This paper describes the development and application of the modelling methods used in the recent study of Strategic Environmental Assessment in the Trans-Pennine Corridor (SEATPC). This study - one of the most recent in a long series of Trans-Pennine studies - was simultaneously a pilot study into the feasibility of carrying out Strategic Environmental Assessment, and a study of current issues for clients. The client group which commissioned the study included the European Commission, DETR, Highways Agency and the associations representing local governments in both the North-West and Yorkshire and Humberside regions, and private organisations including Railtrack (the railway infrastructure owner), Northern Spirit (the major trans-Pennine passenger train operator) and Manchester Airport. The study was carried out by MVA, David Simmonds Consultancy (DSC) and Environmental Resources Management (ERM). This paper concentrates on the modelling aspects of the study. An overall description of the study and its findings was published as Coombe et al (2000). The model used was a land-use/transport interaction model implemented using MVA's START transport model package and DSC's DELTA land-use/economic package. The overall model application is known as the Trans-Pennine Corridor Model (TPCM). It should at this point be emphasised that the work described was a "Corridor" study and model only in so far as the focus of policy interest was on the linkages across the Pennines. The modelling sought to represent all of the travel to, from or within the Study Area and a large majority of the travel modelled was within the separate conurbations on each side of the Pennine chain.
Abstract