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Welcome to the Local Transport Plan for Somerset
Develops Transport Policy and transport studies with other partners, including the District Councils and Exmoor National Park. This includes the LTP as well as other studies related to planning applications for new developments, regional and sub-regional planning.
Somerset receives both local and Central Government funding for the provision of transport. Funding from Central Government is received and utilised by Somerset County Council in order to deliver real improvements in our transport network as well as access to services. The proposed improvements identified for transport are incorporated along with bids for their funding in a document called the Local Transport Plan (LTP), which is then submitted to the Government. The Local Transport Plan process was introduced by the Government in 1999 and it replaced an earlier transport planning and bidding process called the Transport Policies and Programme (TPP). The Somerset LTP document can be found in public libraries throughout the County.
The Local Transport Plan (LTP) represents a vision and strategy for integrated transport in Somerset, drawn up through extensive participation, consultation and partnership working. It proposes a set of action plans aiming to improve the quality of life for residents of Somerset and its visitors, by providing a wider travel choice, and sets out a programme of Capital Investments to meet local needs.
The LTP includes an indicative bid programme for funding of integrated transport, safety schemes, principal ('A') road maintenance and bridge maintenance. The Government notifies the County Council as to the outcome of the LTP bid in December.
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:
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Strategic access to and within its boundaries, including road, rail and bus infrastructure;
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urban transport investment related to economic growth and development;
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market towns to support their regeneration roles and functions;
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rural accessibility to maintain communications and allow economic diversification and access;
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rural mobility for those who are less able to allow them to be included in every day life; and
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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.
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