Source: Gov.UK

Homes England, the UK governmental housing and regeneration agency, has published comprehensive guidance on the design and inclusion of mobility hubs in housing developments, to support active travel, shared transport, public transport and placemaking.

The guidance highlights that there is no one-size-fits-all approach for the design of mobility hubs as their components will vary depending on the characteristics of the site. However, it outlines the typical components a mobility hub may feature, the considerations to be taken at the planning stage, and functional success factors.

Key benefits of well-planned mobility hubs are emphasised: “Mobility hubs can play an important role in delivering the ‘vision-led’ transport planning requirement of the National Planning Policy Framework. As part of an integrated transport system, they provide social, economic and environmental benefits, and help create a sustainable place to live.”

The guidance clearly identifies common barriers faced in the implementation of mobility hubs, as well as success factors.

Barriers to delivery include:

• Lack of high-quality local routes to the hub by walking, wheeling and cycling
• Perception of mobility hubs as a superfluous cost, with the multiple benefits (environmental, social and health) unidentified
• Absence of wider public transport routes and services with which the hub can integrate

Success factors include:

• Modal shift to active travel and/or public transport is achieved
• Local community and stakeholders are involved in and informed about the hub and its development process
• Measurable objectives are monitored and evaluated on an ongoing basis
• Accreditation through CoMoUK’s process
• Appropriate prioritisation of the hub during the place-making development process, with ongoing environmental, social and health benefits considered