable forms
of transport for employee and business travel.
Local Policy
It is recognised that London Borough of Southwark, home to our headquarters building, endorses
Central Government’s policies for the purpose of reducing the reliance on the private car and affecting
a shift in travel mode, away from the use of the private car.
For example through Southwark’s Transport Plan 2011 travel plan development is strongly encouraged:
“Travel plans have become an essential tool for the delivery of travel behaviour change. They are
increasingly important in helping us to understand why and how people travel and in identifying tools
that can help broaden travel choice.”
LFB Policy
LFB’S plans are set out in the Fifth London Safety Plan (LSP5) (2013-2016) which sets out our vision to
be a world class fire and rescue service for London, Londoners and visitors. It outlines 6 strategic aims
for our organisation. Our sixth strategic aim “Principles” cuts across and underpins everything we do. It
covers partnerships, equality and diversity, safety and sustainability.
LFB further demonstrates our commitment to sustainability through our Sustainable Development
Strategy. The Strategy sets our key objectives for embedding sustainability through all of our activities,
delivering financial savings as well as wider social, economic and environmental benefits to Londoners
as part of our day to day work, and specifically it sets out our commitment to Travel Planning.
Page 22 of 33
Appendix B - Staff Travel Survey 2013 Analysis
1.
Introduction
1.1
1.5
1.6
A travel survey was carried out on a possible 6550 employees and ran for one month starting on
1 June 2013. During this period 1566 responses were recorded on the electronic database (a
23.91 per cent return rate, which is very satisfactory). Of those responses 445 were from nonoperational staff and 1121 were from operational staff.
This is the third staff travel survey to be carried out, with the first being completed in 2007 and
the second in 2011. However, the 2007 survey was limited to the 924 employees based at our
previous 3 main Headquarters buildings along the Albert Embankment and is therefore not
directly comparable and is therefore not referenced in the below analysis.
The second staff travel survey was carried out on a possible 6966 employees and ran for one
month starting on 1 June 2011. During this period 1597 responses were recorded on the
electronic database (a 23 per cent return rate). Of those responses 503 were from nonoperational staff and 1094 were from operational staff.
The survey was advertised on Hotwire (intranet), Shout, Manager’s Update and via an email to all
staff. It was also incentivized with prizes including a top prize of a bike.
23.63 per cent of respondents were based at the Union Street Headquarters building.
An analysis of the data has been carried out and the main observations are detailed below.
2.
Work Pattern
2.1
2.2
The predominant work pattern was shift related (watch based), which accounted for almost
63.09 per cent of respondents.
25.22 per cent of respondents indicated a day related (office hours) work pattern.
3.
Commute to Work
3.1
The main mode of transport to commute to work was by single occupancy car travel for 42.59
per cent of all respondents (Figure 1).
Public transport represented just over 24 per cent of all respondents.
19.48 per cent of all respondents cycle to work (includes 268 operational and 37 nonoperational).
3.13 per cent of all respondents walk to work (includes 31 operational and 18 non- operational).
1.2
1.3
1.4
3.2
3.3
3.4
Figure 1: Main Mode of Transport to Work
Walk
3.13%
Other
0.51%
Cycle
19.48%
Car Driver (Alone)
42.59%
Motorbike
6.07%
Train
14.50%
Page 23 of 33
Underground
7.02%
DLR/Tram
0.19%
Bus/Coach
2.81%
Car Passenger
0.38%
Car Driver (With
Others)
3.32%
3.5
Reasons for main method of transport from the 2013 survey data are summarised, and
compared to the results from the 2011 survey, in Table 1 below.
