Discover how we plan to reduce the environmental impact of journeys made by our students and staff, and introduce new greener ways of travel.
Objectives
To help people travel to work and study while minimising pollution, congestion and the overall environmental impact that will help the institution grow in a sustainable way
Targets
Reduce the percentage of single occupancy car journeys made to the University by staff and student to 55% and 37% respectively by 2025.
Assess feasibility of increasing permanent bicycle storage sites by 2025.
Review pool fleet options with a view to introduce lower emission vehicles – end of 2025.
Carry out a feasibility study for the installation of electric vehicle charging points on campus – end of 2024.
Undertake regular travel survey audits – with implementation of audits beginning in 2025.
Journey planning
It’s not always easy to know what transport options are available for your journey, particularly when making the transition from the car to other modes of transport.
Here are a selection of the best journey planners to help you plan a smooth and convenient journey:
The EdgeLink bus (EL1) offers a fast and reliable service straight to campus during term-time, free when you show your Unicard. Catch the EdgeLink bus at Ormskirk bus station for a direct link to Edge Hill, this is great if you live in Ormskirk or arrive at Ormskirk bus or train station.
The EdgeLink bus service resumes after Summer break on Monday 2 September.
EdgeLink bus timetable and further information
Timetable
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday
Ormskirk bus station, stand 4
7.25am
7.45am
08:05am
Then at these timeseach hour
25
45
05
Until
9.25pm
9.45pm
10.05pm
*Ormskirk Playing Fields
7.26am
7.46am
08:06am
26
46
06
9.26pm
9.46pm
10.06pm
Edge Hill University
7.28am
7.48am
8.08am
28
48
08
9.28pm
9.48pm
10.08pm
Edge Hill Creative Edge
7.33am
7.53am
8.13am
33
53
13
9.33pm
9.53pm
10.13pm
Ormskirk Bus Station
7.39am
7.59am
8.19am
39
59
19
9.39pm
9.59pm
10.19pm
Edge Link bus Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday timetable
Wednesday
Ormskirk bus station, stand 4
7.25am
7.45am
08:05am
Then at these timeseach hour
25
45
05
Until
12.25am
12.45am
1.05am
*Ormskirk Playing Fields
7.26am
7.46am
08:06am
26
46
06
12.26am
12.46am
1.06am
Edge Hill University
7.28am
7.48am
8.08am
28
48
08
12.28am
12.48am
1.08am
Edge Hill Creative Edge
7.33am
7.53am
8.13am
33
53
13
12.33am
12.53am
1.13am
Ormskirk Bus Station
7.39am
7.59am
8.19am
39
59
19
12.39am
12.59am
1.19am
Edge Link bus Wednesday timetable
Saturday
Ormskirk bus station, stand 4
08.05am
8.25am
8.45am
Then at these times each hour
05
25
45
Until
4.05pm
4.25pm
4.45pm
5.05pm
5.25pm
*Ormskirk Playing Fields
08.06am
8.26am
8.46am
06
26
46
4.06pm
4.26pm
4.46pm
5.06pm
5.26pm
Edge Hill University
8.08am
8.28am
8.48am
08
28
48
4.08pm
4.28pm
4.48pm
5.08pm
5.28pm
Edge Hill Creative Edge
8.13am
8.33am
8.53am
13
33
53
4.13pm
4.33pm
4.53pm
5.13pm
5.33pm
Ormskirk Bus Station
8.19am
8.39am
8.59am
19
39
59
4.19pm
4.39pm
4.59pm
5.19pm
5.39pm
Edge Link bus Saturday timetable
Holiday
Sunday and Bank Holidays – No service
Ticket prices
Free with staff or Student ID card or Edge Hill Sport membership card or wristband.
This service is financially supported by Edge Hill University and operated by Stagecoach.
You can track the bus using the Stagecoach app, which can be downloaded from the Stagecoach website.
Journey Assistance Cards
Journey Assistance Cards are available from Stagecoach to use on the EdgeLink and other Stagecoach services if you need a bit more help when using the bus. They can be shown to the bus driver to let them know what extra help you need, including for:
The EdgeLink travels from Ormskirk bus station along St Helens Road where it stops at the Playing Fields stop if requested. It then enters campus via the Visitors’ Entrance and stops at the bus shelter between Palatine Court and Forest Court, before stopping outside Creative Edge. The bus then proceeds through Car Park C and exists via the staff and student entrance. It returns via St Helens Road to Ormskirk bus station.
