Progress report - Workstream #2 Travel and transport
Action 2.1 Decarbonise Waste Collection
We have made a £9.8m investment into decarbonising our waste collection and improving air quality by purchasing 27 electric refuse collection vehicles from a North West company to replace 50% of the waste fleet. The first vehicles arrived in March 2021 but the schedule for further receipts has been delayed due to manufacturing issues resulting from COVID-19 so full operation will be the end of 2021.
Once operational, these trucks will save 900 tonnes of CO2 per year. In readiness for their arrival, electrical charging infrastructure has been installed at Hooper Street and Longley Lane depots. Technical issues resulted in delays at Hammerstone Road but these have been resolved. A competition was held to name the vehicles with over 600 entries. The winning names were Sparkus Trashford, Usain Volt, Trashiena, Bin Diesel and Binspiral Carpets.
Action 2.2 Decarbonise Operational Fleet
Our operational fleet is made up of ~ 225 vehicles. Work began several years ago to move away from traditional fuels. Of the current fleet, 20 have EV equivalents and can be changed
(numbers fluctuate as leases expire/renew). Up to the end of 2020-21, 16 diesel vans and four cars (1 electric and 3 hybrid) have been replaced.
Charging infrastructure was installed in June 2020 at Hooper Street depot for use by our facilities teams and security contractors, Engie and Mitie. Further analysis is underway to assess the potential for more charging infrastructure.
Action 2.3 Sustainable Travel Policy
The sustainable travel policy is an opportunity to build on some of the positive changes to behaviour which have emerged during 2020. This includes promoting cycling, walking and public transport, and reducing the need to travel by using technology, for example video conferencing. The policy will link to the Council’s Future Ways of Working initiative. Work on the policy has been delayed as a result of HROD staff supporting the COVID-19 response. A responsible officer was appointed in February 2021, with an April start date. The policy is scheduled to be adopted in September 2021.
Action 2.4 Walking and Cycling
£13.4m from the Greater Manchester Mayor’s Challenge Fund supported delivery of the Chorlton to Manchester city centre cycle route, which includes the UK’s first ‘Cycle Optimised Protected Signals’ or CYCLOPS junction at Royce Road, Hulme, which opened in July 2020 and won a Brake’s Vision Zero Leaders Local Roads Innovation Award 2020.
The Princess Road and Medlock Street roundabout was the first of the Mayor’s Challenge Fund’s walking and cycling route schemes to be completed. It creates a safer environment for both cyclists and pedestrians.
Also from the Greater Manchester Mayor’s Challenge Fund:
- £11.5m is being invested in the Northern Quarter Cycleway to create a walking and cycling route from Manchester Piccadilly Station to Victoria Station
- £774k of funding for a neighbourhood’s trial in Levenshulme and Burnage to reduce the number of vehicle journeys and improve air quality. A six-month trial began in January 2021 creating filters, such as planters and other infrastructure, to reduce traffic whilst still maintaining essential access. The intention is to encourage people to walk and cycle for their local journeys
- £5.5m of funding from the Government Active Travel Fund will be invested into two projects which promote sustainable forms of transport and prioritise walking, wheelchair access and all forms of cycling
- £4m of which will fund the City Centre Triangle to improve cycling and walking links between the city centre’s three main train stations; Deansgate, Piccadilly and Victoria.
- £1.5m will fund cycling and walking improvements between Wythenshawe town centre, Wythenshawe Hospital and the city centre
- In Harpurhey, proposals have been brought forward for 11 new or improved road crossings to make active travel into the centre of Harpurhey by bike or on foot safer and more convenient. A consultation was carried out in October 2020 to ensure local residents had the opportunity to give their views.
Action 2.5 Strategic Transport Infrastructure
The Greater Manchester Combined Authority has formally adopted the Greater Manchester 2040 strategy and five-year delivery plan (2021-2026). The strategy will support Manchester modal shift to more sustainable transport, with a 'Right-Mix' vision for all journeys in Greater Manchester to be made by walking, cycling and public transport by 2040.
Action 2.6 City Centre Transport Strategy
The draft City Centre Transport Strategy has been developed in partnership with TfGM and Salford City Council. It outlines plans for future city centre transport and builds on input from residents, commuters, businesses, visitors, transport operators and other stakeholders through to 2040. The strategy reflects both existing transport challenges and future aspirations and includes ambitious plans for the city centre to improve air quality, increase the amount of quality public space and prioritise walking, cycling and public transport. The headline target is for 90% of morning peak trips to the city centre to be by public transport and active travel by 2040. The proposals are grouped thematically: Our Bus, Our Metrolink, Our Rail, Our Streets and Our Integrated Network. The strategy includes a commitment to build on the street closures instigated during COVID-19.
Action 2.7 Aviation Emissions
Manchester Airport Group has joined Manchester Climate Change Partnership as a formal partner. The plan is for 6-monthly senior-level meetings to progress the aviation actions in the Climate Change Framework. Manchester Airport Group are also a member of UK Government Jet Zero Council, a partnership between industry and government to drive the delivery of new technologies and innovative ways to address aviation emissions.
Action 2.8 Sustainable Travel Incentives
Travelling to work has been significantly affected by COVID-19 for many Council officers. Increasing the number of staff that travel to work by sustainable modes of transport remains a priority and is being reviewed in conjunction with the development of a Sustainable Travel Policy (Action 2.3). A range of incentives and support is being considered, including salary sacrifice schemes for bus, tram and rail tickets. Positive behaviour changes that have be instigated and reducing the need to travel, e.g. using video conferencing as an alternative to travel, are also being considered.
The Cycle to Work scheme received 177 applications, 166 of which were redeemed by the end of March 2021.