Warwickshire County Council is currently consulting residents for their views on an update to the Local Transport Plan. With the questionnaire closing on March 18 we have broken down the key points of the consultation for our readers.

WCC currently has a transport plan in place, running between 2011 and 2026, however it has said that "the document has become outdated. It is too static; meaning it is not adaptive to the changes in transport, social and environmental trends.

"Refreshing Warwickshire's LTP presents a unique chance to adapt to the changes in policy and will allow us to meet the challenges, as well as seize the opportunities, in the changing world we live in."

As such WCC is consulting on what will be called LTP4.

The consultation has focused on four key areas: Environment, Economy, Place and Wellbeing.

But what do these four categories actually mean?

Environment

WCC has said: "Transport emissions are the biggest contributors to climate change and poor air quality is also damaging to health.

"We want to put the environment at the heart of our decision making in order to achieve the government's and WCC's targets on emissions and to address the climate emergency declared by WCC."

The county council has broken this down further into key challenges: Noise Pollution, Air Quality, Climate Change, Flooding and Water Management, and Loss of Habitat and Wildlife.

Having already declared a climate emergency and committed to become carbon neutral by 2030, Warwickshire County Council is asking for residents to give feedback on how LTP4 can help to accomplish this.

When filling out the questionnaire, residents are being asked to rank these subcategories in order of importance, as well as highlighting any issues that are yet to be addressed.

Economy

Having already commented on the limitations of the current transport plan for the local economy, the county council is hoping that LTP4 will help to drive local industry and commerce.

"Having the right transport infrastructure in place is key to stimulating the local economy and facilitating the smooth operation of businesses. Our transport plan will play a vital role in attracting investment into Warwickshire and creating jobs for local people.

"This will also be important to supporting the recovery from economic impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic. There will be a clear focus on driving sustainable and inclusive economic growth, productivity and prosperity within the LTP."

WCC has identified seven key links between the economy and local transport.

The impact of Covid-19, the impact of Brexit, internet shopping, changing working patterns, access to education, productivity and competitiveness, and access to workforce and markets have been identified as areas of concern.

Consultees are also being asked to comment on whether issues surrounding congestion, cycling, and public transport should be prioritised.

Place

Regional, national, rural to urban, and housing connections have all been considered by WCC in this section of LTP4.

However, it is looking for more comment from the local populace for how a transport plan can help facilitate growth, allow access to facilities and connect communities in rural areas.

The questionnaire focuses on whether town centres should be addressed in terms of their aesthetic appeal or for their contribution to congestion and traffic.

Wellbeing

The wellbeing aspect of LTP4 covers both physical and mental health.

Road safety, security and access to health care are all included, this alongside considerations to promote active lifestyles, to tackle pollution, and helping support mental health by easing connectivity between communities.

Again this centres on improving links in rural areas, as well as development of cycle networks, and providing public transport in rural areas.

A link to the questionnaire can be found here.

If you would like to read the consultation brochure in full, then please follow this link.