Evaluation & Appraisal

Much of our experience in developing and applying evaluation frameworks have been gained in the European research and demonstration arena, where we have applied the MAESTRO approach and other appraisal frameworks to a range of projects including, among others; JUPITER-2, CATCH, CIVITAS: VIVALDI, SUCCESS and SMILE.

Concentrating on environmental and societal issues the evaluation frameworks have brought together many indicators within comprehensive frameworks using a combination of qualitative and cost-benefit and cost effectiveness analyses to assess the success of the project demonstration elements.

In other contexts we have frequently combined societal and behavioural impacts with the implementation costs of innovative schemes for both public and private sector clients, or at the client’s request focused in on some of the key impacts of their investment decisions. Particular examples of this include:

• the development and application of life cycle cost models for potential road user charging or workplace parking levy schemes in Belfast, Leeds and Nottingham
• study of the likely impacts of a demand management scheme in central Bristol on the city centre economy
• research into the impacts on local traders of pedestrianisation and schemes that restrict car access
• the development of an accessibility model for Dorset County Council for assessing the range of facilities accessible by public transport from different locations
• evaluation of the modal shift impact of dynamic environmental information (using VMS), real time bus information, and road user charging trials in Bristol
• research into the behavioural impacts of increased roadside camera law enforcement and of future automated highway systems for the Highways Agency
• production of cost estimates for traffic management and control measures and for new vehicle technologies such as kneeling buses and alternative fuelled vehicles
• examination of potential conflict between motorised wheelchairs and pedestrians
• review of the socio-economic impacts of investment in high speed rail connections by a consortium of European partners, led by the South East England Development Agency
• development of costed scheme design options on the legal basis, implementation, operational models and enforcement issues for the London low emission zone
• cost-effectiveness assessment of a range of emission improvement strategies for the bus fleet in Merseyside.