Notes by Graham TowersInaugural meeting held on 14 January 2008 at the PV pub, Upper North Street
Present
John Bristow
Graham Towers
Neil Harding
Michael Petek
Doly Garcia
Celia Davis
Rob Dickin Travel Plan Officer BHCC
Gina Meyer Brighton City Car Club
Apology: Judy Bow
1.0 Introductions
Those present introduced themselves. John Bristow outlined the aims of the Transition Town movement which was now established in 25 towns and cities in Britain
2.0 Group remit
2.1 Context: The group was to consider both the need to reduce carbon emissions and the possible impact of ‘peak oil’. Transport contributes about 26% of UK’s total carbon emissions. There is a clear need to reduce this but attempts to do so are likely to face difficulties because reduction in fossil fuel use brings no direct financial benefit. Oil is likely to become increasingly scarce and more costly. This would force the adoption of more efficient systems and stimulate technical innovation. There was a need to establish current carbon emissions for Brighton. Michael had figures which he was asked to circulate.
2.2 Framework - key objectives and parameters: The framework document circulated was discussed and adopted subject to the addition of encouragement of home working and close home/employment location.
3.0 Action already under way
3.1 City Council: Rob Dickin said there was consideration of rapid transit systems but this was outside his field. In his work there was a general aim to reduce car use by 10% in five years (at 2% p. a.) There was a focus travel planning and cycling.
Travel planning - Personalised travel plans could be obtained from www.journeyon.co.uk; Campaigns include ‘walk to work’; ‘walk to school’; ‘car free day; and’ bike it’. Business travel planning was being encouraged; travel plans would bee required with planning applications
Cycling - bicycle parking was to be increased; a cycle’parkway was to be constructed running up Grand Avenue, The Drive, Hove Park acrros the A27 to the Downs.
Pedestrians were on the agenda though no specific measures were described
Rob offered to provide further information and advice to the group and provided his contact details.
3.3 Car Clubs. Gina Meyer described the work of City Car Club (www.citycarclub.co.uk) Car clubs had been boosted by the decision of the City Council to use them as pool cars. This enables the clubs to invest in a larger fleet with greater choice and accessibility for members
3.4 Other groups Graham would find out more on national groups - Campaign for better transport and Living Streets. Local groups could be identified in the transition town index of local organizations
4.0 Group roles
The following were agreed
Co-ordinator Graham Towers
Link person to hub Doly Garcia
Website person Neil Harding
Notes Celia Davis
5.0 Future meetings
It was agreed that the PV was a suitable venue. Subject to confirmation the next meeting would take place on Monday 11 February. At the meeting Celia offered to present some ideas on ‘urban walking and cycling routes.
John said there was a possibility of a student doing a project on transport. He was also hoping to arrange national and local speakers.
Notes from Transport Group meeting – Mon 14 January 2008
