- \n
- Governance and equity<\/a> <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Transport planning and placemaking<\/a> <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Technological change<\/a> <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Travel behaviour and the mobility experience<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blogs.uwe.ac.uk\/transport-and-society\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/34\/2024\/07\/1_cts-blog.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He then invited Professor Enda Hayes<\/strong><\/a>, Director of Research and Enterprise for the School of Architecture and Environment in which CTS is based, to welcome delegates on behalf of the University. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blogs.uwe.ac.uk\/transport-and-society\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/34\/2024\/07\/2.-enda.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nKeynote speaker<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The Symposium opened with a keynote by Councillor\u202fEd Plowden<\/strong><\/a>,\u202fincoming\u202fChair of\u202fBristol City Council\u2019s Transport and Connectivity Committee<\/a>,\u202femployee of Sustrans,\u202fand former UWE\u202fMaster’s\u202fstudent. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ed presented \u201cTransport in Bristol \u2013 Regaining momentum<\/em>\u201d. Some key lessons learned from Ed\u2019s presentation are: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Balancing evidence-based policy with innovative approaches – <\/strong>there is a need to integrate solid evidence into transport policy while also considering innovative, less traditional approaches to create a more sustainable transport system. Ed highlighted the challenge of moving away from the conventional “predict and provide<\/em>” model towards a more flexible and forward-thinking “decide and provide<\/em>” approach. Ed emphasised that we have a lot of evidence-based policies and possible projects, but it is difficult to determine which ones will be the most effective and affordable mix to take forward to decarbonise transport in Bristol at pace, whilst keeping the City moving and bringing the majority with us. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Addressing transport and accessibility issues –<\/strong> Ed acknowledged that there are significant transport issues in Bristol, including high car ownership, congestion, poor air quality, and issues with bus services. He stressed the importance of improving transport accessibility, particularly for disabled people, to enhance the overall transport system for everyone. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Collaborative governance and urban planning – <\/strong>with the transition to a committee-based system in the City Council, Ed advocated for better collaboration across parties to address transport challenges. He outlined several priorities, such as managing demand, enhancing public transport, and focusing on urban planning to reduce reliance on cars and promote more sustainable transport modes. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blogs.uwe.ac.uk\/transport-and-society\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/34\/2024\/07\/3.-Ed.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here you can find Ed\u2019s presentation<\/a> and video recording<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
CTS\u2019s research showcase – break-out sessions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
We then had two break-out sessions, to share some insights from our latest research projects and interests. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Travel behaviour and the mobility experience <\/em><\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This was one of the two parallel break-out sessions and examined active travel as daily practice and potential. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dr Ben Clark<\/strong><\/a> presented a review of evidence on the extent to which new cycling infrastructure increases levels of cycling and encourages modal shift from car travel. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blogs.uwe.ac.uk\/transport-and-society\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/34\/2024\/07\/image.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you want to see Ben’s presentation, click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dr Asa Thomas<\/strong><\/a> introduced ongoing research as part of the Optimised Walking School Bus Planning project, and highlighted several trends related to school travel in the UK with a focus on the long-term decline in walking, particularly for distances over a mile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you want to see Asa’s presentation, click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tom Eadie<\/strong> examined the implications of designing 15-minute cities for all population groups, including, for example, older people, and assessed the accessibility needs of different social groups. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you want to see Tom’s presentation, click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here you can find the video recording of this session<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Governance and technological change<\/em><\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This was a parallel break-out session, and considered a diverse set of topics related to governance, including drone deliveries, electric cars, and more inclusive Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dr Eda Beyazit<\/a> <\/strong>shared insights on her research and experience of gender equality and social inclusion in sustainable urban mobility planning, drawing upon her experience in Istanbul. If you want to see Eda’s presentation, click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blogs.uwe.ac.uk\/transport-and-society\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/34\/2024\/07\/4.-eda.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dr Daniela Paddeu<\/strong><\/a> discussed specific uncertainties related to governance for drone last-mile deliveries, mainly related to regulations and liability issues, but also public acceptance, social benefit, and integration of drones to the wider transport system, especially in a mixed-traffic environment. If you want to see Daniela’s presentation, click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Professor Graham Parkhurst<\/strong><\/a> explored scenarios in which transitioning from ICE to EV is most likely to achieve emissions reduction targets while maintaining a viable future for the auto industry. If you want to see Graham’s presentation, click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here you can find the video recording of this session<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Plenary sessions<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
During the second part of the morning, we had two plenary sessions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
