Agenda item

Report of the Executive Director (Public Protection, Planning and Governance) on the County Council’s longer term transport aspirations, key transport policies and strategic transport projects. The current Local Transport Plan (LTP3) covers the period from 2011 to 2031. The County Council proposes to adopt a new Local Transport Plan (LTP4) and has previously carried out initial consultation under the heading ‘Transport Vision 2050’. This report updates the Panel on the content of the draft Plan and the timetable intended for its adoption.

Report of the Executive Director (Public Protection, Planning and Governance) on the Hertfordshire County Council’s review of the Local Transport Plan (LTP).  The current LTP covers the period from 2011 to 2031.  The County Council proposes to adopt a new Local Transport Plan (LTP4) and has previously carried out initial consultation under the heading ‘Transport Vision 2050’.  Following the earlier consultation a full draft LTP has now been published for further public consultation.  The consultation started on 31 October 2017 and will run until 23 January 2018.  An informal presentation on the Plan had been made to Members by County Council officers on 14 December 2017 prior to the Panel meeting that evening.  The Panel was updated on the content of the draft Plan and the timetable intended for its adoption.

The following points were discussed:

·         The LTP4 is structured into eight substantive sections and focused around the themes of ‘people, place and prosperity’.  Intended to deliver a ‘blended approach’ of improvements in highways, passenger transport, walking and cycling.

·         Challenges and opportunities – increase in population will lead to an increased demand for travel.  Members discussed the current bus services and the potential changes and main issues affecting bus users and providers.  With very little reduction in car use over the last few years it was agreed that there were challenging times ahead as investment was required to support highway improvements and car parking.

·         Drivers of change – change of fuel, land use and environmental factors for example air quality.

·         Making transport more accessible and the need for renewal and regeneration of the Borough’s transport for the future.  Members considered the harmful emissions from transport as being a key factor in poor health and premature death.  Cycling in congested areas can do more harm to health due to vehicle emissions.

·         Renewal energy and green transport was considered; it was noted there was the issue of eradicating the waste from such energy innovations.

·         Policies and Activities – consideration was given to the ‘Core Bus Network’ within the County and how it impacts users – especially the bus service to Hospitals. 

·         Adequate transport service required before any car parking spaces are removed.

·         Rail service – reduction in service at certain stations will not help commuters. The Council responded to the GTR timetable consultation last year and it was suggested that the response be reiterated.

·         Implementation, Funding and Monitoring – the LTP4 is programmed to be adopted by the County Council in 2018, following any final revisions to take account of the responses to the current consultation.  Concern was expressed regarding sufficient funding to provide, improve and embrace new technology which will play a big role in future transport strategies.

·         Additional information was circulated at the meeting on the Environmental Health Comments on the LTP in respect of cycling, new developments and parking, bus travel, traffic lights and clean air zones and increased monitoring.

RESOLVED:

That the Cabinet Planning and Parking Panel notes the contents of this report and agrees that the key points detailed in the Suggested Responses section together with any additional points agreed by the Panel be included in this Council’s response to the current consultation.  The Panel agreed that the Head of Planning be given delegated powers to agree any minor alternations to finalise the Council’s response following consultation with the Executive Member for Planning, Housing and Community.