Table 1: Main Method of Commute to Work
Main Method of
Transport to
Work
Car driver (alone)
Car driver (with
others)
Car passenger
Bus/ coach
Underground
DLR/ Tram
Train
Motorbike
Cycle
Walk
Other
Riverboat
Total
3.6
3.7
3.8
3.9
3.10
3.11
3.12
3.13
Number Nonoperational
Staff
Number
operational
Staff
% operational
Staff
% Nonoperational Staff
% Total
2013
2011
2013
2011
2013
2011
2013
2011
2013
2011
586
544
81
95
52.27%
49.7%
18.20%
18.9%
42.59%
40
40
1
16
23
1
60
88
268
31
7
0
42
1
15
32
0
87
82
253
30
8
0
12
5
28
87
2
167
7
37
18
1
0
18
2
36
91
0
176
17
48
19
1
0
3.57%
0.09%
1.43%
2.05%
0.09%
5.35%
7.85%
23.91%
2.77%
0.62%
0.00%
3.8%
0.1%
1.4%
2.9%
0
8%
7.5%
23.1%
2.7%
0.7%
0
2.70%
1.12%
6.29%
19.55%
0.45%
37.53%
1.57%
8.31%
4.04%
0.22%
0.00%
3.6%
0.4%
7.2%
18.1%
0
35%
3.4%
9.5%
3.8%
0.2%
0
3.32%
0.38%
2.81%
7.02%
0.19%
14.50%
6.07%
19.48%
3.13%
0.51%
0.00%
3.8%
0.2%
3.2%
7.7%
1121
1094
445
503
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
16.5%
6.2%
18.9%
3.1%
0.6%
100%
Of the 586 operational staff stating lone car journeys as their main method of transport, 108 of
them stated the reason for this was “on call duties” and 28 stated operational transport.
Of the 81 non- operational staff stating lone car journeys as their main method of transport, 18 of
them stated that the reason for this was “business requirements”.
Of the 725 staff driving to work alone or with passengers as their main mode of transport, only 55
of these are based at HQ, and only 13 of those are non-operational.
Just fewer than 84 per cent of cars used were identified as private vehicles, 11 per cent were
identified as either Lease or Essential Car Users.
When asked about alternatives to single occupancy car/motor vehicle journeys only 8 per cent of
respondents indicated that there were no alternatives. The preferred method for an alternative
travel option was public transport (44 per cent), followed by cycling (20.79 per cent).
Almost all vehicles were parked within brigade car parks and parking was without charge.
The average journey to work time on the main method of transport was 57mins.
Almost 45 per cent of all respondents identified that they also used a second method of transport
to commute to work. These were mainly walking (15 per cent) or single occupancy car travel (6
per cent).
4.
Reason for Transport Method
4.1
Respondents were allowed to choose multiple reasons for their transport choices. The main
reason for the choice of travel method was that it was the quickest method with 55.94 per cent
choosing this response.
Reasons for choosing transport methods from the 2013 survey data are summarised, and
compared to the 2011 results, in Table 2.
4.2
Page 24 of 33
Table 2: Reasons for Transport Method
Reason For
Choosing Normal
Journey to Work
Number
operational
Staff
Number Nonoperational
Staff
% operational
Staff
% Nonoperational Staff
% Total
2013
2011
2013
2011
2013
2011
2013
2011
2013
2011
Distance
436
158
190
98
38.89%
14.44%
41.76%
19.48%
39.97%
16.03%
Cheapest
564
215
163
70
50.31%
19.65%
35.82%
13.92%
46.42%
17.85%
Quickest
613
255
263
182
54.68%
23.31%
57.80%
36.18%
55.94%
27.36%
113
111
6
6
10.08%
10.15%
1.32%
1.19%
7.60%
7.33%
31
37
3
1
2.77%
3.38%
0.66%
0.20%
2.17%
2.38%
15
9
18
22
1.34%
0.82%
3.96%
4.37%
2.11%
1.94%
37
20
14
7
3.30%
1.83%
3.08%
1.39%
3.26%
1.69%
Exercise/Health
280
162
88
43
24.98%
14.81%
19.34%
8.55%
23.50%
12.84%
No Alternatives
Giving Somebody
a Lift
Other
Personal
accessibility
requirements
Total
90
74
67
56
8.03%
6.76%
14.73%
11.13%
10.03%
8.14%
21
3
6
0
1.87%
0.27%
1.32%
0.00%
1.72%
0.19%
20
50
7
18
1.78%
4.57%
1.54%
3.58%
1.72%
4.26%
35
0
20
0
3.12%
0.00%
4.40%
0.00%
3.51%
16.03%
2255
1094
845
503
Vehicle required
primarily for on
call duties
Vehicle required
primarily for
operational
transport
Business
requirement (non
operational use)
Combine with
other activity
5.
Incentives to Walk or Cycle to Work
5.1
In response to what would encourage staff to cycle or walk to work, Good cycle/walking routes
(31.74 per cent), good weather (24.07 per cent) and mileage allowance for cycling (20.43 per
cent) were the options which were rated highest in the list of incentives to encourage cycling,
others such as changing and shower facilities were also noted.
