Vision for county’s transport future

A vision for the future of transport in Buckinghamshire goes live today (Monday December 7). And residents and businesses are being asked to say what they think about it.

It’s published by the County Council, and comes in the form of a new draft Buckinghamshire Local Transport Plan – a blueprint for travel covering all types of transport, looking ahead to 2036.

An extended public consultation starts today, through the County Council’s online ‘Have Your Say’ web page, and runs until January 29

Launching the consultation, Mark Shaw, Cabinet Member for Transport, said good transport systems were essential to grow Buckinghamshire’s economy, serve its residents and businesses well, and make the county a great place to live and work.

‘Planning for the future of transport in the county is critically important, and we don’t get a second chance at it,’ said Mark. ‘I want to make sure we really understand the people of Buckinghamshire. With their feedback I believe we’ll be able make this a practical working plan for change, that will benefit everyone in the county.’

He said that as well as supporting good roads, public transport, cycleways and footpaths, the draft Local Transport Plan aimed to:
• Encourage links to local, national and international destinations that promote a flourishing economy.
• Empower communities to support their own local transport solutions.
• Enable and promote travel choices that improve people’s health.

‘The draft Plan is very clear about maintaining and enhancing our county’s special environment, and helping residents and businesses thrive and develop to become one of the strongest and most productive economies in the country,’ said Mark.

The draft Plan also supports a number of vital transport improvements; for example East-West Rail, which Mark said would stimulate an estimated £72 million boost to the local economy. It would open up a public transport cul-de-sac for the county and bring connections to the north, west and east of the country within convenient reach of the whole of the county.

Achieving the Plan's aims will require strong partnerships with central government, the district councils, communities and businesses, said Mark, along with innovative approaches to make the best use of taxpayers’ money in a climate of austerity.

A link to the ‘Have Your Say’ survey can be found at https://democracy.buckscc.gov.uk/mgConsultationDisplay.aspx?ID=1117 and those with no internet connection can see it at Buckinghamshire libraries.