Agenda and draft minutes

The Chairperson welcomed everyone to the meeting.

There were no declarations of interests received.

The minutes of the meeting held on 7 May 2024 were approved as an accurate record.

The Committee were provided with an update report on the progress of the Regional Transport Plan (RTP). The report also sought endorsement of the RTP Policy Framework and revised programme of work to develop and deliver the RTP.

Reference was made to the Wales Transport Strategy, Llwybr Newydd, 2021. It was explained that Officers had been working on interpreting the Strategy and identifying how it related to the Southwest Wales Region; the RTP Policy Framework set out the context of how Llwybr Newydd would be implemented at a regional level.

A discussion took place in regard to the timescales of delivering the RTP. Officers had previously raised concerns in regard to the timescales due to a number of influences that impacted progress; these were listed within the circulated report. It was noted that Officers were seeking endorsement to amend the timeline, specifically, moving final submission from April 2025 to June 2025.

Members received the following updates in regard to progression of the RTP:

It was highlighted that a lot of work had been completed in terms of collecting, interpreting and understanding data; to aid the development of the RTP, a ‘data book’ had been produced. It was explained that the ‘data book’ included a quantitative analysis of various data sources including Transport for Wales (TFW) and Census travel data; as well as an assessment of accessibility by active travel, bus, rail and car to several key destinations across the region; this mapping exercise provided an overview of some of the key issues within the region. Officers mentioned that the ‘data book’ could be circulated to Members if they wanted to view the information in more detail.

Officers confirmed that the next step in the process was to start looking at specific schemes, specifically which schemes could be implemented in the region over the next five-year period; this time period was the primary focus of the RTP funding block that will be provided in the next few years. It was mentioned that the individual Local Authorities across the region were assisting in this step by bringing forward proposals for various schemes. Members were informed that an assessment matrix was also being developed in order to understand how to assess and prioritise the schemes.

Continuing on from the above, Officers provided an overview of how the assessment matrix would work. Firstly, it was noted that a list of schemes would be collected from various sources such as Local Authorities and TFW; the list will be subject to a review through an Officer Workshop, in which Officers will start to remove schemes that were unlikely to be delivered within the five-year period of the RTP and schemes that could not realistically be achieved. Once this had been completed, it was explained that the remaining schemes would be subject to further detailed analysis; this will consist of a qualitive analysis and a numerical analysis. It was added that the Policy Framework will guide some of the choices regarding potential schemes.

The discussion moved on  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

It was explained that the scheduled meeting of the Regional Transport Sub-Committee in October would be utilised as a workshop for Committee Members; and a special meeting would be arranged for 15 November 2024.

The Regional Transport Sub-Committee Forward Work Programme was noted.

Any urgent items at the discretion of the Chairperson pursuant to Section 100BA(6)(b) of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended).

There were no urgent items received.