action plan

2011 / 2012 Action Plan

The tasks to be undertaken by the Partnership in 2011 / 12 are as follows:

Task 1: Individual Destination Maps
The Partnership has already mapped the key freight destinations in the region and as a result we do not intend to produce any new maps this year but simply update the current suite of 25 maps with accurate details.

Site visits to each location will be made by a local member of staff to obtain details of companies and locations.

We will also identify new buildings or those that have been demolished to make way for regeneration. The database will be amended accordingly with the company names, location and symbol, and subsequently the changes will be added into the design of the maps to reflect the changes, making the maps accurate and current.

The maps will be housed on the Partnership’s website and will also be available through the Truck Information Points

Task 2: Development and Update of Interactive Maps
The success of the individual destination maps (1,381 pages viewed in the period from 1st January 2011 to the 31st March 2011) has inspired the Partnership to pursue a more detailed set of mapping. A natural progression was the development of interactive maps.

Following updates to the database for the individual maps, the interactive map database will require updating with the relevant information gathered on the site visits. This task is dependent upon the collection of data from Task 1.

The interactive maps contain company address and contact details and these will be obtained through desktop research and website searches. Any anomalies found in the current information will be addressed by revisiting the business to obtain their details.

In the 2011 / 2012 programme, it is proposed to convert the remaining individual destination maps from the PDF version to the interactive style map, these include the following destinations:
  • Bede / Simonside Industrial Estates, South Tyneside Council;
  • Derwenthaugh Industrial Estate, Gateshead Council;
  • Newburn Industrial Estate, Newcastle City Council;
  • Pallion Industrial Estate, Sunderland City Council;
  • South Shields (Templetown), South Tyneside Council.

Task 3: Other Maps
Abnormal Loads Route Map
The proposal for this year is to carry out an accuracy check of the contact details for the local authorities currently listed on the map. The five authorities will be contacted for guidance on who are the current contacts for abnormal loads. Likewise the two bordering authorities of Northumberland County Council and Durham County Council will also be contacted.

As an important and precautionary step to maintain accuracy, we will also contact the Durham and Northumbria Police Constabularies, Network Rail, trunk road managers and the Highways Agency.

It is also proposed to more widely promote this valuable asset through trade press releases to aid awareness of the map and other aspects of the website. The availability of this map will also be more widely promoted via the website.

Highway Restrictions Map
It is proposed that the Highway Restrictions Map is maintained to ensure the accuracy of the prohibitions displayed. This will be achieved through consultation and liaison with the local authority engineers to clearly identify and rectify any structural details that have been assessed and found to have changed through road surfacing or any other similar interventions. The interactive map will be amended accordingly using a database for logging the data. The database, when fully operational, can act as a tool for abnormal load operators to identify restrictions in the area prior to planning and also be utilised as a reference tool for the local authority engineers.

Area Freight Map and Master Map
The Tyne and Wear Area Freight map was recently upgraded in March 2011, consequently, there will be little or no change required to the flat map during this year’s programme of activities. However, we propose to print 500 hard copy maps to distribute to key contacts to help promote the work of the Partnership further.

It has always been the aim of the Partnership to provide an all encompassing map and the current suite of maps, although comprehensive, still provides details of individual key freight locations, restrictions and abnormal load routes on a set of maps rather the providing all the information on one master map. The understanding and experience we have gained through the production of the innovative interactive destination maps, will allow for the natural progression of the Area Freight Map to be developed in an interactive style map powered by Bing.

The benefits of the production of a master map are clear as it will enable ease of access to all the necessary mapping resources and provide an even more powerful tool for route planning purposes. Currently the user has to visit several pages on the website to gather all the relevant information. This will alleviate the need for that and will allow any route planned to take into account all area restrictions.

