Glossary and Abbreviations
Accessibility Planning
A process involving partnership working involving a wide range of authoritiess and agencies, including local transport authorities, Local Strategic Partnerships, PCTs and LEAs, to ensure that people can get to key services at a reasonable cost, in reasonable time and with reasonable ease.
Accession
A computer-based model designed to map accessibility to specific facilities, such as employment areas, health centres and shops.
Active Traffic Management
A system, being pioneered on the section of the M42 in the Metropolitan Area, of managing traffic flows with improved information and control signs and part-time use of the hard-shoulder.
Advantage West Midlands (AWM)
The Government's Regional Development Agency for the West Midlands region, set up in April 1999 to promote regeneration and economic prosperity. Responsible for producing the Regional Economic Strategy in 2004.
Agenda 21
An agenda for the 21st century. This blueprint, agreed by 150 nations at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development in Rio de Janeiro, outlined a comprehensive programme of action throughout the world to achieve a sustainable pattern of development for the 21st century. The programme has been propagated at the local level through the Local Agenda 21 process.
Air Quality Action Plans
An Action Plan drawn up by the relevant local authority to deal with poor air quality in an AQMA.
Air Quality Management Area (AQMA)
An area designated by the relevant local authority within which national standards for at least one of a number of pollutants, including NO2 and PM10 particles, are currently exceeded or are forecast to be exceeded in the foreseeable future. Declaration leads to the development and adoption of an Air Quality Action Plan.
Air Viro
A computer-based model that, given accurate traffic flow and air quality data, can forecast future air pollution levels.
Annual Progress Report (APR)
The APR sets out how a local transport authority(ies) is(are) implementing its Local Transport Plan and how it is progressing against its targets.
AQMA
See Air Quality Management Area
ATM
See Active Traffic Management.
Benchmarking
A method used by public sector organisations, charities and private companies for comparing their performance against other organisations, typically sharing similar characteristics. The Government encourages public sector bodies to compare their scores on various published performance indicators as way of improving service delivery. Many organisations are now members of 'benchmarking clubs' in which published and unpublished performance information are compared.
Best Value
From April 2000, local authorities and certain other authorities, including passenger transport authorities, have a statutory duty to provide Best Value to local people. Best Value is defined as a duty to deliver services to clear standards (covering both cost and quality) by the most economic, efficient and effective means available. Authorities must examine their services according to four guiding principles. They must challenge how, why and by whom a service is provided; compare its performance with that of other authorities; consult service users; and use competition to get the best service available.
BIA
Birmingham International Airport.
Black Country Consortium
A partnership of the four 'Black Country' Metropolitan Authoritties, Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall and Wolverhampton, providing a forum for the strategic co-ordination of public, private and voluntary sector organisations.
Black Country Study
A Sub-Regional Study, commissioned in response to a request by the Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) following publication of the West Midlands Regional Spatial Strategy in 2004. It aims to identify key actions for the regeneration of the 'Black Country'. The study is being led by the Black Country Consortium, on behalf of the Regional Assembly. Options were published for consultation in late 2005 with the preferred option expected to be present a preferred option to the DPM in Spring 2006.
Benchmarking
The use of performance indicators and other similar measures to compare one authority's performance with another, especially in groups of authorities with similar profiles.
Brownfield development / site
Development on a site that has previously been built on, usually in an urban area, Government expects new development on brownfield sites rather than on ‘greenfield’ (previously undeveloped) sites.
Bus Quality Contract
see Quality Bus Contract
Bus Quality Partnership
see Quality Bus Partnership
Bus Quality Network
see Quality Bus Network
Bus Showcase
A bus route incorporating all aspects of 'best practice' in local urban transport. Typically a non-statutory quality partnership between Centro, the local highway authority and the operator(s) which provides:
- Improved infrastructure
- Better passenger facilities and information
- Modern vehicles
Bus Strategy
The Transport Act 2000 requires public transport authorities and local transport authorities (outside the metropolitan areas) to consult on and produce a Bus Strategy for their areas. The West Midlands has a five-year strategy to increase bus usage through the delivery of improved local bus networks and an integrated bus, rail and Metro network branded 'Network West Midlands'.
