Town centres - integrating transport into health checks

Town centre health checks are intended to monitor the vitality and viability of town centres in the UK. This study considers the integration of transport in town centre health checks, and provides a review of methodology developed and piloted by TRL Ltd. Accessibility of a town centre is a key factor influencing investment decisions and resulting economic performance. The development of the health check methodology required a set of indicators to be devised related to the core themes of land use, environment, safety, stakeholders and modes. Each of these themes also correspond to the second Local Transport Plan objectives of accessibility, air quality, noise quality, road safety, quality of life and congestion. The methodology is described along with a pilot study in Luton, Bedfordshire which resulted in an ideal indicator list. Baseline data were collected and compared with other areas considered similar. Luton's transport infrastructure and modes were considered average compared with other towns but its retail ranking and crime ratings were poorer. The potential of the methodology is discussed.

• Corporate Authors:

  TRL

  Crowthorne House, Nine Mile Ride
  Wokingham, Berkshire  United Kingdom  RG40 3GA
• Authors:
  • BURKE, C
• Publication Date: 2005

Language

• English

Media Info

• Pagination: 6p

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Business districts; Central business districts; City planning; Economics; Health; Land use; Methodology; Planning; Pollutants; Shopping centers
• ITRD Terms: 302: Business district; 255: Economics; 2442: Emission; 2144: Health; 356: Land use; 9102: Method; 143: Planning; 320: Shopping centre; 311: Town centre; 354: Town planning
• Subject Areas: Economics; Planning and Forecasting; I10: Economics and Administration; I72: Traffic and Transport Planning;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01034139
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Transport Research Laboratory
• Files: ITRD
• Created Date: Oct 6 2006 2:21PM