{"id":7114,"date":"2023-05-11T12:00:46","date_gmt":"2023-05-11T10:00:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.systra.com\/uk\/?post_type=expert_insights&p=7114"},"modified":"2023-09-14T15:30:57","modified_gmt":"2023-09-14T13:30:57","slug":"setting-the-scene-gaining-insight-through-gathering-evidence","status":"publish","type":"expert_insights","link":"https:\/\/www.systra.com\/uk\/expert_insights\/setting-the-scene-gaining-insight-through-gathering-evidence\/","title":{"rendered":"Setting the Scene – Gaining Insight through Gathering Evidence"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In a world unnerved by uncertainties, what\u2019s certain in the transport planning world is that every local transport authority in England has a statutory duty to develop its Local Transport Plan (LTP4) setting out its vision for future transport and travel infrastructure. It\u2019s also not in doubt that since LTP3 – now over 12 years old – the world has changed considerably, making them no longer relevant to meet today\u2019s challenges and opportunities.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

One of those opportunities is \u2018data\u2019, which has changed enormously. Today, we have much potential through utilising the right data sets combined with introducing new data systems, the ability to have real time analysis, and more importantly the ability to automate the reporting of a project\u2019s impact. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

All LTPs must tell a story. The art of good story telling is to first set the scene. That means giving sufficient information to allow the reader (DfT) to picture the local transport environment clearly. In other words, demonstrate with evidence (and data) your area, the challenges, and your proposed solutions.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

At SYSTRA we know all about data – we know about gathering it, as well as interrogating, analysing and presenting it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s an abundance of data sources out there to give context to your story. We pulled together the graphic below to highlight the web of data that\u2019s available at your fingertips today – from population data for age, socio-economic and housing profiles to air quality, flood risk, and planning applications; then there\u2019s specific transport data on car ownership and car, bus, rail and cycle use data. That\u2019s not to mention the swathe of new data that can be derived from sources including social media to identify transport demand and trends; CCTV capturing footfall at major trip attractors or events; ridesharing and micro-mobility use data; and aggregated mobile phone data for \u2018origin and destination\u2019 information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n
\n
\"setting-the-scene-diagram\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s not overstate the obvious on choosing your data wisely, but instead be sure that the data you choose helps to tell your area\u2019s story. It should begin by presenting a baseline on transport, accessibility and the environment, which will then allow you to showcase the challenging but achievable local transport plan objectives for your area, and the programme for achieving these objectives. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

The next step is interrogating the data. Asking questions such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n