BVPI
Best Value Performance Indicator. See Best Value
Cabinet
A way of running local authorities based on the Westminster model of cabinet government. Specific councillors take responsibility for a portfolio of local authority services and/or duties, for example – environment and/or transport, and is therefore a member of the authority’s cabinet.
CANS
See Coventry Area Network Study
Capital Expenditure
In the context of Local Transport Plans, this includes not only expenditure on new roads, railways and light rail systems and alterations or improvements, but also major maintenance works and other expenditure linked with maintaining or improving the area’s capital assets.
Casualty Reduction Partnership
The West Midlands Casualty Reduction Partnership is a group of agencies that have come together to help reduce casualties on roads in the Metropolitan Area. This is achieved through the use of fines received from motorists photographed by speed or traffic light cameras to implement road safety measures through Education, Engineering and Enforcement. The partners include the seven Metropolitan Councils, the Highways Agency, West Midlands Police, the Crown Prosecution Service, the West Midlands Courts Committee, the NHS, the West Midlands Ambulance service and RoSPA. Also sometimes referred to as Safety Camera Partnership.
CCTV
Closed circuit television. A system of cameras sending pictures through to a control centre, usually for security purposes.
Central Trains
The train Operating Company that currently holds the franchise from the Strategic Rail Authority to provide local and regional rail services within and to/from the West Midlands
Centro
Centro is the corporate name of the West Midlands Passenger Transport Executive. It is a statutory body established under the Transport Act 1968 to provide public transport services within a designated area. Under the revised functions of the Transport Act 1985, Centro is advises the Passenger Transport Authority (PTA) and assists in the formulation of policies in respect of securing appropriate public transport services for the area of the former West Midlands county.
Centro's 20-Year Strategy
A document published in October 1999. It summarises standards and networks the Passenger Transport Authority proposes to pursue with its partners.
CEPOG
The Chief Engineers and Planning Officers Group. This Group co-ordinates strategic planning and transportation matters across the Metropolitan Area and reports to the West Midlands Joint Planning & Transportation Sub-Committee.
Community Plan or Strategy
Councils must draw up community plans or strategies to improve the quality of life for local people. They must be completed with the help of businesses, voluntary groups and citizens.
Community Transport
This is door-to-door transport services, aimed at reaching people who are unable to use ordinary public transport. It includes a range of other services, usually based on the use of mini-buses, provided voluntary organisations, community groups, schools and colleges. It also includes Centro's Ring & Ride service and voluntary car schemes. CT services can be open to the public or only available to members of the organisation providing the service.
Comprehensive Performance Assessment
A methodology, adopted by the Audit Commission, to assess a wide range of service delivery performances by Local Authorities. For example, LTPs and APRs are assessed and given a score that feeds into each Authority’s CPA.
Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO)
An Order made to enable an Authority to purchase land for an approved project, regardless of whether or not the owner wishes to sell. It has to be approved by Government and, if there are objections, a public local inquiry is usually held before the decision is made. A CPO can also be part of a TWA Order or conferred by Act of Parliament, as in the case of Midland Metro.
Coventry Area Network Study (CANS)
A study commissioned by Coventry City Council in parallel with the West Midlands Area Multi-Modal Study. The study contained a comprehensive review of public transport demands and opportunities within the City and within the corridors linking to surrounding Shire areas (see chapter 5, paragraphs 5.2.15 – 5.2.17 for more detail).
Coventry / Solihull / Warwickshire Sub-Regional Study
A sub-regional study set up to assist in the development of a strategy for the economic development and regeneration of the study area up to 2021.
CPO
See Compulsory Purchase Order.
