Background
To aid the country’s recovery as Covid-19 restrictions are eased, the Government announced an Emergency Active Travel Fund to help councils introduce measures to re-allocate road space for cyclists and pedestrians and encourage people to walk and use a bike more.
The schemes could either be amended, removed or permanently retained during the next few months as we test out the ideas to see how well they work.
The funding stream is split into two tranches:
Tranche 1
Primarily supported the installation of temporary projects in response to the COVID-19 pandemic (current phase)
- Somerset County Council was awarded £120,000 in this round and a number of trial schemes were launched
Tranche 2
The creation of longer-term projects (delivery deadline is 31 March 2021).
- Somerset County Council was allocated £457,900 in this round
Somerset’s Active Travel Group, which consists of representatives from the five Somerset authorities, the county’s Public Health Team, Avon and Somerset Police, and Somerset Activity and Sports Partnership (SASP), is overseeing the deployment of the schemes and is deciding what contributions will be made to the list of schemes that were submitted.
The proposed schemes, which will receive a contribution from the funding towards their overall cost are:
Frome: ‘School corridor’ scheme around Oakfield Road to Somerset Road, allowing safe access to three schools and connect access to a fourth.
This scheme will be co-designed by the community and will be an ongoing engagement. For updates about active travel projects and to have an opportunity to be part of the stakeholder group who will shape this please sign up here.
Yeovil: Lyde Road Strategic Cycleway – three sections of segregated cycleway approximately one kilometre in length. This is an on and off carriageway solution serving the eastern residential and commercial areas of Yeovil.
Bridgwater: An improved walking and cycling route from Wembdon Road to Victoria Road to improve accessibility between the town centre and residential areas.
Taunton: Continuation of the East Street pedestrianisation. A more permanent scheme is proposed, subject to further consultation, which will see an automated barrier in place whilst further modelling of traffic impacts and access is considered. Access for blue badge holders at limited times will continue as the scheme is monitored and assessed regularly.
Wider community engagement and consultation
We had previously launched an interactive website where residents could leave feedback and suggestions and this will continue.
It is a condition of the funding that before any scheme goes ahead it can be shown that it has broad public support. To that end we will be extending our community engagement across the scheme areas.
We will tell you more about how you can have your say on schemes in your area, and activities will include, but not be limited to, the following:
Community Engagement Fund for delivery of Tranche 2 Emergency Active Travel Fund projects – Programme Level
| Stakeholder | Planned activities | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| General Public | Online consultations promoted via local authority web and social media Set up microsites to detail local changes Monitoring of dedicated Somerset Commonplace app and others Letters to local residents close to affected areas Analysis of correspondence and email traffic | January - February 2021 |
| Local Businesses | Online surveys Face-to-face surveys in key locations Letters to local businesses Set up virtual local group meetings as required to review any issues Analysis of correspondence and email traffic | January 2021 |
| District and Town Councils | Written briefings followed by virtual consultation meetings Analysis of correspondence and email traffic Agree future comms plans | December 2020 - February 2021 |
| Ward and County Councillors | Written briefings to local councillors Set up virtual local group meetings to review any issues and agree future comms Individual meetings for any outstanding matters | December 2020 - February 2021 |
| Bus and taxi operators | Letters sent inviting feedback Virtual meetings to review and assess impacts and opportunities Individual meetings for any outstanding matters | January 2021 |
| Emergency services | Virtual meetings to review access and issues | January 2021 |
| Royal Mail | Virtual meetings to review access and issues | January 2021 |
| Cycling groups | Virtual consultation meetings with key stakeholder groups Promotion through local cycle shops Monitoring of dedicated Somerset Commonplace app and others Analysis of correspondence and email traffic | January - February 2021 |
| Disability groups | Virtual consultation meetings with key groups, including suppliers of Shopmobility services, to review impacts and issues Dedicated online surveys Set up virtual local group meetings as required to review any outstanding issues | January - February 2021 |
| Local MPs | Written briefings Invite to virtual meeting to discuss any issues and review future comms as required | January 2021 |