We heard from our new appointed Professor Justin Spinney<\/a>,<\/strong> who presented \u201cDriven to care: types of caring, journey qualities, personal mediating factors\u201d. In his presentation, Justin reflected on the increasing demand for cars from a sociological perspective, drawing on a small RTPI funded project in collaboration with Andrew Ivins at Cardiff University. He highlighted the significant impact of \u2018social acceleration\u2019 leading to tight schedules and the lack of routinisation in modern life, driven by technological advancements such as smartphones and automobility. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blogs.uwe.ac.uk\/transport-and-society\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/34\/2024\/07\/6.-Justin.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nJustin pointed out that these societal changes have reshaped the qualities people value in transport systems, emphasising time-saving, flexibility, and load-carrying capacity. Justin argued that our current transport systems often fail to accommodate the intensified and diversified schedules of modern life, leading to increased car dependency. He also emphasises the importance of rethinking what motivates our transport choices in non-wage mobility contexts to prioritise care over traditional metrics like time and productivity . The need to recognise the changing motivations and qualities that citizens require is essential if we are to develop public and active modes of transport that fit for the 21st<\/sup> Century. Here you can find Justin\u2019s presentation<\/a> and video recording<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The plenary followed with a presentation from Professor Glenn Lyons<\/strong><\/a>, our Mott MacDonald Professor of Future Mobility at UWE Bristol. Glenn presented: \u201cTriple Access Planning \u2013 A fairytale new beginning?<\/em>\u201d. Within his presentation, Glenn caricatured the rather gloomy sense of the paradigm of \u2018predict and provide\u2019 in which traditional transport planning has sat before pointing to the colourful new \u2018kingdom\u2019 on offer. He told us about his experience<\/a> with the New Zealand Ministry of Transport (which happened ten years ago), where a shift to the \u201cdecide-and-provide<\/em>\u201d approach was identified as necessary. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blogs.uwe.ac.uk\/transport-and-society\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/34\/2024\/07\/7.-Glenn.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThis led to the development of Triple Access Planning (TAP)<\/a>, which integrates transport, land use, and digital connectivity while also accommodating uncertainty. TAP promotes a more holistic, resilient, user-centric, and collaborative approach to planning. Glenn also shared the publication of the “Triple Access Planning for Uncertain Futures Handbook<\/a>” which serves as a guide for practitioners to implement this new approach. TAP challenges conventional methods, advocating for visionary, inclusive, and sustainable transport solutions that better address the evolving needs of society, marking a significant paradigm shift in transport planning. Here you can find Glenn’s presentation<\/a> and video recording<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2018Yes Minister\u2019 Panel discussion<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The plenary session followed with a panel discussion in which the panellists were asked to imagine themselves as special advisers for the new Government and had to brief the new Secretary of State for Transport. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the King\u2019s speech at the state opening of parliament on Wednesday 17th<\/sup> July the incoming Labour government laid out its five strategic transport priorities, supported by the Secretary of State for Transport\u2019s new motto for her department, \u201cour purpose is simple: move fast and fix things<\/em>\u201d: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Improving performance on the railways and driving forward rail<\/strong> reform <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Improving bus<\/strong> services and growing usage across the country <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Transforming infrastructure to work for the whole country, promoting social<\/strong> mobility and tackling regional inequality<\/strong> <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Delivering greener<\/strong> transport , and <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Better integrating transport networks<\/strong>. <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
Emeritus Professor Phil Goodwin<\/a><\/strong> (who helped write ‘A New Deal for Transport: Better for Everyone’ for the last incoming Labour government in 1997) thought that \u201cfixing things\u201d required some time to reflect. He proposed that all planned major road schemes for England that the government has inherited should be independently reviewed against the five strategic priorities and only taken forward if the schemes help to deliver them. It is a time to reboot. <\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Steve Gooding<\/a> <\/strong>(Director of the RAC Foundation, and former Director General of the Roads, Traffic and Local Transport Group at the Department for Transport) warned that proposing time for review would require careful framing as it might be seen at odds with \u201cmoving fast\u201d. He also pointed out the reality of competing priorities faced by government and the expectations of the public and business. Scrapping major road schemes might save money that could be directed elsewhere, but also risked undermining the Government\u2019s desire to get on with infrastructure and get the economy moving. Steve went further and pointed out that achievement of some government objectives would require more funding for roads: improved bus services require investment in roads as do Angela Rayner\u2019s (the new Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government) plans for new homes and even new towns. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Phil responded that the government could move fast with the things in its manifesto but should review any projects that might undermine its strategic priorities. <\/strong>The other panellists underscored the need to bring people with them and suggested that this required being frank with the public about the challenges. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blogs.uwe.ac.uk\/transport-and-society\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/34\/2024\/07\/8.-panel.