4th Annual Progress Report - July 2004 (1,229kb)

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2nd Annual Progress Report  (8145Kb)

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WELCOME & INTRODUCTION

Welcome to the Local Transport Plan for Somerset.

This first "full" Somerset LTP is the culmination of a 2 year process involving views and representations from individuals and organisations within the County. The document itself represents the vision, strategy and implementation programme for all forms of transport in Somerset. As such, it reflects a consensus between the County Council, the District Councils, Exmoor National Park Authority, other agencies and the public on the future transport policy for the County.

The Local Transport Plan sets out a comprehensive sustainable transport strategy which is linked to other key policy documents and strategies produced by County Council and other statutory bodies. It is the integrity of these linkages in terms of integration and compatibility that will ensure that implementation will achieve maximum effectiveness and best value to all.

The plan details a phased approach over the five to ten year period targeted to improve the transport infrastructure within Somerset. It is imperative that the quality of life for residents of the County is both maintained and enhanced by providing people with a wider travel choice and improved quality of services. The many improvements advocated within this LTP will allow our residents, businesses and visitors the opportunity to enjoy the environment, travel to work and access facilities, services and attractions in a way that respects the County's exceptional natural and built heritage.

Summarising, Somerset requires investment in:

• Strategic access to and within its boundaries, including road, rail and bus infrastructure;

• urban transport investment related to economic growth and development;

• market towns to support their regeneration roles and functions;

• rural accessibility to maintain communications and allow economic diversification and access;

• rural mobility for those who are less able to allow them to be included in every day life; and

• transport links between all of its settlements and villages.

There are now major opportunities to develop the transport systems and improve the accessibility required in a rural county such as Somerset following the new transport agenda and national guidelines.

Now that our transport policies are in place, we are turning our attention to effectively translating policy into practice and implementing measures which will meet the objectives of the Local Transport Plan. We will be reporting annually on our progress in delivering the LTP and meeting the range of targets it contains.