Peninsula Transport, the Sub-national Transport Body for Cornwall, Devon, Plymouth, Somerset and Torbay is asking for views on its draft transport strategy.
Launching a public consultation today (Monday 11th December 2023) Peninsula Transport Chairman, Councillor Andrea Davis said: “I urge everyone within the South West to get involved and have your say. We need to make sure the strategy will meet the diverse range of needs of everyone travelling, visiting and doing business within the peninsula. Our aim has always been to create a strategy that puts the user front and centre – so please let us know if we’ve got it right.”
The strategy is focused on overcoming regional transport challenges such as network resilience, seasonal variation and rural accessibility. Peninsula Transport wants to see vital improvements in regional transport in order help to unlock the peninsula’s full economic potential, as well as boost its environmental and societal wellbeing.
To do this, the document sets out four outcomes and a route map to achieving a strategic transport network that works for everyone – from businesses to communities and visitors.
By 2030 the desired outcomes are:
- Easier journeys: integrating walking and wheeling with the bus and rail network, with integrated ticketing, to make getting around without a car easy.
- Going electric: affordable zero-emission transport through a reliable electric vehicle charging network.
- A connected peninsula: resilient, safe and reliable road and rail travel within the peninsula and beyond.
These outcomes will ultimately lead to the key objective of:
- Completing the network: improved connections within a growing and fully integrated transport network on a path to net zero.
Looking forward, the strategy will set the foundation for a new Strategic Investment Plan which will identify and prioritise the transport schemes and projects that reflect regional and national policies and best meet the needs of the user.
The public consultation will open on Monday 11th December 2023 and close on Monday 5thFebruary 2024. Peninsula Transport will be hosting free webinars throughout January 2024, open to anyone interested in finding out more about the strategy. Dates will be released shortly and people can pre-register interest at www.peninsulatransport.org.uk.
Peninsula Transport Chairman, Councillor Andrea Davis continued: “We have been working tirelessly to get to this point. Since 2018 we have built up a comprehensive evidence base to create a better understanding of how the peninsula works and what will bring the biggest benefits to the region.
“The STB will bring partners and organisations together to ensure we deliver the best for the peninsula, acting as champions and providing the vital link between national, regional and local policy. Through the strategy, we will provide a collective regional voice, helping to boost our key transport links and complementing the work of our local authorities to enhance regional connectivity.”
The consultation and feedback survey is available on the Peninsula Transport website.