Cheaper travel was the most significant option that would encourage more people to consider
public transport over car travel (35.07 per cent).
5.2
6.
Business Travel
6.1
6.2
Business travel was carried out by just over 68 per cent of all respondents.
40.76 per cent of respondents who travel for business did so less than once a month. However,
just fewer than 11.14 per cent of respondents who travel for business do so every day.
Other LFB premises were visited most frequently (65.27 per cent).
The most frequent distance travelled in a week on business travel was less than 2 miles.
The highest proportion of respondents use public transport (56.17 per cent) when travelling on
business. However, 23.40 per cent use a private vehicle when travelling on business (Figure 2),
8.91 per cent use lease/essential cars, 6.41 per cent use fleet vehicles, 1.86 per cent are car
passengers and only 1.76 per cent cycle and only 1.49 per cent walk.
6.3
6.4
6.5
Page 25 of 33
Figure 2: Form of Transport Usually Used When Travelling on Business
80.00%
70.00%
60.00%
50.00%
40.00%
30.00%
20.00%
Operational
10.00%
Non- Operational
0.00%
6.6
90.99 per cent of respondents who travelled for business did so alone and 21.73 per cent of
respondents who travelled for business stated that the most bulky or heavy item required when
travelling were papers/documents, with a further 4 per cent noting nothing.
7.
Car Sharing
7.1
24.44 per cent of respondents using the car/motor vehicle as their main mode of transport to
work indicated that there was nothing that would encourage them to car share.
56.45 per cent of respondents using the car/motor vehicle as their main mode of transport to
work indicated that there were factors that would encourage them to car share, with the highest
being finding someone who lives close by (22.92 per cent) and finding someone who shares the
same working pattern (12.84 per cent).
3.09 per cent of respondents using the car/motor vehicle as their main mode of transport to
work noted that they already car share.
7.2
7.3
8.
Electric and/or Hybrid Vehicle
8.1
1.47 per cent of respondents using a car/motor vehicle as their main mode of transport to work
indicated that they drive an electric and/or hybrid vehicle.
Of the respondents who do not drive an electric and/or hybrid vehicle, 38.89 per cent indicated
that cost was a deciding factor.
39.78 per cent of respondents noted that the lack of charging points near home and work was a
concern, preventing them from driving an electric vehicle.
8.2
8.3
Page 26 of 33
9.
Brigade Facilities
9.1
9.2
9.3
Only 24.90 per cent of respondents were aware of video conferencing facilities.
Only 22.16 per cent of respondents were aware of teleconferencing facilities.
The greatest awareness was noted for the Bikes 4 Work scheme with 91.51 per cent of
respondents being familiar with the scheme (Figure 3).
Figure 3: Awareness of Schemes and Facilities
100.00%
90.00%
80.00%
70.00%
60.00%
50.00%
40.00%
30.00%
20.00%
10.00%
0.00%
91.51%
47.45%
24.90%
53.70%
22.16%
5.36%
Page 27 of 33
Appendix C - Headquarters (Union Street) Site Audit
GENERAL
1.
2.
3.
4.
624 full-time and 56 Part time people work at the Union Street site (as at 14/08/2013).
92 of these are shift based (based on Operational Staff Station Manager and above).
28 seasonal staff (based on Agency Staff returns as at 31/07/13). We do not have complete
information on Agency Staff locations; therefore this figure is based on all agency staff, excluding
those in Training & Development and Borough teams.
Building access hours are from 07:00 to 19:00hrs
PUBLIC TRANSPORT PROVISION
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
Bus stops are located near the site at Southwark Bridge Road, Borough High Street, Blackfriars
Road, and Waterloo Road (x4 stops = D, E, F and L).
Southwark Bridge Road and Blackfriars Road bus stops have shelters that are well maintained.
Borough High Street stop does not have a shelter. Two of the Waterloo bus stops (D and F) have
shelters that are well maintained and two stops (E and L) have no shelters.
All bus stops with shelters are well lit.
Timetables are displayed at all bus stops.
