Local Transport Plan for 2001-2006
Following widespread consultation and problem analysis, the first Local Transport Plan (LTP) was formulated to address the issues that had been raised throughout the county of;
- environmental degradation,
- safety issues,
- economic decline,
- social exclusion,
- low levels of accessibility and integration.
There are twelve District Councils within Lancashire. Each has an individual mix of towns and rural area and its own strengths and weaknesses. Consequently, the LTP considered these elements and devised an integrated transport plan with the flexibility to meet local needs.
Taking all of this into account, together with National and Regional Government policies and guidance, a Transport Vision for Lancashire was produced. Objectives and strategic aims for the LTP were then developed through partnership working with District Councils and transport providers and users. Plan development also involved joint working with Unitary Authorities of Blackpool and Blackburn with Darwen as well as partnership working with bordering Metropolitan Districts and Shire Counties to ensure compatible policies and proposals.
A draft LTP was produced in July 1999 for consultation The LTP objectives were set out on an information leaflet with an attached questionnaire for public consultation. These leaflets were accompanied by a free-post envelope and over 60,000 were distributed through libraries and other public buildings as well as to local interest groups throughout the county. To ensure the consultation was accessible to all of the community, leaflets were also made available in large print, audio, Braille, Punjabi, Gujarati and Bengali. The consultation questionnaire was also placed on the County Council website. Over 2,000 responses were received which identified the public's priorities in dealing with these problem areas.
Four Local Transport Plan Forum meetings followed which examined local issues. The forum included over 500 delegates from District Councils, Public Transport Operators, User Groups, Access and Disability Groups, Chambers of Commerce, the Police, Health Services, neighbouring authorities and many other organisations. Many of the issues raised here mirrored the issues raised by the public. In accordance with Local Agenda 21, goals for sustainable development, reviews of practices, activities and stakeholder involvements were devised as well as a framework for action with targets and a timescale.
The resulting LTP set out a comprehensive sustainable transport strategy, linked to a variety of documents and strategies produced by the council itself and other statutory bodies. The plan detailed the council's approach to make a variety of improvements during the LTP period (2001/2-2005/6). Improvements to residents' quality of life, enhancement of transport infrastructure, related facilities and access, integration of modes, environmental enhancement and economic sustainability were all included.
The LTP was published in July 2000 with the following Transport Vision;
- A transport system as environmentally friendly as possible;
- Safe, reliable and enjoyable journeys by all modes;
- Transport that reduces delays, supports sustainable economic activity and moves freight by the most effective means;
- A true choice of access to employment and amenities that promote social inclusion.
From the Vision, ten objectives were derived and policies deduced from them. The objectives were;
- To protect valuable natural and built environments and biodiversity.
- To improve safety for all transport users.
- To reduce the number and length of journeys.
- To maintain and expand sustainable economic activity.
- To promote accessibility to everyday facilities, especially for those without a car.
- To realise the potential of public transport.
- To address the transport issues in rural areas.
- To integrate land use and transportation planning.
- To integrate all forms of transport to give a more efficient transport system.
- To enhance social inclusion through a real choice of transport.
Performance indicators and associated targets were set which reflected national, regional and local priorities. These targets have been continuously monitored throughout the five year period to ensure scheme delivery. The following diagram gives an overview of the LTP.
Figure 1 Local Transport Plan Overview