Published on Tuesday 19 September 2023
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council is asking people who live or work in the area which transport schemes they would like to see prioritised in the future.
A total of 23 potential transport improvement initiatives have been identified locally and the council is now seeking the public’s view on which should be taken forward when funding becomes available.
Earlier this year, the council shortlisted 23 from an original list of 136 schemes and those that were deemed likely to have a negative impact on the environment or exhibit excessive costs were not taken any further at this stage.
Schemes were considered using the Department for Transport’s early assessment criteria, as well as the council’s ability to influence and deliver them.
Cllr Vikki Slade, Leader and Portfolio Holder for Dynamic Places, BCP Council, said:
"Getting residents’ views and opinions at this early stage will allow us to move quickly when funding streams become available for major scale transport schemes.
"We know we can’t do everything identified immediately, so that is why we need to prioritise them and understand the levels of public support for each one.
"Good transport connectivity drives economic growth, but we also need to make it easier for people who would like to leave their cars at home and opt for more sustainable alternatives.
"I’m pleased to see so many schemes identified which have been deemed feasible at this stage of the process and I’m committed to working with neighbouring authorities and travel partners in the future to help bring forward the prioritised initiatives which will benefit residents and businesses across the BCP area."
The six-week consultation is now live, and people are invited to visit haveyoursay.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/strategic-transportto take part or complete a paper copy of the consultation at their local library.
BCP Council’s strategic transport schemes public consultation closes at midnight on Monday 30 October 2023.
Notes to editor:
The full report produced by contractors WSP is available here: WSP Strategic Transport Schemes Prioritisation Report
BCP Council is a member of the Western Gateway Sub-National Transport Board: Home - Western gateway (westerngatewaystb.org.uk)