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nProfessor Helen Bowkett<\/strong> (Senior Technical Director at Arcadis, experienced in\u202ftransport modelling and appraisal of transport schemes) railed against three popular transport obsessions that need to be exposed. The obsession with speed, despite our knowledge that lower speeds can reduce carbon emissions and lower road speeds such as the 20-mph default urban speed in Wales can reduce the number of people killed and seriously injured. The obsession with rail, despite the huge subsidy from central government received for every trip only benefiting a limited, generally wealthier demographic. In contrast bus subsidies are the responsibility of local government but are more likely to reach people who are socially and economically deprived. Finally, the obsession with benefit cost ratios and the weight given to them, when they should be one of multiple inputs considered to inform planning and investment decisions. Helen argued that we need to move away from disjointed scheme appraisals to a system that enables us to establish what we want to do in each area. We need an approach that enables us to think before we plan. Helen highlighted that adverse environment impacts are often governed by legislation and the project has to be changed to avoid or mitigate them but there is often not a similar force behind the consideration of social impacts in transport appraisal This needs to change. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Finally, Dr Jo Barnes<\/strong><\/a> (Professor of Clean Air, UWE) urged caution when moving fast to implement change intended to fix things, citing the example of a National Highways proposal to replace bitumen for road surfacing with recycled plastic. While this might appear to contribute to \u201cdelivering greener transport<\/em>\u201d it would throw up a whole new problem of air pollution and the health hazard of microplastics in the atmosphere. Jo would urge that we engage more with industry, the public and other departments to improve air quality and there should be an open public debate about the transition from cars with internal combustion engines, to electric vehicles. She thinks that government should stand up to motor manufacturers that lobby for lower emissions standards and challenge the rising number of SUVs in urban areas. There needs to be more collaboration between departments (Transport, DEFRA, NetZero, OHID and Energy) to tackle air pollution. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In sum, our panel experts were broadly supportive of the five strategic priorities<\/strong>. However, whilst recognising the political imperative to make swift progress they would urge caution that the Secretary of State\u2019s stated ambition to move fast should be tempered by taking steps to ensure the evidence-base is clear<\/strong>, in order to be confident of fixing those things that would deliver equality<\/strong> and social mobility<\/strong>, and to take people along with them through transparent communication<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here<\/a> you can find more info about the panellists\u2019 speeches. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
NET walk<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
During the lunch break a sizeable group of the symposium\u2019s participants split off to explore UWE\u2019s campus \u2013 digesting the morning\u2019s presentations and perhaps also the generous hunks of carrot cake that accompanied the buffet. The purpose of this \u2018Net Walk\u2019, an idea of Dr Juliet Jain<\/a><\/strong>, was to provide an opportunity for networking outside of the spaces that are typical of conferences and symposia. Stepping out of the Engineering Building, the route visited the Bristol Robotics Lab and the new bee-friendly garden space by the farmhouse building, while avoiding the numerous holes in the ground caused by UWE\u2019s ongoing heat decarbonisation project. During the walk, participants got a chance to meet other attendees in an informal setting, expanding their networks beyond the familiar faces one might gravitate towards on the conference floor. At designated stops there was a chance to switch walking partners and make another connection. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blogs.uwe.ac.uk\/transport-and-society\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/34\/2024\/07\/9.-net.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWe had a good response to the Net Walk from participants, with several mentioning it as a highlight of the day. We will take this forward in future editions of the CTS Symposium and encourage participants to join us on the next one \u2013 although we cannot guarantee the lovely weather experienced this year. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Workshops<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Workshop on Local Bus Automation<\/em><\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Around 20 delegates took part in a workshop responding to the question \u2018Can the Automation of Local Buses Add Value to Delivering Sustainable Transport?\u2019. Prof Graham Parkhurst began the workshop by introducing the MultiCAV project (a summary of the project featured in an earlier CTS blog<\/a>). Participants then took part in a \u2018carousel\u2019 of four 15-minute guided discussions on the themes of:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- the user perspective, and the challenges that unstaffed automated buses might bring, coordinated by Dr Billy Clayton<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- the role of the safety operative, led by Dr Jonathan Flower<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- stakeholder perspectives on how automation might realistically be applied, with Dr Ben Clark<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- the sustainability implications of automated buses drawing on the UN\u2019s Sustainable Development Goal indicators, proposed by Prof Graham Parkhurst <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
The coordinators then gave summary feedback. The following are highlights: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Billy\u2019s groups felt that passengers would quickly get used to the experience of riding without a driver controlling the vehicle but thought it unlikely that operators would be content to send an unstaffed bus out into an unpredictable fully mixed urban road environment.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Ben\u2019s groups highlighted some scepticism amongst participants that we will ever reach full automation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Jonathan\u2019s groups considered benefits of partial automation like programming smooth driving styles which complied with speed limits, to reduce tyre pollutants and driver fatigue. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Graham\u2019s groups thought automated buses would be well suited to offering more flexible routes if operating costs were lower, and this would influence performance against some indicators. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blogs.uwe.ac.uk\/transport-and-society\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/34\/2024\/07\/10.-work-G.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nIn Billy\u2019s break-out group focusing on the passenger experience of autonomous buses, participants felt that passengers would quickly get used to the experience of riding without a driver controlling the vehicle, but questioned the safety and cost benefits of autonomy in the bus context. Discussion centred on passengers\u2019 preference for an \u201cofficial\u201d presence on board the vehicle, be this in the form of a driver or a conductor, and on the operator side, it was thought unlikely that operators would be content to send an autonomous bus out into a fully mixed urban road environment without any official human presence on board, due to the high possibility of unforeseen circumstances in which it would be necessary to have someone present on the bus to manage the situation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Workshop on Are we serious about net-zero? Understanding current and future systems to achieve NetZero freight <\/em><\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n
