A consultation has been launched on a “vision” for transport in the South West which aims to boost business, create jobs and deliver a net-zero carbon transport system across the region.
Peninsula Transport, formed by five South West local authorities, has produced the 18-page Vision document as part of its work in developing a full regional transport strategy.
It includes sections on “our vision” and “our goals” and says: “A long term transport plan can support our social, economic and environmental recovery from the current conditions.”
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It adds: “The situation also gives us an opportunity to ‘build back better’. We can harness the benefits of some of the lifestyle changes we have adopted since March 2020 and reduce carbon emissions from our transport system.”
Goals include improving connections between “people, businesses and places”, enhancing the resilience of the transport network and delivering “affordable, zero-emissions transport for everyone”.
Comments are being sought on the document before a full transport strategy for the South West is published in 2022. The consultation will be open until September 17, 2021. The vision report can be downloaded . Feedback can be submitted through the online survey, which can be found .
Andrea Davis, chair of Peninsula Transport, said: “The vision and goals are an important milestone in our work as they will help set the overall direction and principles of our longer term plan to transform transport within the region over the next 30 years.
“Our vision is to enhance our transport system. We want more efficient, resilient and cleaner transport that can help make the peninsula even better. With climate change and decarbonisation at the forefront of our agenda, it’s important that transport is fit for the future.
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“In addition, the global impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic have changed the way we travel, it has also changed our perspective on when, where and how we travel. There is a real opportunity to build back better with our long term plan for transport and meet transport needs of our region.”
The Tory Devon County councillor added: “I urge everyone within the South West to get involved and have your say on the report. Your thoughts are important at this early stage, as contributions will help us understand the transport needs of those living, working and travelling within the peninsula. We need to know if you share our vision, goals and ultimately if we are moving in the right direction.
“The key challenge for the Peninsula is to strengthen strategic links to keep pace with the rest of the 海角视频, reinforcing connectivity and maximising opportunities to boost productivity.
“Transport is a vital part of everyday life and therefore a transport strategy needs to be bold and ambitious, delivering a transport system that works for people, businesses and the environment.
“We have been working tirelessly to get to this point but there is still a lot more work to be done. As well as our consultation, we have a number of supporting studies either underway or planned to underpin our transport strategy and we are working closely with stakeholders, our neighbouring STB (sub-national transport body) and Department for Transport to ensure our plans are coordinated and focused. Our full transport strategy will be published next year.”
Cllr Jonathan Drean, Plymouth City Council’s cabinet member for transport, said: “By working together, all authorities are speaking with one voice on our strategic transport links – the connections that get us in and out of the peninsula and beyond.
“As we work towards a long-term regional plan for transport, it is important we understand what matters to people, businesses and organisations, so please do send your views to Peninsula Transport.”
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He added: “As a partnership, we aim to transform transport to boost economic growth across the region, whilst enhancing the quality of life for those working, living and visiting the peninsula.
“At a local level for Plymouth, we will be able to take advantage of the opportunities and benefits that the wider work of Peninsula Transport unlocks.”
Peninsula Transport is the shadow sub-national transport body formed by the five lead transport authorities in the South West peninsula: Cornwall Council, Devon County Council, Plymouth City Council, Somerset County Council and Torbay Council.
Peninsula Transport was created to transform transport and boost economic growth and brings together the area’s five transport authorities to work directly with the Department for Transport on the strategic transport priorities for the region.
It involves both the Heart of the South West and Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly Local Enterprise Partnerships, alongside Highways England, Homes England and Network Rail. Other co-opted members include the Isles of Scilly Council, Stakeholder Forum and Western Gateway shadow sub-national transport body.