Agenda item

The Cabinet considered a report of the Director of Environment and Transport which advised of the development of the Enabling Travel Choice Strategy (ETCS), which formed part of the full Local Transport Plan 2025-2040 (LTP4), and sought approval of draft key ‘policy positions’ that were intended to form the basis of the ETCS for consultation.  The report also advised of the work undertaken to prepare three Multi-Modal Area Investment Plans (MMAIPs) pilots, which also formed part of the full LTP4.  The Cabinet’s approval was sought to undertake an initial consultation exercise to inform the development of the ETCS and the MMAIPs.  A copy of the report, marked ‘Agenda Item 5’, is filed with these minutes. 

A written submission had been received from the Leicestershire Footpath Association, along with comments from Mr David Page CC and Mr Phil King CC, were circulated separately and copies are filed with these minutes.

Mr. C. Whitford CC commended the proposed delivery of the Local Transport Plan and stated that this demonstrated the commitment to ensure the needs of local residents and businesses were met. He also stated that it reflected the diverse nature of Leicestershire and would help to ensure residents were connected through all forms of transport.

Mr. M. Squires CC stated that the work being undertaken through the Local Transport Plan aimed to help people live healthier lives by making it easier and safer to walk, cycle and use public transport.  It also recognised the importance of all types of transport in supporting better access to jobs, schools and healthcare.  He reiterated the intention to improve physical and mental wellbeing and ensure that transport was inclusive for all.

RESOLVED

a)    That the work undertaken to date on the development of the Enabling Travel Choice Strategy (ETCS) be noted;

b)    That the draft key ‘policy positions’ that are intended to form the fundamental basis of the ETCS (set out in paragraphs 42 to 67 of the report) be approved for consultation;

c)    That the work undertaken on the development of three pilot draft Multi-Modal Area Investment Plans (MMAIPs) for Market Harborough, Hinckley and South-East Leicestershire be noted;

d)    That an eight week initial consultation exercise be undertaken to inform the further development of the ETCS and three pilot MMAIPs;

e)    That, subject to the outcomes of the consultation exercise, the Director of Environment and Transport:

i.            following consultation with the Cabinet Lead Member, the Director of Corporate Resources and the Director of Law and Governance, undertakes further work to develop the ETCS, including a draft suite of policies;

ii.              following consultations with the Cabinet Lead Member, undertakes further work to develop the three draft MMAIPs;

iii.             submits further reports to the Cabinet regarding the revised draft ETCS and each pilot MMAIP.

REASONS FOR DECISION

The ETCS and the MMAIPs are being prepared as part of the Council’s f8ull LTP4.

The draft ‘key policy positions’ are fundamental to the ETCS, to ensure that the work progresses in the right direction.  Subject to the outcome of the initial consultation proposed, it is intended that these will form the basis for the ETCS.

The ETCS policy position is also important for development of the MMAIPs.  The MMAIPs are not themselves policy documents but will reflect the Council’s existing and emerging policies/strategies including the ETCS.

The proposed initial consultation exercise would inform the development of the draft ETCS and the MMAIPs.

Further work to be undertaken by officers following the initial consultation exercise will enable the production of a draft ETCS and three MMAIPs, to be submitted to a future Cabinet meeting for a second consultation exercise.