Task 4: Freight on Rail
The overall purpose of the current Freight on Rail Partner Group is to understand how to encourage modal shift from road to rail and how Network Rail can support the Group’s objectives. This year we proposes to continue focus on the Partner Group activities through two meetings to help maintain the current momentum generated, with the aim of providing rail freight related information to website users and to also promote investment in rail freight infrastructure in the region. The first of these meeting is planned for September 2011 and the second for February 2012 – however this meeting could be moved if required to ensure momentum is maintained.

The Partner group has chosen to focus on gathering information on three main issues:
  • Provision of Intermodal and other facilities - where are the locations for all industry types, how do operators locate rail freight companies and what grants are available to encourage modal shift;
  • Traffic - what is the current industry type and flows, what future opportunities are there for increasing flows; and
  • What are the barriers to overcome to achieve modal shift. In terms of the geographical area and boundaries, operational barriers and the financial constraints?
A clear picture of the current situation will allow a more informed approach to future requests for investment in the region.

In order to support this on-going data gathering exercise, we propose that the Partnership strives to provide a one stop shop of information to a potential client (rail freight user), including information regarding rail freight operators, contact details, the nearest facilities and the grants available. This will be realised via inclusion of a new website page containing such details. It is expected that this will help to change understanding, awareness and potentially perceptions of rail freight. This new webpage will be supported by press release.

Task 5: Sign Study and Design – Washington (Sunderland City Council)
Sunderland City Council has previously highlighted areas for improvement with regard to signage. Thus it is proposed that a consultation meeting with Sunderland City Council is held to ascertain their requirements and to discuss a preferred strategy and any future plans the council have for the area.

We will set out a strategy for freight only signs from the A19 westbound on the A1231 identifying the estates and their locations, on a sign with a black background displaying a white truck, and also from the A1 eastbound along the A1231 and the A195. This will include signing on the A1 and the A19 southbound and northbound. It is envisaged that about 15 signs will be required.

Prior to visiting the locations, desktop research will be carried out to plan a strategy for the site visit and study. An effective signing scheme for the whole of Washington will require several visits to cover the main area from the A19 to the A1 east to west and the North and South areas on the A195.

Once the strategy has been agreed then the sign and design phase will be commenced, detailing the requirements for posts, size, foundations of the signs and the locations. Another consultation meeting will take place for the authority to accept the scheme.

The Highways Agency will be consulted and involved at this point of the discussions to agree in principle the signing strategy and prepare a budget request for the installation of signs on the A19 and A1(M).

Task 6: Lorry Parking
To fully understand the importance of lorry parking, this task will require a review of the findings and conclusions of the Department for Transport Truck Parking Study of 2011 to help develop a clearer picture of current lorry parking provision within the Tyne and Wear region.

The proposal for this year will look to continue promotion of lorry parking facilities on the website, refresh the details currently on the site and provide up to date information on developments regarding truck stops.

We propose that the Partnership will also consult with Estate Managers to identify possible locations to site a truck stop.

Task 7: Promoting the Partnership
It is proposed that promotion of the Partnership continues to build upon the good work completed in previous years by creating an updated version of the annual leaflet, available in English, Polish and German.

The wider communication contact list has steadily increased over the years therefore we propose to print 500 copies of the leaflet to be distributed through the existing circulation list and to those with whom the Partnership has linked through the CIVITAS CATALIST programme.

The Partnership will maintain links with the North East Chamber of Commerce to promote the work undertaken. In consultation with the NECC we will encourage businesses to get involved with the Partnership, increasing the number of organisations and types of businesses as stakeholders of the Partnership.

As part of a more operator focussed campaign we will look to engage with transport operators on a more regular basis. This can in part be facilitated through any Fleet Recognition scheme and through advice provided regarding the Ready Reckoner, but we will look to increase operator involvement in the regular Partnership meetings. It must be highlighted that operators sometimes cannot spare time to attend.

We will also seek to engage with other local authorities, particularly neighbouring authorities in the North East and up into Scotland (through AECOM’s office in Edinburgh), as well as universities and trade organisations, to spread best practice.