Please note that the bus cannot stop for passengers to join or leave the service at locations other than those listed above.
Cycling
Cyclists who work or study at Edge Hill University may join the Bike Locker Users’ Club (BLUC) in order to store their bike in any of the BLUC lockers on campus.
Sheffield stands and wall-mounted racks are all available for use free of charge at our Ormskirk campus.
Showers are available free of charge at the new Edge Hill Sports Centre and the Faculty of Health and Social Care.
Bike locker user group
How do I sign up?
To join the club, visit the store and purchase your £10 deposit.
Collect your BLUC key from the Facility Management (FM) Helpdesk in the Durning Centre, making sure to show the receipt for your deposit.
How do the lockers work?
Use the BLUC key to open any empty locker and reverse your bike in to the door. Lock using your personal padlock. Keep the BLUC padlock safe until you return. When you collect your bike, you must replace your own padlock with the BLUC padlock to allow other people to use the locker.
The BLUC works on a shared use system, rather like a car park. The locker will not become your personal bike locker.
You must always use your own padlock when your bike is inside one of our lockers. This ensures that no one else can gain access to the locker and more importantly to your bicycle
When you have finished with the locker and you have removed your bike, you must put the Edge Hill University padlock back on the locker so that another BLUC member can use the facility when you are not using it.
I need some more help
If you lose your BLUC key you will need to purchase a replacement via the online store.
If you lose the BLUC padlock please report it to FM Helpdesk in person or call 01695 58(4455) so we can organise a replacement.
If you leave your padlock on an empty locker Edge Hill University reserve the right to remove it. This will result in the withdrawal of your deposit and suspension of your membership.
If you want to give up your membership you will need to return your BLUC key to the FM Helpdesk, Durning Centre. Once your key has been returned we will authorise the return of your deposit to the card you originally paid with (this can take several days).
Arriva North West Student Saver – save more than 30% on fares and benefit from unlimited travel on Arriva buses, including evening and weekends.
Arriva North West Saver – choose from a variety of tickets including a Day Saver, Weekly Saver, 4-Weekly Saver and Annual Saver to take advantage of discounted travel.
Stagecoach Megarider – 4, 13 and 52 week saver tickets are available to purchase. The Preston Megarider and North West Megarider Gold include travel to Ormskirk within their zones.
Staff can apply for an interest free loan from the University to help with the purchase of an annual Season Ticket..
Train
From Ormskirk train station there is a regular service running to and from Preston and all stations to Liverpool.
Season tickets like Railpass and the student GEMPass are some of the cheapest ways to travel on the Merseyrail network.
Season tickets outside the Merseyrail network are also available for seven days or any period between one month and a year. Annual Season Tickets save you the most money with 12 weeks free travel each year. Use the National Rail Season Ticket Calculator to compare prices.
Use your season ticket for leisure, as well as commuting, within valid purchased area.
Staff can apply for an interest free loan from the University to help with the purchase of an annual Season Ticket.
All Merseyrail and some Northern Line car parks are free to rail passengers.
Merseyrail have just opened 2 brand new free passenger car parks on the Wirral. Both lines go directly to Liverpool Central & Moorfields where you can catch regular connecting trains for Ormskirk. Save on tunnel and petrol fees, or shorten your journey time by avoiding the traffic.
Bidston expanded to 197 spaces
Birkenhead North with 256 spaces
Bike and ride
Free, secure cycle storage at many Merseyrail and Northern line stations.
Merseyrail trains have designated areas for cyclists situated at both ends of the train. They advise against travelling with a bicycle during peak times due to congestion issues on board the train.
Northern Rail trains can carry a maximum of two bikes per train, allocated on a first come, first served basis. Conductors maintain the right to refuse entry if the train is busy.
Planning your route
Use the journey planning websites for help devising your route.
From Ormskirk train station you can get to the Ormskirk campus in a variety of ways:
Bus: From Ormskirk train station take the pedestrian walkway to Ormskirk bus station and connect with the Edge Link bus, from stand 5, for a direct route to Campus.
Walk: Turn right from the station and walk up the road you are on, Station Approach. At the top turn left, then first right. Walk along Stanley Street and Knowsley Road, across two junctions and turning left onto St Helens Road, until you reach the Campus.
Car parking
Our travel plan encourages staff, students and visitors to travel to the University by sustainable means wherever possible.
Parking on campus is limited and reserved for permit holders.
Parking permits
We try to manage our parking spaces fairly. Only members of staff and registered students may apply for a parking permit and eligibility criteria applies based on the distance travelled and the availability of public transport.