Crime and Disorder Reduction Strategies
Strategies produced by the local Crime & Disorder Reduction Partnership based in each local authority area.
CVI
Coarse Visual Inspection, a method of assessing the need for highway maintenance work.
Defra
Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
Demand Responsive Transport
This is a bus or, more often, a minibus service that varies its route in response to pre-arranged customer demands. Centro's Ring & Ride service is an example.
Disability Discrimination Act (DDA)
The Disability Discrimination Act, 2005, updates the Disability Discrimination Act, 1995. This legislation deals with a range of discrimination issues including access to transport services, including vehicles and supporting infrastructure.
DMEG
District Maintenance Engineers' Group. One of CEPOG's Sub-Groups dealing co-ordinating maintenance matters across the Metropolitan Area.
DfT
Department for Transport. The Government department responsible for national transport issues and managing finance for local transport expenditure.
DfT (Rail)
Division of the Department for Transport that took over most of the functions of the former Strategic Rail Authority.
Environmental Impact Assessment
An investigation into the environmental impacts of specific proposals, usually undertaken in assocation with an application for planning permission for development or during preparation of a major transport scheme or project. It includes appropriate mitigation measures.
Franchise Agreement
An agreement between a Train Operating Company and the SRA under which the TOC undertakes to provide passenger rail services to which the agreement relates throughout its term. The initial franchise agreements were mostly of seven years' duration.
Government Office for the West Midlands (GOWM)
Established in April 1994, it combines the former regional offices of the Departments of Transport, Environment, Employment, and Trade and Industry.
GPS
Global Positioning System, which can be used to track vehicles fitted with appropriate equipment either to help vehicles find ways through congested areas or as a basis for tracking buses either for the purposes of providing real-time information at bus stops, etc., or as a part of a bus priority measure.
HA
See Highways Agency.
HAMP
Highways Asset Management Plan.
Health Action Zone (HAZ)
Partnerships between the NHS, local authorities, community groups and the voluntary and business sectors in areas of high deprivation, aimed at tackling health inequalities and poor health.
Health Impact Asessment
An assessment of the health implications of a policy document or specific proposal.
Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV)
A vehicle constructed or adapted to haul or carry goods that results in a gross total weight exceeding 7.5 tonnes.
Heavy Rail
A term used for the conventional railway system to distinguish it from light rail or tram systems. The heavy rail system serves inter-urban and local needs and includes all services formerly operated by British Rail. It also includes heavy freight routes.
Help2travel
A travel information web-site, linked to MATTISSE.
HGV
See Heavy Goods Vehicle.
High Technology Corridor (HTC)
An area within which cluster developments, closely linked to the region’s critical research and development capabilities and advanced technologies, will be promoted. There are three designated HTCs in the West Midlands RSS.
Highways Agency (HA)
The agency responsible for managing a safe, reliable, efficient and environmentally acceptable motorway and trunk road network throughout England, on behalf of the Secretary of State for the Department for Transport.
HOV
High Occupancy Vehicle, a term describing a vehicle typically carrying two or more people and associated with priority lanes on the road network.
Integrated Transport Block
This is the funding allocated by Government for capital transport schemes costing less than £5 million (each) designed to achieve the Objectives of the LTP2 but not including capital expenditure on maintenance.
Joint Committee
See West Midlands Joint Committee
Light Rail Transit or Light Rapid Transit (LRT)
A rail-based form of public transport (otherwise referred to as tramways) that can carry up to 35,000 passengers per hour per direction. The term 'light' refers to the design and weight of the vehicle compared with normal railway rolling stock. The vehicle is usually electrically powered, and can operate up steep gradients, round tight corners and mix with road traffic.
LEA
Local Education Authority.
Local Planning Authority
The district or unitary council that receives applications for planning permission and grants or refuses them or, for certain developments outside the Metropolitan Area, the county council for the area containing the site of the proposed development. LPAs also produce development plans that are designed to guide the development process
Local Development Framework (LDF)
A folder of development documents that are prepared and adopted by a local planning authority to guide future development in their area.
