The Build

Managing Traffic and Transport

Approach to Transport Assessment and Travel Plan

The school will aim to promote sustainable travel and pedestrian and cycle trips will be encouraged as far as possible, along with trips by public transport. It is accepted that a number of car trips will inevitably occur however these will be discouraged as far as possible. The projected modal splits at the school are based upon an average of those currently being attained at Roundwood Park School, Sir John Lawes School and St George’s School, however it is hoped that by improving the sustainable travel infrastructure within the vicinity of the site, that a higher proportion of sustainable trips can be achieved. The transport assessment considers the impact of the school on pedestrian and cycle routes, bus network and the local highway network. The scope of the TA has been discussed and agreed with Hertfordshire County Council Highways.

Pedestrian and Cycle Access

Pedestrian and cycle access to the site will be provided from both Lower Luton Road and Common Lane. Footways will flank the main site access road, linking with the proposed widened footway on Lower Luton Road and providing pedestrian access from both the east and west. A dedicated pedestrian and cycle access will be provided from Common Lane, to the north of the Lower Luton Road junction. A footway will be provided on the eastern side of Common Lane to link the proposed access with the pedestrian infrastructure. A formal pedestrian and cycle crossing facility will be provided on Lower Luton Road within the frontage of the site. A number of other wider pedestrian and cycle improvements have been developed, which will improve the sustainable travel infrastructure for residents of the wider area surrounding the site.

Public Transport

A number of commercially operated bus services pass within the frontage of the site and serve the bus stops on Lower Luton Road and/or Common Lane. A public transport study has been undertaken to determine whether any service enhancements are required to accommodate pupils at the school, including amendments to routes, service capacity and times of operation. The study considers services to existing schools within Harpenden.

Vehicular Access and Parking

The primary access to the site is from Lower Luton Road, with an entry and exit to be connected by an internal loop. A taxi drop-off and coach waiting area will be provided on site. A secondary access to the site will be provided via Common Lane, primarily accommodating deliveries but also providing access to a small car park adjacent to the Sports Centre. A total of 97 car parking spaces will be provided at the site, including 79 spaces in the main car park and 18 spaces adjacent to the Sports Centre. Secure cycle parking stores containing up to 117 spaces will be provided within the school frontage, with an option to provide additional spaces subject to demand.