If you are a student coming to study at Edge Hill for the first time you will need to formally enrol on your course and receive your student number before you can apply.
What parking is available to students and staff at the University and how does it work?
Edge Hill is one of only two universities that offers over 2,400 parking spaces free of charge to students and staff. Access to the car park on campus is provided through a permit system. To access parking on campus, all students and staff who are eligible for parking must apply for a permit.
Permits are issued by the Parking team and to access parking, all vehicles visiting campus must display a valid permit on arrival.
The University has established a Car Parking Policy which is regularly reviewed and updated. This policy provides the framework for how traffic and parking will be managed effectively on campus. Review the full policy.
Who decides the level of parking provision that the University can provide?
The North West Regional Parking Standards (Government Policy) set out the requirements for appropriate provision and dictate the provision of parking that any institution can create. Edge Hill University is categorised under D1 as a higher education institution, and as such is constrained to provide one parking space per 15 students and one per two staff.
In liaison with West Lancashire Borough Council, the University has successfully worked to increase the total capacity of parking spaces on campus and has created approximately 700 additional spaces above the limit (this number cannot be exact as the student population fluctuates each year).
Why does the University choose not to charge for parking?
The university provides free parking to ensure that all commuting students, staff who travel long distances to get to work, and those with mobility issues and special circumstances can access their education and workplaces each day.
Through benchmarking carried out with AUSCO, it has been identified that Edge Hill is one of only two out of 133 universities in the UK that do not charge for campus parking. In fact, many do not provide any parking facilities at all.
The University has carried out benchmarking with five other campus universities in the UK to see if best practice can be shared, and found that on average they charge approximately “£4.00 per day” for parking, with two of the five not permitting any students to park on their campus. At this time, the University are not considering the option of charging for parking.
What does the University do to maximise the parking available on campus?
To respond to an increase in demand across September and October in 2021, the University has created 150 temporary spaces within the overflow car park, resulting in an overall capacity of 400 temporary parking spaces. These spaces will provide additional parking while campus attendance is at its peak, and it is expected that attendance will reduce at the end of October (each year) when student Teachers, Nurses and other practice-based courses go out onto placement.
As per the planning conditions set out by West Lancashire Borough Council, the University must adhere to the operating measures set out within the approved Traffic Parking and Management Strategy (TPMS) for the campus which dictates how often the overflow car park can be used, and during which periods. West Lancashire Borough Council does not allow for any temporary spaces to be converted to permanent parking provision.
What prevents the University from increasing its parking provision further?
The University is not permitted to provide further parking over and above the allocation set out within the Parking Standards. This restriction means that the University cannot explore other options such as a multi-storey or underground parking provision.
Specifically under the Parking Standards, point 8.44 advises that “The limiting of (free) parking spaces can be used as a means to encourage a shift towards more sustainable forms of transport”.
The “West Lancs Local Plan 2012-27” is available to review on the West Lancashire Local Plan 2012-2027 webpage – further information on Parking Standards can be found on page 128.
Where can I park if I am not eligible for a permit, or if there are no spaces available on campus?
Both staff and students can access the EdgeLink bus free of charge from Ormskirk bus station every 20 minutes or can choose to take the 15-minute walk to campus via Ruff Lane or St Helens Road.
Where can I find out more about sustainable travel alternatives?
The University is working hard to reduce their carbon footprint and believe that sustainable travel can help everyone on the journey towards carbon neutrality. With more options than ever, the University are supporting students and staff to utilise sustainable alternatives at every possibility. Whether its cycling, scooting, walking, car sharing or getting the bus and train, there is something for everyone.
To support all commuters with whatever means of transport they choose to use, the University has created a central hub of travel information for students and staff on parking, public transport, cycling, walking and more. This hub includes useful links, timetables and the University’s Travel Plan to encourage the Edge Hill community to utilise more sustainable alternatives on their daily commute.
Explore further sustainable travel options and view timetables on our Sustainability pages.
Car sharing
Car sharing is when two or more people share their journey and travel together.
It allows people to benefit from the convenience of the car whilst saving money by reducing mileage and petrol costs, alleviating parking problems, congestion and pollution.
From September 2024, we will be using an in-house car share system for staff and students which will be free to use.
Getting started
Sign up by ticking to participate in the in-house car share network when applying for an EHU parking permit. Or alternatively, email sustainability@edgehill.ac.uk to request to participate.
Before the start of term, you will receive an email from our Corporate Sustainability Team introducing you to your car share matches.
