Travel plans | BETA - South Gloucestershire Council

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Travel plans are required as part of planning applications for certain developments, including housing, schools, businesses, hospitals and leisure facilities.

A travel plan sets out practical measures to encourage active and sustainable travel, such as walking, wheeling, cycling and public transport.

We are involved in the delivery of travel plans across South Gloucestershire. We monitor them to make sure they are delivered effectively.

Types of travel plans

The type of travel plan required may vary based on the nature of the development. The main types include:

Travel Plan Statement: a simple action plan for smaller developments that the developer or site occupier is responsible for implementing.
Travel Plan: a detailed travel plan for larger developments where the site use is clear and agreed through planning.
Framework Travel Plan: an outline plan for mixed‑use developments, setting principles for each use before full plans are finalised.

These can be for residential, commercial or school developments.

Residential

For new housing developments we are appointed by developers or planning applicants to deliver a Residential Travel Plan, or we monitor developers and consultancies delivering travel plans.

Commercial

For businesses we review, approve and monitor Commercial Travel Plans to make sure developments support active and sustainable travel, manage servicing and deliveries, and meet agreed targets before and after occupation.

Schools

For schools we approve, monitor and support School Travel Plans to ensure schools meet planning conditions and promote safe, active and sustainable travel through Modeshift STARS.

Why travel plans are important

Travel plans have a range of benefits including:

providing people with a variety of travel options
supporting people to try new ways of travel through incentives, offers, events or training
encouraging active travel options to improve health and fitness
helping to reduce air pollution, climate change, reduce noise and improve safety
supporting more connected and liveable communities
reducing traffic, congestion and delays
lowering car dependency and potential car parking provision costs
reducing vehicle trips to and from the site

Effective travel plans

An effective travel plan will:

be led by a travel plan coordinator to make sure it is implemented effectively
contain clear aims, objectives and specific targets
be monitored and revised on an annual basis to check progress towards meeting its targets, reflect current best practice and adjust to make sure it is meeting the needs of the users

Large developments will need a travel plan stakeholder group with representatives from the community who will then continue travel plan work in future with the community. This requirement will be confirmed in the planning process.

You can read more in the sections below about the type of information included in an effective travel plan:

Walking, wheeling, cycling and scooting

This includes clear route information, journey planners, maps and helpful signage, alongside good facilities such as secure parking and supporting measures like safer routes and personalised travel planning.

Activities such as walking groups, workplace challenges, training and maintenance support, school initiatives, small incentives and participation in national campaigns can further help people choose active and sustainable travel for everyday journeys that are easy, appealing and safe.

Public transport

This includes signposting people to resources such as journey planners, local maps, fares and travelcards, alongside personalised travel planning to help identify the best routes.

Practical measures such as free or discounted tickets, season ticket schemes, real‑time information, park and ride promotion, shuttle buses, and vouchers can reduce barriers to public transport use.

Working with transport providers and promoting campaigns can further support everyday use of public transport as an affordable and easy-to-access option.

Car sharing and car clubs

This includes providing car‑share parking, workplace pool cars or car clubs, electric vehicle charging points, and incentives for shared journeys, alongside fair parking controls and parking permit systems.

Awareness campaigns about the impact and cost of car use, promotion of park and ride, eco‑driving, and flexible working options such as working from home, can all help reduce reliance on private cars.

For commercial travel plans, fleet management can be supported by reviewing driving practices and policies, for example pool cars, to reduce costs and emissions. This can help make business travel safer, more efficient and sustainable.

Marketing and promotions raise awareness of a travel plan and encourage take‑up of active and sustainable travel options.

Engagement can be improved by sharing clear, up‑to‑date travel information through promotional materials, digital channels and events, with links to trusted resources such as Travelwest and Better by Bike.

Contact

For more information about a travel plan relating to a planning application email dctransport@southglos.gov.uk.

For general information about travel plans or to find out more about how we can support your organisation email travel.planning@southglos.gov.u.