THE TRAFFIC EFFECTS OF INTRODUCING FLEXIBLE WORKING HOURS IN A LARGE OFFICE BLOCK

This note comments on the effects of introducing flexible working hours in a large north-west London office block, near the north circular road where some 750 people are employed. The before and after surveys, which were carried out during peak hours on a Monday, Tuesday and Friday, covered vehicles, vehicle occupants and pedestrians. Figures for 60 minute and 15 minute peaks have been expressed as a percentage of the full 1 1/2 hour peak. Tables show that there was an appreciable flattening of peak arrival and departure rates with a tendency to start earlier and finish later. The earlier arrival has increased the morning office-rated traffic in the area but produced a slight decrease in the area's evening peak. It appears that staff have not adjusted their hours to avoid traffic congestion. No reductions on average vehicle occupancy have been shown by the survey because of the change in hours. Vehicle occupancy is shown to be higher for departures than arrivals. (TRRL)