Location: Transport and Streets » Transport Policy » Local Transport Plan

Local Transport Plan

Background

Previously, Local Transport Plans (LTPs) were set within a national and regional policy framework. This policy framework is changing and the emphasis is now on localism, with local authorities being given greater freedoms in setting priorities for transport policy and investment.

Funding for Local Transport Plans is changing too, taking the form of direct grant rather than borrowing approvals, which we were previously unable to use. LTP grants for 2011/12 were only confirmed in December 2010.

Given the fundamental changes in approach and funding mechanisms, the Council has decided to roll forward our existing LTP. This enables us to develop our third Local Transport Plan on an informed basis with full knowledge of future funding mechanism and budgets.

It also allows us to coordinate the development of the Local Transport Plan with that of the Local Development Framework, which will result in an integrated approach to land use and transport planning.

In rolling forward the LTP, we have taken account of the findings of the issues and options consultation completed in March 2010, by adjusting the allocation of the capital programme. Residents and stakeholders told us that they wished to see:

Improved access to town centres and local services;
Better transport provision for our ageing population;
An emphasis on improving road safety and tackling vehicle crime;
A high priority given to tackling traffic congestion;
Continued investment in road maintenance.

Electronic versions of the LTP2 and Annexes, LTP2 summary document and the roll forward document are available to view or download via the Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 web page. Hardcopies are available to view in Borough libraries or may be purchased for £30 each from the Transport Policy Team, Tel. 01628 796115.

LTP Programme

The Borough's revenue and capital investment programmes deliver the LTP strategy, concentrating funding and resources on those measures that are considered to offer the best value for money and are which are likely to make the most rapid progress towards the desired targets and outcomes. The Council seeks to maximise the available budgets by securing external funding where available.

Strategic Environmental Assessment

The Borough commissioned a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) to identify the environmental impacts of the LTP2 strategy and programme.An SEA Statement was prepared to provide information on the decision-making process and to document how environmental considerations, the views of consultees and the recommendations of the Environmental Report have been taken into account in the adopted LTP2. Hardcopies of the SEA Statement and Report are available to view in the Borough's libraries and an electronic version of the SEA Statement is available view or download via the Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 web page.

Monitoring and Reporting

The Council undertakes regular monitoring of progress towards LTP targets and objectives. This helps to highlight where progress may be starting to drift from anticipated trajectories and enables suitable mitigation measures to be identified at an early stage.

Annual reports are prepared, which set out how the we are progressing with delivery of the LTP strategy and investment programme, as well as measuring progress towards targets. Copies of the Progress Reports are available to download via the Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 web page.