Building on the good relationship between the Partnership and Newcastle University It is proposed that the Partnership supports Newcastle University in its role in the Best Fact programme (a series of promotional events for Best Practice in Transportation). This will enable wider exposure of the Partnership and its activities to a wealth of new audiences.

Task 8: Fleet Recognition Scheme
We are proposing a quick feasibility study, a low-cost launch and support programme. The Year 1 programme is split into three sub-tasks detailed below.

Task 8.1: Review of Current Schemes and Recommendations
This short task will identify and document the attributes of existing recognition schemes in the UK (notably EcoStars, FORS and GreenFleet) together with international examples for reference such as the USA’s SmartWay scheme. We will also undertake a review of previous research work for DfT on vehicle recognition schemes and interrogate current online benchmarking data and the FORS membership list to identify any NE based operators that are currently either active bench-markers or FORS members.

An evaluation of transferability and benefits to FQP Partners and potential participants will be provided, together with an implementation feasibility report that will include options for developing a scheme from scratch versus integration with an existing scheme.

Task 8.2: Implementation Model
This task will identify an implementation model that best suits the needs of the Partnership and will aim to deliver the following benefits package for scheme subscribers:

Benchmarking – we propose that use is made of the existing DfT online benchmarking system or the FORS benchmarking platform. Some system development will be needed if the Partnership wishes to be able to identify its own members on the system.

Toolkits (Fuel management, safety, efficiency ready reckoner) - we suggest making use of the toolkits available from the Freight Best Practice programme via the Open Government Licence system or from those available to FORS members.

Workshops - a programme of half day workshops per year covering safety, fuel efficiency, benchmarking and toolkits. Off the shelf material would be available from FORS if this is the implementation model adopted

Case Studies – a series of 2 page case studies showing exemplar companies and the benefits of scheme participation.

Task 8.3: Launch Plan and Launch, Scheme Roll-out and Support
Once the implementation model is agreed a launch plan will be developed. This will identify ‘trailblazer’ participants who will be used as ambassadors to help promote membership of the scheme to transport suppliers and use of the scheme in procurement by transport buyers.

This will be supported by a comprehensive press and marketing campaign to promote the scheme and to gauge interest of potential operators. On-going management support will be provided, monitoring membership and evaluating scheme outcomes, identifying case study material and proving benefits support including toolkits, workshop administration and delivery. An added bonus of a Fleet Recognition scheme is the access to a wealth of information on transport operators in the region, aiding the Partnership in its aim to engage more effectively with operators as well as ensuring its future tasks are relevant to them.

Task 9: Knowledge Network (online discussion forum)
The forum is an excellent tool for the exchange of knowledge and understanding. The proposal for 2011-12 is to post topical issues within the freight industry to promote the online discussion forum further, in order to engage operators and to increase the interest within the industry. Stakeholders of the Partnership will be asked to register and post new topics on particular themes within their businesses over a period of 12 months. The forum could be used by the trade associations as an additional outlet for information and feedback.

The site will be moderated daily throughout the year to ensure the terms and conditions of the site are being followed and the posts are appropriate.

Stakeholders from the UK and Europe will be asked to register on the site and post ‘seed’ items to generate further discussion from the wider group. Initial proposed topics for discussion will be:
  • Lorry Road User charging – due to start in 2014, but at what level?
  • Driver CPC and levels of uptake – are you doing enough training?
  • Fuel price rises - are hauliers able to pass the extra costs on to customers?
  • Increasing levels of freight crime – has your operation been affected?
  • RHA idea for “freight buses” – a similar idea to having no-car lanes, is it sensible?
  • Euro 6 engines are now available - what might it mean to us?
  • A new multimodal railfreight service is due to start soon from Teesport to Widnes – want to know more?
  • A coastal shipping line offers calls to both Tyneside and Teesside on the same vessels - want to know more?