Local Strategic Partnership (LSP)
Initiative to ensure cooperation between public agencies, voluntary groups and businesses in the regeneration of deprived neighbourhoods.
LRT
see Light Rail Transit or Light Rapid Transit.
LTP Centres
These are town or city centres designated in the Regional Spatial Strategy and LTP2 for the purposes of monitoring travel activity.
Major Schemes
Capital projects in the LTP that will cost in excess of £5 million.
MATTISSE
This acronym stands for Midlands Advanced Transport Telematics Information Services and Strategies in Europe. It is a developing system that provides real-time, multi-modal travel information for the Midlands. Building on the successful QUARTET Plus European demonstration project, electronically produced travel information is gathered from a variety of sources into a coherent package for dissemination. This allows transport operators to manage their network more efficiently and citizens to make informed decisions about their choice of travel. The system operates over the internet and exchanges event and incident information between the MATTISSE local authority partners, transport operators and the media. The information is used by radio travel news, the Highways Agency, Police and the public via the web site http://www.help2travel.co.uk.
Metropolitan Area
This phrase is used throughout the LTP2 to describe the combined area of the seven Metropolitan Authorities of Birmingham, Coventry, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull, Walsall and Wolverhampton. It is also synonymous with the area of the West Midlands PTA and Centro.
Multi-Modal Studies
A series of Studies, commissioned by Government. They reviewed all modes of transport in the chosen area, identified the main transport problems and proposed future solutions.
NATA
See New Approach to Appraisal.
National Road Maintenance Condition Survey (NRMCS)
An annual sample survey of road conditions published to guide authorities on their relative condition compared to a base year (1977).
National Road Traffic Forecasts (NRTF)
Forecasts of future levels of road traffic from DfT, based on car ownership, trip patterns, usage trends, etc.
NEC
The National Exhibition Centre, located adjacent to Birmingham International Airport and the M42 motorway.
Neighbourhood Renewal Fund (NRF)
Provided 88 of the most deprived council areas in the country with a combined total of £900 million over three years from 2001/02. Aimed at kick-starting regeneration initiatives.
Network Management System
An intelligent transport system that collects and collates information on a defined transport network to enable network operators to achieve maximum efficiency and coordination from the network and minimise disruption from planned and unplanned events, such as roadworks.
Network Rail
This non-profit making company replaced Railtrack in October 2002. Network Rail owns the track and railway infrastructure and is responsible for the operation and maintenance of track, signalling and stations. It charges rail operators for using the rail system and leases out other infrastructure, such as land and sidings, to freight and passenger train operating companies.
New Approach to Appraisal (NATA)
Guidance issued by the former DETR on appraising transport schemes. This was introduced in the Government’s White Paper ‘A New Deal for Transport’ and was published alongside the Review of Trunk Road policy in July 1998.
New Deal for Communities
Government initiative to tackle deprivation by providing intensive financial and other support to run-down parts of the country. Aimed at tackling poor job prospects, crime, educational under-achievement, poor health and poor housing and physical environment. Nearly £2,000 million has been committed to the scheme.
NO2
Nitrogen Dioxide, a gaseous pollutant caused by motor vehicles.
NRF
See Neighbourhood Renewal Fund.
NRMCS
See National Road Maintenance Condition Survey.
NRTF
See National Road Traffic Forecasts.
ODPM
The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.
P&R
Park & Ride. A facility providing parking for cars, powered two-wheelers and cycles and allowing easy interchange on to a public transport service.
P2W
see Powered Two-Wheeler
Passenger Transport Authority (PTA)
The body of Members, appointed by the seven Metropolitan Authorities, that is responsible for the policy and strategy for local public transport services across the West Midlands Metropolitan Area. This responsibility includes supporting bus and rail services that are not provided commercially and the provision of a Concessionary Fares Scheme providing free travel for Metropolitan Area residents over 60 years old or with specific disabilities. Its policies are executed by the Passenger Transport Executive which, in the West Midlands Metropolitan Area, is Centro.
