How will road and rail transport change in Wiltshire?

Wiltshire Council’s Cabinet is set to decide on the next steps for the emerging Local Transport Plan 4 (LTP4). It will cover all areas of transport in the county, including road safety, highway network management and enhancement, car parking, buses, rail and more. One of its key themes will be defining a “clear decarbonisation trajectory toward achieving net-zero carbon emissions across Wiltshire”.

READ MORE: Therapy and healing centre approved on GBP35m Wiltshire estate[1] There will be the opportunity for cabinet members to comment on the plans at the next meeting. (Image: Wiltshire Council) Every council in the country has to prepare an LTP to maintain and improve transport in its area. LTP4 will run from 2025-2038 and is tailored to three different place types: principal settlements, which covers Salisbury, Trowbridge and Chippenham; market towns; and rural areas.

According to the report due to be presented to the cabinet on Tuesday, November 19, it will outline how transport integrates with and can contribute to achieving other policy objectives, such as the Local Plan, Business Plan, and Climate Strategy. It will also acknowledge the county’s distinct characteristics and unique environment, which makes it important to tailor transport measures to suit the largely rural county and support the health, wellbeing and safety of its residents”. The report expresses the intention to “futureproof its transport systems” to “deliver a resilient network that is prepared for technological, environmental and societal changes and will meet the needs of future generations”.

Finally, it notes that it should support “sustainable economic growth in Wiltshire” and use “a combination of Avoid, Shift and Improve principles” to reach its targets. If the cabinet agrees that LTP4 can move forward, a consultation on the plans will begin on Thursday, November 28. SEE ALSO: Almost 400 active cases of reported damp or mould in Wiltshire’s social housing[2]

Cllr Tamara Reay, cabinet member for transport, said: “A key aim in our Business Plan is to help build an efficient and effective transport network, including viable alternatives to the car. “We recognise that in a large rural county, many people rely on their car for essential daily activities. “But we also know that many people do not have access to a car and that’s why the plan looks to provide choices for other forms of transport, including zero emissions vehicles.

“The plan will help us reduce the number of journeys and ensure sustainable alternatives to help reduce carbon emissions.

“Transport makes up 38% of Wiltshire carbon emissions and so it’s important that LTP4 looks to address this.

“But we also know that transport is a key enabler for economic growth, and so LTP4 will set out how we will maintain and improve our existing transport infrastructure, looking at sustainable economic growth, health, safety and wellbeing, sustainability and decarbonisation, and network resilience.”

References

1. ^ READ MORE: Therapy and healing centre approved on GBP35m Wiltshire estate (www.wiltshiretimes.co.uk)
2. ^ SEE ALSO: Almost 400 active cases of reported damp or mould in Wiltshire’s social housing (www.wiltshiretimes.co.uk)