Task 10: The ‘Ready Reckoner’
AECOM has developed a software tool for the Department for Transport (DfT) Freight Best Practice Programme that could be made available to the Tyne and Wear Partnership. The software is not likely to continue to be supported by the DfT and as a result it is proposed to create a tool that will sit on the Tyne and Wear website.

We will look to ‘refresh’ the existing tool with up to date savings figures for the various interventions and will adapt the tool to reflect the Tyne and Wear brand. Due to the Freight Best Practice Programme drawing to a close in March 2011 the tool is available on open licence to be adapted at will.

The Ready Reckoner currently requires some simple operational data to be entered into the system and it will then review the effect of a number of interventions and technical improvements.

The delivery of this tool will be accompanied by a series of press releases to promote its uses and capabilities.

Task 11: Alternative fuel refuelling point map and study
Reducing emissions and promoting sustainable forms of transport are core aims of the Partnership. One of the known barriers to take-up of alternative fuelled vehicles is the lack of knowledge of refuelling points available to make them feasible. It is the intention of this task to provide information on alternative fuel refuelling points to enable operators, both based in the Tyne and Wear area and also delivering into the area, to make informed decisions as to the viability of alternative fuelled vehicle use in the region.

Adding to the comprehensive suite of maps already available and linking into the ‘Plugged in Places’ programme, this map will be accessible directly on the website and form part of the ‘Master Map’. The alternative fuels proposed to be showcased will be:
  • LPG;
  • Bio-diesel;
  • Bio Ethanol; and
  • Electric.
The data will be gathered from a range of existing websites including the Plugged in Places website.

This task will also provide a study into alternative fuel vehicles detailing the relevant issues with use of each fuel type. This research will aid operators who are considering investing in alternative fuel vehicles to assess the suitability of each fuel type to their operations and allow them to make an informed judgement.

An additional web page is also proposed for the website to show a brief overview of alternative fuels and what operators can do to get started.

Task 12: Tyne and Wear FBP material dissemination
As previously mentioned , Freight Best Practice is being closed due to budgetary constraints. We intend to add FBP pages to the website with useful material for users to download. The material is transport operator focussed and provides advice to improve operational efficiency. Subjects include:
  • Fuel Management;
  • Performance Management;
  • Driver Training;
  • Change Management;
  • Modal Shift;
  • Vehicle Specifications; and
  • Preventative Maintenance.
This is sanctioned by the DfT under an Open Government licence and will enhance the status of the website, making it a ‘go to’ destination for operators. This will also help the Partnership meets its aims of improved operator engagement and helping to improve operational efficiency to reduce emission levels.

Task 13 - Interactive Multi-modal map (optional if Ready Reckoner is not chosen as an option)
In 2009 AECOM developed the DfT Multi Modal Map. The primary aim of the map is to facilitate the first step on the road to modal shift by providing easy access to basic details of operators’ nearest facilities. This links in well with the LTP objectives of encouraging modal shift and as a result reduced CO2 emissions associated with changing from road freight to either rail or water freight.

Currently the Multi Modal map achieves this by engaging with the user through the interactive options present on the map. The map has a backing database that contains the exact locations, contact details and freight handling capabilities of all of the open user rail and water freight terminals in the UK. The user then types in origin and destination and the map provides a route to their nearest terminals. This currently is not commodity specific so the facilities may not be the most appropriate for them.

As has been highlighted previously, the FBP programme closed on the 31st March 2011 and this map will no longer be available to use. It is proposed that the Partnership take on the map and utilises it as a tool to aid operators across the region in making decisions regarding modal shift whilst also providing a tool that complements the aims of the Freight on Rail task by providing a source of information on traffic flows in the region.

This task meets several key objectives of the Partnership and will complement the good work already being carried out by the Railfreight Partner Group.

On completion of the tool, a press release will accompany its unveiling to further promote its usefulness and capabilities.