After this introduction, you can get in touch with your matches and make arrangements to start your car share journey.
Reserve a parking space. If at least 2 people arriving in a car together both hold valid Car Parking Permits you can reserve a parking space.
Reserved parking for car sharers
How do I qualify for a reserved parking space?
At least two people arriving in a car together must both hold valid car parking permits to reserve a parking space.
Arrive on campus before 10am (students via main entrance / staff via visitors entrance).
Provide the car parking attendant with your booking confirmation number and they will direct you to your reserved space.
What else do I need to know?
The space will be held for you until 10am after which time it will be released for general use.
You must have the same two car parking permits on display that you used to reserve the space.
Spaces can be reserved up to 4pm for parking the following day and up to two weeks in advance.
Abuse or misuse of this facility may result in individual permit holders being excluded from using it.
Car sharing Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I need a car to car share?
No, many people are happy to offer lifts in exchange for sharing the fuel costs. You can contact sustainability@edgehill.ac.uk and ask to register as ‘seeking a lift’ if you do not have a car or if you are ineligible for a parking permit. A member of the team will then get in touch with further information.
Please note that a car share journey will need to have two people with a valid car parking permit in order to get book a guaranteed parking space. If only one person has a permit, you can still park on campus but this space cannot be booked in advance. If none of the people car sharing has a valid car parking permit, you may not park on campus but you are free to park in the surrounding area. Please see parking in Ormskirk for further information
Do I have to car share everyday?
No, choose to share as many days a week as you like. We recommend that you come to an agreement that works for everyone, which can change on a weekly basis.
How safe is car sharing?
All members’ details are stored securely in the database. When potential car share matches are introduced, only the name and email address of potential matches will be shared.
We would always advise you to::
Avoid exchanging home addresses with you travelling companion before you meet them
Arrange to meet in a public place
Inform a friend or family member of who you will be travelling with, when and to where
Make sure you show each other a form of ID such as a driving license, so you know you’re travelling with the right person
Remember you are under no obligation to go ahead with sharing a journey. If you have any doubts about your travelling companion, for any reason, you should avoid travelling with them.
What if I car share and have to leave campus suddenly?
You need to advise your car share partner as soon as possible so they can make alternative arrangements.
What about sharing costs?
There are various ways in which this can be done:
On a reciprocal basis, where you drive one week and the next week your car share partner drives, or
Drivers and passengers split the cost of petrol. Passenger contributions should be arranged before travel and should not exceed the running costs (including wear and depreciation) of the vehicle for the trip. Please note that drivers should not make a profit from car sharing as this can invalidate their insurance and tax. If you have any concerns please contact your insurance company direct.
What are the insurance implications of car sharing?
The Association of British Insurers (ABI) clearly states that car sharing won’t affect the insurance of their members so long as a profit isn’t made:
“Giving Lifts – All ABI motor insurers have agreed that if your passengers contribute towards your running costs your insurance will not be affected, as long as lifts are given in a vehicle seating eight passengers or less. This agreement does not apply if you make a profit from payments received or if carrying passengers is your business“
The Association of British Insurers (ABI)
Drivers with any concerns should check with their insurance company as terms and conditions may vary between insurance providers over time.
Is it possible to find a travelling companion of the same sex?
I already know someone who I can carshare with, do I have to join the in-house car share group?
The in-house car share system is designed to help you find someone to share with. However, it is not a requirement of car sharing and it is not a requirement to reserve priority parking.
I am not eligible for a car parking permit can I still car share?
If you are not eligible for a Car Parking Permit you can still join the Edge Hill staff or student car share groups but you will not be allowed to reserve a parking space. If your car share partner has a valid Car Parking Permit then you are free to park elsewhere on campus in accordance with the car park policy.
If neither of you are eligible for a Car Parking Permit you may not park on campus but may choose to park in the surrounding area. Please see parking in Ormskirk for further information.
What are the benefits of car sharing?
Car sharing is a great way to save money, reduce CO2e emissions and can help to cut congestion and reduce the stress of travelling. The scheme provides a real incentive to reduce fuel prices for the individual and also reduces the amount of vehicles visiting campus, opening up more spaces for commuters.
In 2023/24, Edge Hill University staff and students saved an estimated 23.08 tonnes in CO2e by car sharing, which resulted in estimated savings of £30,550 and 104,661 miles saved. The University is keen to increase the popularity of car sharing in the future by encouraging staff and students to combine journeys and reduce the number of cars visiting campus each day, allowing more people to benefit from using the car park.