What was the challenge?

Surrey County Council commissioned Temple to engage on their Local Transport Plan 2022 – 2032 (LTP4). This engagement was required to better understand resident and stakeholder views of the LTP4 and assist Elected Members in their decision-making process. There was a particular focus on engaging harder-to-reach groups such as younger people, women, and people with disabilities.

The LTP4 sets out SCC’s ambitions to reduce transport-related carbon emissions as part of the Council’s Climate Change Strategy (2019). The cornerstone of this plan is the transport hierarchy, which shifts strategic priorities away from cars, toward active travel and public transport.

What was our solution?

Temple used a multi-method approach, combining different types of engagement and qualitative research techniques to get under the skin of carbon-related transport issues.

To increase geographic coverage and widen demographic responses across the county we used a variety of engagement techniques which allowed residents and stakeholders to engage with the LTP4.

The methods used included an online survey, market stalls, further education college stall events, stakeholder interviews, postal surveys, and neighbourhood games. The in-person market stalls and further education events also included interactive voting exercises and children’s models of high and low-carbon high streets.

Using a combination of engagement methods meant that key groups prioritised by SCC were able to be engaged, as well as a spread of residents across the borough. A particular highlight was the activities with young people. These took place at sixth-form centres and local university campuses, allowing feedback on the LTP4 from a demographic that is often missed.

How did we add value?

The final deliverable delivered value for the client by:

• providing SCC with a clear message regarding local support for the LTP4
• delivering rich qualitative feedback through reporting, presentation and infographics
• offered further insights into engagement and behavioural change