The following bus services operate from each stop:
•
Southwark Bridge Road = x1 service
•
Borough High Street = x5 services
•
Blackfriars Road = x5 services
•
Waterloo Road Stops: D = x9, E = x3, F = x3, L = x3
The buses serve the following routes:
•
Southwark Bridge Road = route 344
•
Borough High Street = routes 35, 133, 343, 40, 21
•
Blackfriars Road = routes 45, 63, 100, N63, N89
•
Waterloo Road Stops:
 D = routes 59, 68, X68, 168, 171, 172, 176, N68, N171
 E = routes 1, 188, N1
 F = routes 4, 172, 134
 L = routes 26, 76, N76
The nearest train and underground station are;
 Southwark (approx 5 min walk)
 Borough (approx 7 min walk)
 London Bridge (approx 10 min walk)
 Waterloo (approx 15 min walk)
All tube stations are within a 15 min walk, or a 5 min taxi or bike ride; buses do not run directly
from Union St to any tube station.
The train and tube stations are maintained as follows:
 Southwark: Very well maintained
 Borough: Poorly maintained
 London Bridge: Well maintained
 Waterloo: Well maintained
Services run very regularly from each station as follows:
 Southwark: trains run every 3-5 min
 Borough: trains run every 3-8 min
 London Bridge: trains run every 3-5 min
 Waterloo: trains run every 3-5 min
Closing times for each station are as follows:
 Southwark: last train 00:28hrs (Mon-Fri); 23:53 (Sun)
Page 28 of 33
 Borough: last train 00:50hrs (Mon-Fri); 23:35 (Sun)
 London Bridge: last train 00:26hrs (Mon-Fri); 23:35 (Sun)
 Waterloo: last train approx 00:30hrs depending on line; 23:39 (Sun)
16. The following routes are served by each station:
 Southwark: Jubilee line
 Borough: Northern line
 London Bridge: Northern and Jubilee lines
 Waterloo: Bakerloo, Jubilee, Northern and Waterloo & City lines
17. Public transport information is provided in the Union St User Guide on the intranet Hotwire for
staff.
18. Visitors can make enquiries on transportation via staff, reception and the Property Help Desk.
PEDESTRIAN ACCESS
19. There are pedestrian routes to bus stops, train/tube stations and local amenities e.g. shops, post
office.
20. All pedestrian routes have a good paved surface and vandalism is not prevalent.
21. Footpaths are well lit.
CYCLING
22. Secure facilities for cycling are provided. 50 cycling spaces are available at Southwark Training
Centre.
23. The 20 cycling spaces are covered.
24. There are no cycle paths serving the location.
25. Folding cycles only can be taken on the connecting train services.
26. Cyclists have access to locker facilities within the Union Street building. There are:
 25 locker/cupboards for senior officers in cellular offices
 191 lockers in the main locker room for uniformed officers and motor cyclists.
 60 half size lockers in the stair core toilets for cyclists
 32 half height lockers for gym users adjacent to the showers
 16 for manual/catering/security staff
27. Cyclists have access to shower facilities within the Union Street building. There are:
 7 on the lower ground floor
 4 in the small shower/locker rooms on the North East stair core
 2 in the shower/locker area on the South West stair core
 1 in the Corporate Management Suite
28. There is a Barclays’ Bike docking station to the front of the Union Street building.
VEHICULAR ACCESS
29. No congestion problems have been observed around the site.
30. Visitors are requested to ring the Property Help Desk to pre-book a car parking space. There are 4
visitor car parking spaces in front of Winchester House and one disabled visitor space.
31. Car parking is not available at the work place site for staff.
32. 10 -12 deliveries are received per day to the rear loading bay (post, catering, courier, waste, office
supplies).
CAR PARKING
33. 133 spaces are identified for qualifying staff at Union St and Southwark Training Centre and are
available as follows:

Winchester House (STC)
21

North Block (STC)
12
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
Sawyer St (STC)
40

Warden’s Grove
32