PCT
Primary Care Trust.
Personal Travel Plans
A Travel Plan tailored to an individual’s specific journey to help illustrate sustainable travel alternatives and encourage their use.
PFI
See Private Finance Initiative.
Planning and Transportation Sub-Committee
See West Midlands Planning and Transportation Sub-Committee
Planning Policy Statement (PPS)
Up-to-date version of Planning Policy Guidance (PPG), setting out Government policy on a specific topic.
PM10
Particulates less than ten microns in size, a gaseous-borne pollutant caused by motor vehicles.
Powered Two-Wheeler (P2W)
Includes motorised cycles, scooters, mopeds and motorcycles.
PPG3
Planning Policy Guidance: Housing (see chapter 3, paragraph 3.3.17).
PPG6
Government policy as laid down in Planning Policy Guidance Note No. 6, 'Town Centres and Retail Developments', advises that new retail development should be sited in or next to existing centres. This would enable multi-purpose trips to be made by public transport or by only one car journey, thus minimising car use and fuel consumption. PPG6 has been superceded by PPS6.
PPG13
Government policy as laid down in Planning Policy Guidance Note No. 13 emphasise the relationship between land use and transport planning. It encourages local authorities to carry out their land use policies and transport programmes in ways which help to:
- reduce growth in the length and number of motorised journeys.
- encourage alternative means of travel which have less environmental impact, and hence;
- reduce reliance on the private car.
PPS
See Planning Policy Statement
PPS6
Planning Policy Statement: Planning for Town Centres (see chapter 3, paragraph 3.3.19).
Primary Route Network (PRN)
A network of all purpose roads which complement the trunk road network. The Highways Agency defines a series of routes that are distinctively signed (green background signs) and are intended to guide drivers along the most suitable routes between places of major traffic importance (primary destinations). They are the most important of the non-trunk 'A' class roads and the local authority is principally responsible for maintenance.
Principal Roads
A network of all-purpose roads which complement the trunk road network. They are the 'A' class roads where the local authority is responsible for maintenance.
PRISM
This acronym stands for Policy Responsive Integrated Strategy Model. It is a strategic transport model for the West Midlands Metropolitan Area
Private Finance Initiative (PFI)
The Private Finance Initiative was launched in 1992, underwent a detailed review in April 1995 and was renamed Private Partnership Funding in 1997. The aim of PPF is to provide a mechanism through which the public sector can secure improved value for money in partnership with the private sector. In effect the public sector procures the provision of fully serviced, maintained, repaired and renewed accommodation, road, bridges and equipment etc. for an agreed period and the private sector bidder provides the services through the creation of a capital project in accordance with an agreed output specification.
PTA
See Passenger Transport Authority.
Public Service Agreement (PSA)
A Public Service Agreement is an agreement between an individual local authority and the Government. It sets out the authority's commitment to deliver specific improvements in performance and the Government's commitment to reward these improvements. The agreement also records what the Government will do to help the authority achieve the improved performance.
Quality Bus Contract (QBC)
Introduced in the Transport Act, 2000, this is a mechanism allowing the relevant public transport authority to gain control of local bus services in all or part of its area. This control includes designation of routes, days and times of operation, frequencies, fares, vehicle types and other service standards. A QBC is similar to a franchising contract.
Quality Bus Network (QBN)
An informal agreement between a public transport operator(s) and the relevant public transport authority/ies to establish improved service provision across a designated area.
Quality Bus Partnership (QBP)
Introduced in the Transport Act, 2000, this is a voluntary agreement between an operator(s), the relevant public transport authority and other authorities, as appropriate, set up to deliver improved quality in local bus services. Statutory QBPs are a legal mechanism for improving local bus service provision. A statutory QBP cannot include arrangements stipulating frequencies or fares.
