Creating sustainable travel in Reading

Reading Borough Council LSTF

We supported Reading Borough Council in writing its Local Sustainable Transport Fund (LSTF) bid for £26 million, of which £21.5 million was granted. Part of the package was a £4.8 million bundle of Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) measures aimed at meeting Reading Borough Council's travel policy objectives.

The key objectives of the ITS works were to encourage more sustainable travel and improve the efficiency of the transport system, whilst also reducing revenue costs associated with operation. We completed the design, specification, procurement, and delivery support for a wide range of measures, including 29 signal junction upgrades to increase operational efficiency and priority for pedestrians and cyclists.

The package included a state-of-the-art Bluetooth journey time-monitoring system and full colour LED variable message signs, which were able to emulate a car park space availability sign, show pictograms, and provide text messages. This was an improvement on the previous system which could only show car park information.

In addition to ITS, projects within the scheme included the new Christchurch Bridge, park and ride facilities at Mereoak and Winnersh, and a cycle hub and public realm space at Reading Station. Together, these initiatives have significantly improved travel within Reading.