Councillors set to approve consultation

It's for Leicestershire's transport priorities.

Investment in rail and public transport and more walking and cycling schemes are among the priorities set out in a new 30-year transport blueprint for Leicester and Leicestershire.

The Strategic Transport Priorities report sets out where the city and county can work together, particularly around tackling poor air quality and the effects of climate change, alongside continued support for the local economy and jobs.

The STP will be discussed by county councillors, who are expected to pave the way for a consultation later in February. 

Last year, both councils declared climate emergencies and are working towards becoming carbon neutral by 2030.

It also acknowledges a drive to attract greater numbers of car users on to public transport and on to cycling and walking routes.

The ambition is to continue to encourage use of the commercial bus network, of electric vehicles and to increase the number of bus lanes and cycleways/pedestrian routes developed over the past few years.

The county will develop its own cycling and walking strategy as part of the list of priorities.

Another key thread of the STP is a big push to improve rail services. The report outlines that while services to East Midlands cities such as Derby and Nottingham are good, improvements are needed in reaching West Midlands cities such as Coventry and Birmingham.

Councillor Adam Clarke, Deputy City Mayor with responsibility for environment and transport, said: “We’ll continue to lobby for improvements to rail links and we’re also committed to making further investments to support and improve bus services as well as cycling and walking networks in the city.”

Among the other elements of the report is a sharp focus on continuing to bid for national and regional Government funding to develop transport projects which unlock growth and allow the infrastructure to be put in place to support growing demand for houses.

County council cabinet members will discuss the report on Friday 7th February at 11am.