Local Transport Minister Simon Lightwood visited Manchester on 12 February to launch a series of 11 regional roadshows looking at local transport issues, giving local leaders the opportunity to provide input on how transport can work for their specific area, realising there is no one-size-fits-all solution, and that each region has its own transport challenges.
Starting in Newcastle and ending in Milton Keynes, the roadshows, which involve a series of roundtables and discussions, are expected
to gather insights from councils, businesses, and communities to shape a 10-year strategy for seamless, integrated journeys that empowers local leaders to build the best transport system for their communities, helping to form a ‘national vision of transport, but delivered by local people.’
The Minister said: “We’ve all had the frustration of our train arriving 10 minutes too late for our connecting bus service. We want more people across England to benefit from more integrated transport that makes day-to-day journeys easier ˜ from coordinated timetables and easy route planning to tap-in, tap-out payments.
“We will empower local leaders to build a system that’s right for their needs, connecting cars and buses, trams and trains, and cycling and walking, into one joined-up system. To kick off this process, we’re listening to local leaders across the country, to hear how we can best create a new national transport vision that connects all modes of transport and prioritises people at its core, and helps deliver our Plan for Change to improve the economy.”
The regional transport roadshows will visit Newcastle, Manchester, Birmingham, Leicester, Ipswich, Bristol, Brighton, London, Cornwall and Milton Keynes during February and March. Ideas gathered at the roadshows will shape the final strategy, which is expected to be published this year.
Recognising that driving is often a necessary choice, the Department says it will also be listening to ideas on how to help drivers, which could include systems that help manage traffic flows or help drivers easily find, and pay for, parking spaces, and will also consider how cycling and walking can become the best choice for shorter journeys, through prioritising pavement repairs, safe crossings and cycle infrastructure where they are needed most.
