A regional transport strategy has been shared by Peninsula Transport, the sub-national transport body for Cornwall, Devon, Plymouth, Somerset and Torbay.
Bringing together the findings of an evidence base developed over the last five years, the strategy aims to give people in southwest England a more resilient, reliable and accessible transport system, boosting economic growth while supporting more sustainable ways to travel.
Councillor Mark Coker, Peninsula Transport chair, said: “The Peninsula Transport Strategy marks a major milestone as it sets out our advice to government on the region’s transport needs.
“We have placed the user at the heart of the strategy, and we want to see hassle-free, more sustainable and better connected journeys.
“Through the strategy, we provide a collective regional voice, which will help to boost our key transport links and complement the work of our local authorities to enhance regional connectivity.”
A draft of the strategy was released in December 2023, followed by a consultation period with government, industry, businesses, and local communities. It was subsequently approved by the Peninsula Transport board in March 2024.
The sub-national transport body said overcoming specific regional transport challenges such as network resilience, seasonal variation and rural accessibility will be vital.
To do this, the strategy sets out four outcomes as well as a route map to achieve a strategic transport network that works for all users.
By 2030 the desired outcomes are:
- Easier journeys: an integrated public transport system that focuses on the needs of the customers, making travel easy and accessible as well as better active travel connectivity with the bus and rail network
- Going electric: affordable zero-emission transport through a reliable electric vehicle charging network and alternative fuel choices for road freight and buses
- A connected peninsula: safe, reliable, resilient and sustainable links to and throughout the peninsula, allowing for climate adaptation
Peninsula Transport said it hopes these outcomes will ultimately lead to the key objective by 2050 of completing the transport network by improving connections within a safe and fully integrated transport network on a path to net zero.
To make progress toward delivering the strategy, Peninsula Transport’s work programme is currently focused on several areas.
These include the development of integrated ticketing, rural mobility solutions, maintaining road and rail network resilience, electric vehicle infrastructure, freight initiatives, carbon emissions forecasting as well as establishing a Regional Centre of Excellence to support partners.
Peninsula Transport said it will also continue to make the case for enhancing strategic road and rail links throughout the peninsula, to improve resilience, journey safety and efficiency.
Additionally, the strategy will sit alongside a Strategic Implementation Plan that aims to identify and prioritise specific schemes and initiatives needed to deliver the transport strategy.
The implementation plan is currently under development and is expected to be in place by late 2024.
Achievements and innovations in transport planning will be celebrated at the third annual CiTTi Awards, which will be held on 26 November 2024 at De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London. Nominations are open now! Please visit www.cittiawards.co.uk to learn more about this unmissable event for the UK’s transportation sector
