Eastfield Electric Transport Scheme Would Bring Benefits

Monday, 3 October 2022 15:11

By Matthew Pells

A report recommends deploying an e-car club vehicle, 8 e-bikes and 16 e-scooters at Eastfield as part of a electric transport scheme, but a similar idea for Whitby is rejected.

A comprehensive study to assess the business case for e-bikes, scooters and electric vehicle car clubs across North Yorkshire has concluded there is a substantial demand for personal electric transport schemes in Eastfield, (Scarborough), and in Catterick, (Richmondshire).

The review by independent consultants Cenex, on behalf of the York & North Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership, North Yorkshire County Council, Richmondshire District Council and Scarborough Borough Council, reported that personal electric transport schemes would bring environmental and social benefits to small towns and communities with poor transport networks.

Cenex investigated two sites in each district using a newly developed critical success factors tool, weighted for environmental impact and equitability, and outcomes from local focus groups, Cenex recommended deployment of an e-car club vehicle, 8 e-bikes and 16 e-scooters at Eastfield, and an e-car club vehicle and 19 e-bikes at Catterick.

A study in Whitby concluded that there were a number of issues with the proposed location which would be difficult to overcome. The report said:

"The specific location of the proposed hub scored poorly on connection with other modes (of transport) and visibility, with no public transport present in the area and the location on the outskirts of Whitby with most of the housing in the area located on one side, closer to the town centre. This is not something that can be easily rectified"

Overall Eastfield scored a total of 90 points out of a total of 100 compared to Whitby which scored a total of 87 points. The report authors are recommending that the Eastfield scheme be carried forward to the next stage. The report said:

"Eastfield scored the maximum marks for air quality improvements and placed third— amongst all four sites—for CO2 savings, scoring 18 out of 20. For Equitability, Eastfield was scored maximum marks. For Location Suitability, the proposed hub scored poorly on safety and lighting due to the location currently offering little in terms of CCTV coverage and street lighting, though this can be easily rectified with appropriate installation of these components. The site also scored poorly on land ownership as the land is not owned by the local authority, which may pose a risk to installation of a hub."

Beth Morley, Mobility and Human Insights Specialist at Cenex, said:

"Cities are at the forefront of shared mobility schemes but small towns should not be left behind in this modal shift.

"Cenex has identified key locations where shared mobility can have the biggest impact and developed a business case for regions where operators may be hesitant to deploy vehicles due to misconceptions about potential returns.

“The business case we've developed can be replicated in other rural regions giving more places the opportunity to see carbon and social benefits from their introduction”.

Councillor Michelle Donohue-Moncrieff, Scarborough Borough Council’s cabinet member with responsibility for the environment and sustainability, added:

“Our plan for the mobility scheme for Eastfield was developed through extensive stakeholder engagement.

“It would provide a substantial boost to transport options in the area and, ultimately, it could save 350 tonnes of CO2 over 10 years.

“Our commitment to involving residents and businesses in the transition to net zero means we now have a strong business case to use to attract funding. I am also pleased to confirm a similar scheme is in development for Whitby.”

David Dickson, Chair of the York & North Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership Infrastructure & Joint Assets Board, said:

“The support shown in this study for sustainable transport options helps to build a case for future funding. That’s great news for these communities and can help the region become a greener, fairer, and stronger economy.”

The Local Authorities will be seeking to secure £200,000 (60% of total cost) to help realise these ambitions, which could enable the shared mobility to be online by Spring 2024. This will support York and North Yorkshire’s ambition to be England’s first carbon negative region.

A report, ‘Local E-Motion North Yorkshire: Pilot Schemes to Deliver Affordable Personal Electric Transport’, released today, summarises the key findings and outputs of the work, including the personal electric transport options and the business case put forward.

People interested in finding out more about the research can register for the launch event, to be held virtually on Friday 14th October, 10:00-12:30.