Definition – Indicators enable us to measure
the performance of a plan and therefore provide a basis for its evaluation. An indicator is a clearly-defined set of data that can be measured to allow for the monitoring of progress towards the achievement of a particular target. For example, “road accident numbers per kilometre and year” is one indicator of highway safety. Indicators can be qualitative or quantitative and absolute or relative. Based on the literature (e.g. DISTILLATE, 2005; AECOM, 2009), a distinction is made between the following categories of indicators, which help us to measure and monitor different aspects of SUMP implementation:
- Input indicator - resources required to provide a service or product (e.g. personnel and planning costs)
- Process indicator - the way the service is produced (e.g. public or private)
- Output indicator - the services, products or results (e.g. number of cycle lane km built)
- Outcome indicator - the impact or final results (e.g. clean air)
- Efficiency indicator – ratio of input/output
- Effectiveness indicator – ratio of input/goals
- Context indicator – reflecting the state of the economic, social or environmental situation of the SUMP area
- Transport activity indicator – transport indicators typically cover transport vehicles (types and age); modal split and quantities of freight transport; modal split and quantities of passenger transport; transport safety; transport infrastructure quantities and standards; and transport-related energy use and emissions.
Relevance to SUMP – During SUMP preparation it is necessary to identify an indicator set that enables both an analysis of the existing mobility situation and of progress towards achieving targets to be monitored during implementation. Where possible, indicators should be selected that enable integrated monitoring with other departments and organisations, as well as a comparison at the regional, national or European level.
Source: ADVANCE, 2013; CH4LLENGE 2014; DISTILLATE 2005; AECOM 2009