Issue - meetings

To consider the Strategic Transport Plan policies on International Connectivity and Rural Mobility.

Lead: Lucy Jacques

5.1             Members received the report from the Acting Head of Policy and Strategy who highlighted the key areas of each policy.

 

5.2          On the Rural Mobility policy Cllr Fenton referred to the Bus Service Improvement Plans (BSIPS) and asked what had been gleaned from the plans submitted from Local Transport Authorities.

 

The Acting Head of Policy and Strategy explained that an initial review has been undertaken on those that have been submitted, and delivery plans are being developed with the DfT as well as work  taking place to establish TfN’s role in this.

The Major Roads Strategy Manager explained that the analytical framework is being used and that he anticipated that the Bus network would be included in this framework. He further explained that the outputs would be used to support local authorities with their BSIPS.  He hoped that in the next 12 months there would be three or four case studies with local authorities in the North.

5.3          Cllr Salter enquired about the selection process for choosing case studies.  He also raised the issue of rural isolation.

 

The Acting Head of Policy and Strategy stated that she would circulate a response to the Committee regarding the selection process for the case studies.  On rural isolation and deprivation she referred to the Transport Related Social Exclusion work that has been undertaken which has strengthened the evidence base, and the policy can build on this base. Further work will be required once the policy has been published.

 

5.4          Members commented on rising costs and how the strategy will be able to deal with this and the need for better public transport.

 

5.5          The Acting Head of Policy and Strategy addressed the International Connectivity policy and emphasised that this policy is currently only for noting and comment and not for approval. She stressed that the policy is not an aviation policy, rather an International Connectivity policy. She noted that a number of questions had been received from Mr. Anthony Rae on this matter prior to the Committee and that she has responded to Mr. Rae.  Mr Rae had stated he was content with the information that he had received.

 

5.6          The Chair suggested that rather than a “rail first” policy there should be a “public transport first” policy .  Regarding the visitor economy he stated that it is important to have the right people involved. He also suggested that scales should be included in the policy such as the amount of freight and passengers passing through ports.

 

5.7          Cllr Salter suggested that the policy should include references to carbon offsetting and sequestration.

Resolved:

That the report be noted.