About 18 people participated in the net-zero freight systems workshop and tried to address the question: \u201cWhat factors influence the demand for goods in local areas while considering <\/p>\n\n\n\n
net-zero targets?\u201d. Despite the great financial benefits companies might have from increased online shopping, inefficient management of local freight flows would be expected to generate increased road congestion, poor air quality, increased road traffic collisions, increased costs for freight companies, and a general negative impact on accessibility, with direct impacts on accessibility for people as well as for goods. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blogs.uwe.ac.uk\/transport-and-society\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/34\/2024\/07\/11.-W-Dan-1.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nCredit: Mabel Still<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After a brief presentation to set the scene and explain why understanding and embedding freight into our thinking is important and drawing upon the recently published Triple Access Planning for uncertain futures handbook<\/a>, Dr Daniela Paddeu invited participants to work in groups and co-design their mental models (Causal Loop Diagrams) of local freight systems. Participants were encouraged to use the Triple Access System approach, which encourages planners to consider the main factors that influence end-consumers\u2019 choices when they buy products online, especially with respect to the way they have their products delivered, and how areas can respond to these needs while designing and planning for an efficient system. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blogs.uwe.ac.uk\/transport-and-society\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/34\/2024\/07\/12.-W-dan-2.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nIt was interesting to see how participants considered different aspects of local freight, including economic growth of local areas, as well as air quality, public health implications of freight movements; but also social inequalities, considering winners and losers of online shopping and last-mile deliveries, looking into how neighbourhoods and local areas should be designed to improve access for goods, but also limiting or mitigating the negative externalities due to goods movements in those areas. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Workshop on What is the relation between walkability and governance?<\/em><\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you were in charge of delivering walkable cities, what would you do, and what resources or tools would you need? The workshop examined walkability from a policy and governance perspective. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blogs.uwe.ac.uk\/transport-and-society\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/34\/2024\/08\/15.-Tam-work.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nCredit: Jim Walker<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- the sustainability implications of automated buses drawing on the UN\u2019s Sustainable Development Goal indicators, proposed by Prof Graham Parkhurst <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- stakeholder perspectives on how automation might realistically be applied, with Dr Ben Clark<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- the role of the safety operative, led by Dr Jonathan Flower<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- the user perspective, and the challenges that unstaffed automated buses might bring, coordinated by Dr Billy Clayton<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Better integrating transport networks<\/strong>. <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
- Delivering greener<\/strong> transport , and <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
- Transforming infrastructure to work for the whole country, promoting social<\/strong> mobility and tackling regional inequality<\/strong> <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
- Improving bus<\/strong> services and growing usage across the country <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
- Improving performance on the railways and driving forward rail<\/strong> reform <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
- Collaborative governance and urban planning – <\/strong>with the transition to a committee-based system in the City Council, Ed advocated for better collaboration across parties to address transport challenges. He outlined several priorities, such as managing demand, enhancing public transport, and focusing on urban planning to reduce reliance on cars and promote more sustainable transport modes. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Addressing transport and accessibility issues –<\/strong> Ed acknowledged that there are significant transport issues in Bristol, including high car ownership, congestion, poor air quality, and issues with bus services. He stressed the importance of improving transport accessibility, particularly for disabled people, to enhance the overall transport system for everyone. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Balancing evidence-based policy with innovative approaches – <\/strong>there is a need to integrate solid evidence into transport policy while also considering innovative, less traditional approaches to create a more sustainable transport system. Ed highlighted the challenge of moving away from the conventional “predict and provide<\/em>” model towards a more flexible and forward-thinking “decide and provide<\/em>” approach. Ed emphasised that we have a lot of evidence-based policies and possible projects, but it is difficult to determine which ones will be the most effective and affordable mix to take forward to decarbonise transport in Bristol at pace, whilst keeping the City moving and bringing the majority with us. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Technological change<\/a> <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Transport planning and placemaking<\/a> <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blogs.uwe.ac.uk\/transport-and-society\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/34\/2024\/08\/16-Tam-work.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blogs.uwe.ac.uk\/transport-and-society\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/34\/2024\/07\/13.-prize.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n