Every organisation that creates traffic – either staff, visitors, customers or suppliers – is nowadays encouraged to explore what is called a ‘travel plan’.
The assumption is that with emissions of carbons into the atmosphere (produced by burning carbons mainly in the form of gas, oil or coal), so-called greenhouse gases are produced which both allow more harmful sun’s rays to the earth and traps heat produced by the planet. This is now widely agreed to produce the climate change that we’re living with – the hottest September on record, following the hottest July on record. And one thing that can be done about this is to reduce all of our contributions to global warming. And a major element of this warming comes from traffic emissions.
Half-made decisions
This column has talked about how vehicle usage can be altered – by walking to school, by walking to prayers, or by making bus services more reliable to encourage their use. So it is really encouraging that the major local employer in Burngreave has looked to adopt a travel plan. Unfortunately, the evidence in the streets of Norwood and Fir Vale at present shows what happens when decisions are ‘half-made’.
Staff at the Northern General have had to apply for permits to park on the site; if they’ve not been successful, some have taken to parking on the surrounding residential roads. This has led to driveways becoming blocked; disabled children being unable to get to and from school transports; bin wagons being unable to get onto some roads – so bins haven’t been collected; and bus routes withdrawn from Norwood Road and being rerouted down tiny Fir Vale Road.
Mr Hussain on Fir Vale Road says that twelve double deckers and 26 single deckers came down his road two weeks ago between 12 noon and 4pm; and noone had explained to any of the residents why this was happening and how long it will last.
This is a classic case of how local communities have to bear the brunt of ill thought out decisions of big organisations.
Options for the hospital
Why didn’t the hospital consider what might happen after introducing permits? Did they explain widely to all staff what alternatives they could use to get to and from work – especially for those on early and late shifts? Has a car-sharing scheme been properly developed? Cycling facilities available? Subsidised tickets? A campaign for local recruitment of staff (who would be more likely to walk to work…)?
The Area Panel discussed these matters at their last meeting and decided to call the Northern General Chief Executive and colleagues to discuss how and why this situation has occurred – and what can be done to improve matters.
This meeting is called for Thursday 9th November 2006 at 10am in the Town Hall as a ‘scrutiny board’ – and it is open for members of the public to attend.