Suffolk County Council’s Cabinet has approved a Local Transport Plan to improve how people travel round the county.
The plan has been updated to set out the council’s vision for the transport network from 2025 to 2040. It provides the context, policy and objectives to improve travel options for Suffolk’s residents and visitors.
As part of this county-wide plan, 15 area transport plans and a Suffolk local cycling and walking infrastructure plan have also approved. These outline how the local transport plan’s vision and objectives will be delivered, in some cases funded, in key locations across the county.
Schemes within the 15 areas include walking and cycling improvements and road junction capacity improvements. Every local highway authority is required by law to produce and keep current a Local Transport Plan.
The Suffolk plan was developed following a public consultation during February 2024.
More than 1,000 responses revealed good support for the four themes of the Local Transport Plan – decarbonisation of transport, a strong sustainable and fair economy, health, wellbeing and social inclusion, and creating better places.
Following further public consultation during October and November 2024, the previous Local Transport Plan and its associated schemes were reviewed and updated to provide the new plan which was approved by the Cabinet today.
The plan underpins Suffolk County Council’s commitment to working towards achieving a net zero Suffolk by 2030, something in which travel infrastructure has an important part to play.
Councillor Chris Chambers, Suffolk County Council Cabinet member for Transport Strategy, Planning and Waste, said: “An efficient and reliable transport network is an important driver of the economy and increasing active travel and environmentally sustainable transport solutions are also critical for protecting and enhancing our environmental objectives.
“Sustainable transport improves air quality, which contributes to and supports the good health and wellbeing of Suffolk’s communities.
“Also, the cost of travel has increased during the cost-of-living crisis, so planning for convenient low-cost and inclusive travel solutions is essential to enable people to access employment and education opportunities, essential services, and retail and leisure facilities.”
Pic: Mapillary
