Sustainable Moves
toward an integrated transport system
and better quality of life in Luton and South Bedfordshire
|
ACTIONS TO ACHIEVE THE AIMS OF THE LOCAL TRANSPORT PLAN … the result of two years' work by
Luton's LA21 Transport Working Group |
Transport is at the heart of
environmental concerns. The Local
Agenda 21 process, begun at the Earth Summit in Rio in 1992, and government
guidance, particularly on Local Transport Plans, require local authorities to
demonstrate involvement and support of the public. By gathering representatives of organisations, business and
individuals interested in transport issues, the Luton Local Agenda 21 Transport
Group is part of the decision making process for Luton and adjacent
authorities. It shares and discusses
information, and agrees on how policies should be prioritised by those making
decisions on local and strategic transport.
The group wishes to see a healthier
and safer environment, enable and promote walking, cycling and use of the most
appropriate form of public transport for particular journeys, to improve public
transport services, and to reduce car use.
The group believes transport should be viewed strategically: council
boundaries are irrelevant to most people, and while the need to travel should
be reduced, people who do need to travel not just locally but in and out of
their area must be able to do so by the most environment friendly and quickest
method.
Since Spring 1998 the LA21 Transport
Group has been run by volunteers, and has continued since Luton Transport Forum
began in Spring 1999. The LTF has taken
the form of presentations from Luton Council and its consultants, followed by
questions. The format of LA21 has been diverse, with speakers and discussion in
the first year to inform the group, to breaking into groups to discuss local
transport priorities in the second year.
A great variety of desirable actions
has been identified and prioritised, which also try to reflect best practice.
The list of aims, objectives and key
actions the group has developed should be central to taking forward the Local
Transport Plan process. Most of
these will play their part in helping to reduce climate change.
Main Aims have been grouped under the
following headings -
1 Comply with Road
Traffic Reduction Act, Government Guidance, and integration of policies
2 Minimise need for
travel
3 Increase walking and
cycling
4 Improve mobility for
pedestrians
5 Improve safety
6 Improve public
transport, encourage more use
7 Reduce HGV journeys
(especially in urban/living areas)
8 Airport - work towards
sustainability
9 Make Green Travel
Plans the norm
10
Reduce car journeys to schools
11
Improve air quality
12
Use parking strategy to reduce car use
13
Increase railfreight
(The group
also commends proposals by the Disability Resource Centre, summarised in a
report 'Seizing the Opportunity'.)
Under each of these headings,
objectives are listed alongside actions to achieve them. Some have been given
priority. A few are already under
way. A timescale is suggested, and
probable partners in the action. Many
aims, objectives and actions cross over to or influence those grouped under
different aims. Some are universal - no one is likely to remain unaffected
by the sum of the positive actions suggested.
A few Indicators or Targets by which
to measure progress are suggested in the Actions column, but more work is
needed to prioritise these under each aim.
A further column would be helpful to indicate progress on each issue.
These aims and actions should be used
to help achieve the goals of local authority planning and development control,
Health Action Zone, Best Value performance, inter-departmental co-ordination,
and joint working between local authorities.
They should also act as a stimulus to influence and improve
environmental awareness and action in the business community.
David
Oakley-Hill, Chair, Luton LA21 Transport Working Group Sep 2000
Contact: 01582 724257
[email protected]