RDA
See Regional Development Agency
Real Time Information (RTI)
An electronically based system of passenger information provision. At stops or stations, displays provide up-to-the-minute information on the public transport services that use the stop or station. In Coventry, RTI is being used along Bus Showcase routes.
Red Routes
Red Routes improve the efficiency of the main roads by a regime of improvements and controls. These include:
- road improvements generally within the Red Route highway boundary and improved/innovative traffic signalling.
- controls which deal better with congestion caused by parked vehicles (in many cases illegally and unsafely) together with better enforcement to maximise compliance.
Red Routes ensure that the main roads operate as efficiently as possible so that people and goods can move about the network with less delay. As the strategy makes the main roads operate more efficiently opportunities arise to:
- move more traffic and/or reduce delays; or
- provide improvements for other priority road users
This flexibility in the Red Route concept provides the ability to strike required balances by picking the appropriate measures from the Red Route ‘menu’ of measures to resolve local problems and issues.
Regeneration Zone (RZ)
An area designated in order to encourage urban renaissance, to help reverse long-standing trends of decentralisation of economic activity and population and to encourage the regeneration of local economies, There are five Urban RZs designated in the West Midlands RSS.
Regional Assembly
A body consisting of councillors and representatives from the private and voluntary sectors. England's eight regional chambers and assemblies were set up in 1999 to scrutinise the work of the country's eight regional development agencies.
Regional Development Agency (RDA)
An agency set up by Government has set up to promote economic growth and regeneration. There is one RDA in each of the eight English regions and one for London. The RDAs outside the capital were established in 1999 and have progressively gained more funding and freedom from Government Ministers. The RDA for the West Midlands is Advantage West Midlands.
Regional Economic Strategy (RES)
This is the framework for strategic decisions on economic development, regeneration and inward investment issues across a region. It is the responsibility of the Regional Assembly.
Regional Housing Strategy (RHS)
This is the framework for strategic decisions on housing issues across a region. It is adopted by the Regional Assembly.
Regional Planning Assessment (RPA)
An assessment of regional plans and other influences on a region’s development, used by the former Strategic Rail Authority, now DfT (Rail), to inform their longer-term plans for the national rail network.
Regional Prioritisation
A process introduced by Government in 2005 to advise on Major Schemes, as well as major Economic Development and Housing capital expenditure awaiting approval by Government during 2006/07 and subsequent years. The process is carried out within an overall regional expenditure framework determined by Goverment.
Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS)
This is the framework for decisions on planning, transportation and other related issues across a region. It contains the Regional Transportation Strategy which gives a more detailed framework particularly for the development of local transport plans. It is adopted by the Regional Assembly.
RES
See Regional Economic Strategy
RHS
See Regional Housing Strategy
Right of Way
Local rights of way are defined in the Countryside and Rights of Way Act, 2000, as footpaths, cycle tracks, bridleways and restricted byways within a local highway authority's area and the ways within the authority's area that are shown in a definitive map and statement as restricted byways or byways open to all traffic.
Rights of Way Improvement Plan (RoWIP)
Introduced in the Countryside and Rights of Way Act, 2000, these will be statutory plans adopted by the local highway authority setting out how existing rights of way will be improved and new links provided to create a better rights of way network for pedestrians, cyclists, equestrians and people with mobility difficulties.
Ring and Ride
This is a dial-a-ride, door-to-door transport service for those unable to use or reach mainstream public transport. The service covers the area of the former West Midlands county and is almost wholly funded by Centro.
Road Information Framework
A DfT sponsored Highways Agency project. It provides data architecture and standards that will simplify information exchange across organisations, through the adoption of common processes and principles.
Route Utilisation Strategy
An assessment of how different services on a selected route or within a specific area operate and interact, used by the Strategic Rail Authority to develop timetables that can be operated reliably balanced with passenger demand and freight needs.
