(Andrew Hewitson, Planning and Environment, Lancashire County Council)
Minutes:
The Chair welcomed Andrew Hewitson, Policy Officer, Lancashire County Council, to the meeting. Andrew updated the forum on the Local Transport Plan 4 (LTP4) and the connections and mobility within Lancashire's towns and cities.
There were many issues with Lancashire's towns and cities. Congestion was a major problem for the majority of town centres in Lancashire. Much of the infrastructure had been designed decades ago. The infrastructure had been designed to transport what then seemed like large numbers of motor traffic at the time. Much of the infrastructure implemented had little regard for the impact of people on foot or on bikes. Whilst there was significant issues with congestion the question was asked if many of these journeys were necessary. The forum was informed that in Manchester 30% of all journeys were 1km or lower.
Another issue was to do with cycling and walking. It was important to make these a natural alternative. Progress had been made since the LTP3, with successful Local Sustainable Transport Fund bids and Access fund bids, as well as significant infrastructure improvements, the most significant being the East Lancashire Cycle Network. Improvements were coming via the Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan.
Regarding public transport, there had been some progress made, but it was a difficult time in terms of funding. Lancashire County Council did not have total control of public transport. Public transport had to be more affordable and more integrated.
HGV access was vital. Lancashire County Council had to look at freight strategies and more innovative solutions, possibly warehousing at strategic locations.
The parking policy needed a review. Lancashire County Council needed to think why and where people accessed town centres. There were changing habits in relation to retail. For districts parking was a really good revenue scheme.
The forum was informed that carbon was rising up the political agenda. Lancaster had declared a climate change emergency. The UK was looking to be carbon neutral by 2050. This was a challenge for LTP4. Lancashire County council was looking at clean air zones and low emission zones. In the UK air pollution was the highest environmental risk to human health, with road transport being the biggest contributor. The UK's Clean Air Strategy aimed to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions, the majority of which came from transport, by 73% by 2030. New technology was going to change our mobility and the county council had to prepare LTP4 to accommodate these trends. Air quality was very high on the health agenda.
Four main considerations for LTP4:
· The dominance of traffic in the city centre to the detriment of people
· Car parking
· Sustainable travel as the preferred option for short journeys
· Healthy towns and cities fit for the future.
Regarding the measurement of air quality, the forum was informed that each district council had an environmental officer for this who could be contacted.
It was stated that new developments in rural areas needed proper footways. There was a big increase in pedestrians and cyclists in rural area and Lancashire did not have enough greenways and quiet lanes.
The forum was informed that there would be a full consultation on the Local Transport Plan 4 in late spring or early summer 2020.