People will get their chance over the coming weeks to take a look at, and have their say on, a set of proposed actions that are designed to address key transport challenges over the next 14 years. The Norfolk Local Transport Plan 4 (LTP4) is set to drive the county’s transport strategy until 2036 and key challenges that the plan seeks to address include carbon reduction and air quality. Since the overall LTP4 strategy was adopted last year officers have been working to develop this implementation plan to achieve a number of goals, including net zero carbon. Cllr Martin Wilby, Cabinet Member for Highways, Infrastructure and Transport, said: “We want a low carbon, well-connected transport network in Norfolk. I’d urge people to take a look at the proposals and fill in the survey to let us know what you think as this will help shape the final version of the plan before it goes to councillors to decide upon.” The comprehensive plan also pulls together a wide range of forward looking schemes that can be delivered by the county council, including some already underway – such as the electric vehicle strategy which is set to boost the number of charging points across the county, and the popular Beryl Bikes and e-scooter trial in Norwich which already has 43,500 registered users. Norfolk’s ambitious Bus Service Improvement Plan is also part of the LTP4 and aims to simplify ticketing and journey information, cut fares for under 25s, bring in cleaner and greener buses, improve accessibility and bus stops, and make better and more frequent links between the places people live, work and shop. Key to achieving a number of the aims in the plan will be working in partnership with local and national bodies to achieve much needed rail improvements and better local and regional connections. The plan details proposals around seven key objectives:
- Embracing the Future: emphasis is on the need to adapt to and use new technology to achieve better outcomes
- Delivering a Sustainable Norfolk: working in partnership with others to help shape the county’s development plans and proposals
- Enhancing Connectivity: providing better, faster and more reliable journeys in a way the puts transport firmly onto a net zero carbon trajectory
- Enhancing Norfolk’s Quality of Life: carbon reduction, air quality improvement, conserving and enhancing Norfolk’s built and historic environments
- Increasing Accessibility: working in partnership to plan and deliver
- Improving Transport Safety: using the Safe Systems approach to reduce casualties
- A Well Managed and Maintained Transport Network: a focussed approach to maintenance and network management
The consultation runs from 21 March to 2 May. Find out more and have your say here: https://norfolk.citizenspace.com/consultation/local-transport-implementation-plan-4