RoWIP
See Rights of Way Improvement Plan.
RPA
See Regional Planning Assessment
RPG
Regional Planning Guidance, now superceded by Regional Spatial Strategies.
RPP
Rail Passenger Partnership, a funding source for rail enhancements currently suspended.
RSS
See Regional Spatial Strategy
RTI
See Real Time Information.
RZ
See Regeneration Zone
Safer Routes to School
A travel awareness campaign that encourages parents who normally drive children to school to allow them to walk, cycle or use public transport instead. The aim is to reduce road congestion at peak times, reduce danger to pupils on their way to school and develop better road sense in children.
Safety Camera Partnerships
See Casualty Reduction Partnership
SCANNER
A method of measuring the condition of a road surface.
SEA
See Strategic Environmental Assessment.
Section 106 Agreement
An agreement, between a developer and local planning authority attached to a planning permission, to undertake some works, contribute to a fund or not do something associated with the proposed development. Also known as ‘section 106 obligations’ and sometimes referred to as ‘planning gain’.
Side Road Order
A statutory Order, normally made by the local highway authority and approved by the relevant Secretary of State, to close or change junction arrangements between a side road and a main road, usually as part of a road building or improvement scheme.
Single Capital Pot (SCP)
From 2002/03, funding for maintenance and integrated transport block has been made as part of the Single Capital Pot. SCP is awarded to each authority covering the four services of Transport, Education, Housing and Social Services. Authorities have discretion to spend this funding according to their own plans and priorities whilst demonstrating accordance with agreed outcomes and targets, some of which are contained in the LTP.
Social Exclusion
This term is used to describe people or areas that suffer from a combination of factors that include unemployment, high crime, low incomes and poor housing. The Government's approach to regeneration is based on tackling the problems posed by social exclusion as a whole, rather than simply focusing on its individual elements.
Social Exclusion Unit (SEU)
Set up by the Prime Minister in December 1997 to help reduce social exclusion by producing "joined up solutions to joined up problems". The SEU works with Government departments to research, implement and promote policies that tackle social exclusion and poverty.
SRA
See Strategic Rail Authority.
Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA)
A process required by European Directive and adopted into national legislation whereby certain local authority plans and programmes have to be assessed for their potential impact on the environment with appropriate mitigation measures identified.
Strategic Rail Authority
The Government agency that was responsible for policy for the national rail network, including passenger and freight movement, and the management of passenger rail franchises. During 2005 its responsibilities were passed to the DfT (Rail) and other bodies.
Super Showcase
The West Midlands Area Multi-Modal Study (2001) identified the need for a network of “Super Showcase” bus routes in the West Midlands by 2015. The study defined the concept of super-showcase as one that represented a significant improvement in provision approaching rapid transit standards. This would involve reallocation of road-space, where practicable, together with bus priority measures at junctions. Priority measures would need to be virtually continuous and specific measures would also include selective detection systems at signal-controlled junctions, bus gates and queue relocation measures. Such mechanisms would be aimed at providing journey times equivalent to 95% of car speeds at peak times
TAMP
Transport Asset Management Plan.
TRACS-type surveys
A method of measuring the condition of a road surface.
Transport Innovation Fund (TIF)
A Government initiative to provide funding for work on reducing congestion. Local transport authorities were invited bid for the initial round of funding in autumn 2005. Further bids will be invited in subsequent years, but with no obligation on successful bidders to bid for later funding and no guarantee that successful bidders will receive funding from subsequent rounds.
Transport Shared Priority
One of a number of Shared Priorities, agreed between national and local government as a way of focusing on improving the delivery of public services (see chapter 3, section 3.6).
Travel Plans
A plan to encourage more sustainable travel, including car sharing, use of public transport, cycling or walking. Travel Plans can relate to schools, colleges or workplaces.