Galliards Homes
28
34. Car parks are secure and well lit. All, except Warden’s Grove car park, have CCTV.
35. Ownership of the car parks is as follows:

Winchester House (STC)
owned

North Block (STC)
owned

Sawyer St (STC)
long lease

Warden’s Grove
included in lease for Union St

Galliards Homes
leased renewed annually
36. Car parking spaces are allocated based upon the following criteria:
Category
1
2
3
4
5A
5B
6
7
8
Description
Disabled staff
Disabled staff visitors - bays to be in accordance with the DDA
Elected Members
Commissioner/Deputy/Directors/Heads of Service/Assistant Commissioners
Uniformed/operational officers who are on call whilst at HQ
Officers who need a vehicle to carry out Authority Business. This includes:–
1. Authority vehicles
2. Non-uniform officers who regularly visit fire stations
3. Uniformed officers not on call but who need to visit fire stations
Spaces required by fire station personnel
Contractors – to maintain building fabric and services
Visitors to Union Street / STC
37. No charge for parking is passed on to staff.
38. The costs for the pay as you go parking vary depending on the car park and time required for
parking. Average cost is between £15 and £20 per day.
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Appendix D - Business Audit 2013
1.
Interest Free Travel Loan
1.1
Interest free loans for the purchase of annual Rail, London Transport Underground and Bus and
Coach season tickets from home to place of work are available and all employees are eligible to
apply for a loan.
Employees will repay the loan in 11 monthly instalments by the appropriate deduction from their
salaries, starting at the end of the first month following receipt of the loan. It is not possible to
extend the period of repayment.
Employees in receipt of a loan will be expected to use the purchased season ticket in connection
with any journeys undertaken on the rail/bus underground on official business.
Employees may claim for any additional travelling expenses incurred where the journey
undertaken is not covered by the season ticket.
1.2
1.3
1.4
2.
Training
2.1
Employees travelling to and from a residential training course by rail will be reimbursed the
receipted cost or the cost of the most economical fare reasonably available in the absence of a
receipt. Saver and Supersaver fares are available for most journeys. There is no entitlement to
first class travel.
Employees travelling by private vehicle will be reimbursed the cost of the most economical fare
reasonably available or the appropriate NJC car mileage rates as set out in the appendix
whichever is the cheaper. If employees use their leased car, the mileage will be calculated at the
appropriate leased car mileage rate.
If there is more than one person travelling by car to the same training venue they are encouraged
to share cars for which the driver will be entitled to claim an additional rate per passenger per
mile.
Personnel travelling on a residential training course will be entitled to claim for mileage at 45p a
mile or equivalent public transport fare which ever is the cheapest.
2.2
2.3
2.4
3.
Car Schemes
Casual car user scheme
3.1 The casual car users scheme provides arrangements staff where the use of a private vehicle is not
deemed to be essential by the Brigade, but which is viewed as beneficial to the efficient conduct
in carrying out their official duties.
3.2 Vehicles must be rated at 150g/km CO 2 or less. New joiners to the scheme must comply from
the date they join the scheme. Existing users must comply upon their next change of vehicle.
3.3 From the 1 July 2012 mileage rates for the Casual car users scheme shall change to the HMRC
rates of 45p per mile up to 10,000 miles and 25p per mile thereafter.
Essential car user scheme
3.4 The essential car users scheme (ECUS) is applicable to officers in the role of station manager
(officers on the Flexible Duty System and officers on the station managers’ Development
Programme) to assistant commissioner, who have been authorised by the Commissioner to use
their private car in the performance of their duties. It is an alternative to the leased car scheme.
3.5 The lump sum applicable to cars of 1000cc and above (inclusive of the LFEPA supplement of
£220 per annum) is £1,459 per year (£121.58 per month).
3.6 Under the essential car user scheme the mileage rates are: up to 8,500 miles 50.5p per mile and
for over 8,500 miles 16.4p per mile.
3.7 Vehicles must be rated at 150g/km CO 2 or less. New joiners to the scheme must comply from the
date they join the scheme. Existing users must comply upon their next change of vehicle.
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Lease car scheme
3.8 The leased car scheme is an optional alternative to the essential car users scheme which is
available to staff who are deemed by the Brigade to be essential users whose duties are of such a
nature that it is essential for them to have a car at their disposal whenever required, and staff
chose the option to lease a vehicle rather than use a privately owned vehicle.
3.9 This is a single tier scheme with the Brigade subsidy set at £4790 if the car is rated at up to 120
g/km CO 2 or £2395 (50 per cent rate) if the car is rated between 121g/km CO 2 and 150g/km
CO 2 (Policy issue date: 30 September 2011).
3.10 Cars on the scheme will need to be at 150g/km CO 2 or less. There will be no Brigade subsidy for
cars rated in excess of 150g/km CO 2 .
