Issue - meetings

Members noted the verbal progress reports from officers on the RTP development workstreams.

Members Endorsed the Regional Transport Plan policy framework.

Members Endorsed the revised RTP development work programme.

Members considered the Regional Transport Plan Policy (Draft) and consultation update as circulated within the agenda pack.

Officers outlined that the purpose of the report was to provide an update to members on the Regional Transport Plan (RTP), the different work streams that have been developed and the progress that has been made. The second purpose of the report is to seek support from the committee on the policy framework that has been drafted. Officers confirmed that the policy framework has taken into account the framework issued by Welsh Government and made it applicable to a local framework. The final purpose is the endorsement of the revised RTP development work programme.

Officers noted that the timescale is challenging but that significant progress is being made against this. Officers advised that a book of data has been produced which will assist in understanding the region and the likely impacts on the transport network. Officers confirmed that large amount of analysis has been undertaken that considers accessibility to key travel points within the region, mainly focusing on travel time. It also takes into account active travel.

Officers confirmed that there has been positive feedback on the case for change from Welsh Government and it has been subject to the recent consultation. There have been 814 responses to the consultation, the vast majority of these responses were from individuals. The two key emerging themes identified from the consultation were a concern about the potential of active travel measures that the plan may include. Also the recognition in the consultation that active travel space may not be suitable for everyone, particularly in the more rural areas. The second theme was the availability and cost of public transport, both bus and rail. In addition to this there was concern about the frequency of operation, the fares that are charged and the coverage of the network. Concerns also incorporated effective interchange between the bus and rail networks.

A key activity identified over the coming weeks will be engagement with technical stakeholders. A report will be brought forward outlining the activities undertaken, for consideration at a later date.

Officers are currently in the process of setting out the basis of the integrated wellbeing assessment. There will be engagement with the relevant statutory bodies to agree with the scoping analysis of the assessment.

Members noted that the Independent Travel Active Board have published a about walking and cycling where described Wales as making ‘painfully slowing progress’ in getting people walking and cycling. Whilst it was acknowledged that the report has only just been published, members queried what consideration this report will be given to ensure that the best value is achieved in terms of walking and cycling?

Officers recognised that the active travel option will not be an option that will fit for all. It will be more pertinent in some areas that others. The policy framework has been drafted to reflect the priorities across a diverse region. Whilst it recognises walking and cycling, it also reflects the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4