TravelWise ®
A sustained travel awareness campaign that seeks to change society's travel behaviour by making people more aware of the social costs of traffic congestion, particularly those that have an impact upon the environment and public health. By highlighting the health and cost benefits to the individual, TravelWise ® encourages people to use their cars more carefully and to be more receptive to the idea of using alternative modes of transport such as bus, rail, walking or cycling. All the West Midlands Metropolitan Highway Authorities are members of this campaign.
Trunk Roads
A network of all purpose strategic routes of national importance for the movement of long distance traffic. They are 'A' class roads where the Secretary of State is the highway authority and the Highways Agency is responsible for maintenance.
TWA Order
An Order made under the provisions of the Transport & Works Act, giving powers to construct a major piece of transport infrastructure, often along a new route and including compulsory purchase powers.
UKPMS
United Kingdom Pavement Maintenance System.
Unitary Development Plan (UDP)
The statutory, definitive land use plan, produced by a local planning authority, that sets the policy context and framework for decisions on the development of land within the authority's area.
Urban Regeneration Company
A body set up to co-ordinate the delivery of urban regeneration schemes.
Urban Traffic Control (UTC)
A system of traffic signals, detectors and variable electronic signals linked to a computer programmed to achieve optimum traffic flow for a network.
UTC
See Urban Traffic Control
UTMC
Urban Traffic Management & Control; linking traffic signals to improve traffic flows along a road or corridor or across an area.
Virgin Trains
The Train Operating Company operating two SRA franchises; the West Coast Main Line, between London and Glasgow; and Cross-Country services, between the south and south west and the north of England. Both franchises operate through Birmingham New Street Station and serve some other stations in the Metropolitan Area.
West Coast Main Line (WCML)
The rail route between London (Euston) and Liverpool, Manchester and Glasgow through the West Midlands region along two routes. One serves Coventry, Birmingham International Airport, Birmingham New Street, Sandwell & Dudley and Wolverhampton; the other by-passes the Metropolitan Area via Rugby, Nuneaton, Lichfield, Stafford and Crewe.
West Midlands Area Multi-Modal Study (WMAMMS)
A Government-initiated study looking at the need for transport improvements across all modes (types of transport) and proposing improvements to cope with travel needs up to 2031. There was a requirement to consider solutions in terms of the national objectives of integration, economy, safety, accessibility and environment. The Study looked at an area covering the metropolitan boroughs of Birmingham, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull, Walsall and Wolverhampton as well as the surrounding area with which there was a transport relationship.
West Midlands Casualty Reduction Partnership
See Casualty Reduction Partnership.
West Midlands Joint Committee
The Committee of Member representatives of each Metropolitan Authority, including each Council's Leader, and Member representatives of other Metropolitan Area-wide bodies (for example, the Fire Authority) that considers strategic issues. It has certain specific powers and makes recommendations on other matters for the constituent authorities to consider and adopt.
West Midlands Joint Planning & Transportation Sub-Committee
The Sub-Committee of Members representing each Metropolitan Authority, including the WMPTA, that considers strategic planning and transportation issues, including the LTP2 and its implementation. It has certain delegated powers and makes recommendations on other matters for the constituent authorities to consider and adopt.
West Midlands region
The area covering the former West Midlands county (the Metropolitan Area), the unitary authorities of Herefordshire, Stoke-on-Trent and Telford & Wrekin and the shire counties of Herefordshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire and Worcestershire and all the districts within them.
West Midlands Regional Assembly
The body of local authority and other representatives from across the West Midlands region with statutory responsibilities for the Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS).
White Paper
A statement of official Government policy. Examples include “The Future of Transport” White Paper (see chapter 3, paragraphs 3.3.4 – 3.3.6)
WMAMMS
See West Midlands Area Multi-Modal Study.
Workwise
An award-winning initiative that provides unemployed people who attend Sparkhill, Chemsley Wood and Walsall Job Centres with personalised journey information and free public transport tickets to attend interviews, plus two months free travel passes when starting work.