3.11 Under the lease car scheme, officers lease a car and receive a mileage payment of up to26p per
mile when using the vehicle at work, depending on engine type.
4.
Congestion Charge
4.1
The Authority offers support to some members of staff who incur charges under the congestion
charge scheme.
Firefighters (up to and including the rank of Watch Manager B) based at stations within the
congestion charge zone (Clerkenwell, Dowgate, Lambeth, Soho, Southwark and Westminster)
are reimbursed the cost of their journeys to and from work. In addition, other staffs (Senior
Officers, Main Grade and Control staff) that are required to use their cars and travel through the
congestion charge zone who incur costs may also be reimbursed their expenditure.
4.2
5.
Bikes 4 Work Scheme
5.1
5.2
The Bikes 4 Work Scheme offers employees access to tax free bikes and cycling equipment.
Cycle Solutions enables employers, to offer their staff bicycles and cycling equipment with
savings of up to 50 per cent from the retail value through a flexible benefit scheme.
This cycle to work scheme has been made possible through the governments Green Transport
Plan.
Staff should note that the sole requirement for membership of the scheme is that at least 50 per
cent of the use/mileage of the bikes or associated equipment must be for work related journeys,
either for commuting or business journeys.
5.3
5.4
6.
Cycle Allowances
6.1
Payment will be made on the certificate of the Director/ACFO concerned at the rate of 20p per
mile for all mileage travelled on official business to employees using their own pedal cycles in the
service of LFEPA.
7.
TFL’s Barclays Cycle Hire
7.1
Staff can use the Barclays Cycle Hire scheme for short journeys. For journeys of up to 30 minutes
the Brigade will reimburse evidenced usage at a rate of £1 per day (the 24 hour access fee).
8.
Flexible Working/Work Life Balance
8.1
The right to apply for flexible working including part-time working and job sharing has been
extended to all staff. However flexible working is not an automatic right and will be subject to the
operational and business needs of the organisation.
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8.2
8.3
8.4
8.5
Job Sharing
The Authority is committed to the policy of job sharing and would support those who wish to do
so. Job share arrangements provide for full-time roles to be normally divided equally i.e. a 50/50
split between two employees.
Part-Time Working
Working fewer hours can be important for employees to achieve a better work life balance, in
particular, for parents, carers, people with disabilities and those wishing to pursue further
education.
Compressed Hours
Compressed hours working enables an employee to continue to work the full-time standard
hours as determined by their contract of employment, but over a shorter working week. For
example an FRS employee contracted to a 35 hour week normally worked over five days could
request to work these hours over a four day period. This mode of working is not available for
control room staff on the shift duty system.
Term Time Working
Term time working is a combination of part time working and compressed hours working and
may be suited to employees with children of school age. In this working pattern, an employee
will be contracted to work during the school term with no requirement to attend for duty during
the school holidays. Term time working will not be available to control room staff on the shift
duty system.
9.
Transport and Travel Information
9.1
9.2
All fire station profiles detail how to get to the site and have links to maps, showing local
transport links and information is available in relation to the other buildings, with maps and
transport links detailed on external and internal web pages.
Travel and transport information is supplied on the LFB website for visitors.
10.
Remote Access
10.1 Remote access is available to all permanent and contract staff at any role/grade subject to the
preparation of a business case for the post or role by the line manager (normally a deputy
assistant commissioner/ FRS G role/grade) and agreed by a director or the head of
service/assistant commissioner
10.2 Requests for the remote access service are granted to a specific person, performing a specific
role and justified according to the accompanying business case at that point in time.
11.
Air Travel
11.1 The Commissioner for Fire and Emergency Planning has delegated authority to approve overseas
travel for officers to attend conferences, seminars, training courses and study trips and for factfinding and information gathering purposes subject to such attendance/travel benefiting the
Authority in the performance of one or more of its statutory functions and only where no
reasonable London or UK based alternative exists.
11.2 Where possible officers are encouraged to travel by rail (e.g. Eurostar) for European visits in
order to reduce this organisation’s carbon footprint.
12.
Standard Station Design Brief
12.1 Stipulates provision of secure, covered and well lit cycle rack storage facilities for a minimum of 4
cycles or 10 per cent of building users plus a minimum of 10 per cent of building visitors,
whichever is greater.
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