Issue - meetings

To receive the report from the Strategic and Policy Team Manager

The report was introduced by the Cabinet member for Regeneration, Infrastructure and Growth who set out the need for the Joint Local transport plan and the next stages of governance.

The Strategic and Policy Team Manager presented the key points of the report and the implications of the Local Transport Plan and the accompanying delivery plan. The Principal Transport Planner set out the vision for transport in Dorset and the six core objectives. The engagement undertaken was described and the financial commitments within the Plan and the aspirations of the plans.

The Committee welcomed the extensive governance process undertaken during the development of the Plan and acknowledged the improvements that had been made as it progressed.

During the discussion, consideration was given to the role of rail within the transport network, particularly in West Dorset.

Discussion took place regarding the geographic distribution of projects within the implementation plan, with concerns raised about potential disparities and the equitable distribution of investment across Dorset.

The focus of the Plan on people rather than vehicles was explored, together with how the Plan would align with planning processes and the Local Plan, including the potential impact on car journeys.

The particular challenges faced by rural communities were discussed, recognising the continued reliance on private vehicles and the importance of community transport in reducing that dependence. It was noted that a further report on this matter would be considered by the Committee in July.

Consideration was also given to the relationship between transport improvements and wider infrastructure requirements, including water infrastructure, and how these would be reflected within the implementation plan.

The discussion highlighted that different areas of Dorset have differing transport needs and that these should be reflected in delivery.

The Committee considered the monitoring arrangements for the Plan, including the key performance indicators that would be used to measure outcomes and assess its effectiveness.

Discussion also took place on the distribution of funding between the two councils, with emphasis placed on ensuring that funding is allocated fairly.

Congestion and journey times were considered, including the aspiration to reduce congestion and improve network performance. The processes required to secure funding from National Highways were also discussed.

The importance of partnership working with National Highways was recognised, together with the shared ambition of delivering highway improvements that support the objectives of the Local Transport Plan.

Recommendations

The recommendations from the report were proposed by Cllr Taylor and seconded by Cllr Crabb and carried with 7 votes for and 1 against.

The Place and Resources Overview Committee;

·       Endorsed the Local Transport Plan 2026 – 2041 and recommend it for approval by Cabinet and adoption at Full Council.

·       Supported delegated authority to the Executive Director for Regeneration, Infrastructure and Growth, in consultation the Cabinet Member for Place Services, to approve any necessary minor non-material and non-policy altering changes that such do not materially alter the substance, objectives or strategic direction of the plan before it is published.

·       Supported the delegated authority to the Executive Director for Regeneration,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5