Decision details

Cllr Moses Crook, Portfolio Holder for Housing, Transport and Highways, introduced the Transport Strategy, advising the Panel that the report being presented will provide an update on the development of the Kirklees Transport Strategy including priorities, work undertaken to date and areas still being developed.

 

In line with the request from Scrutiny, it is important to note that since this strategy is still in development, there is an opportunity for Panel members to offer suggestions and input which will influence the ongoing development process. The Kirklees Transport Strategy will compliment and align with both the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and National Strategies, to ensure that common themes will be implemented to best promote Kirklees priorities and interests.

 

It will be an inclusive strategy with public transport and Active Travel as central themes alongside a renewed commitment to the 2038 net zero ambition, which is essential as transport is the largest contributor to UK emissions. The strategy will promote choice and appropriate modes of choice for appropriate journeys. While it is pro-sustainable transport, this does not translate to be an anti-car strategy. By increasing accessibility to lower carbon transport modes along with education and incentives it is possible to make sustainable transport an obvious and easy choice, promoting adoption without being prohibitive to car travel.

 

The strategy and its content ahead of full adoption, will inform current and future projects, improve and enhance inclusion and contribute to both economic growth and meet the 2038 commitment.

 

Rashid Mahmood, Head of Major Projects (interim) informed the Panel that the report sets out the position and the vision of the Kirklees Transport Strategy.  In addition, the report outlines the importance of the alignment between the Council’s emerging Local Development Plan and the emerging West Yorkshire local Transport Plan.

 

The Panel was advised that the Strategy is currently in development and the aim is to serve some of the following purposes:

 

-        To assist with delivery of the core Council priorities including achieving our ambitious net zero objectives by 2038

-        To provide the adopted Council position on transport policy and the development of local transport schemes and initiatives

-        Support the Council with the implementation of transport schemes and measures through clear policy and direction

-        Provide both evidence and clear policy objectives and actions to assist with the Kirklees Local Development Plan Review and support future land use planning allocations with Kirklees

-        To both feed into and support the emerging statutory West Yorkshire LTP4 which is anticipated to be developed in 2024/25. LTP4 is being developed and will be drafted this year (2024) and published in 2025

 

The Panel was informed that the vision for the Transport Strategy includes matters such as the dominance of the private car, the alignment with fully integrated Active Travel links, and it must be fully supported by a first class reliable and affordable public transport system. It is important that there is improved connectivity, and that access is easy and accessible across the district.

 

In summary the vision is as follows:

 

-        All communities across the district are connected and have equal access to opportunities

-        Transport affordability for all is a priority

-        Healthy and sustainable travel is an obvious and easy choice

 

The Panel was informed that the strategy sets out the long term approach and is linked with other emerging strategies, for example, bus reform, active travel strategy, and integrated rail strategy.

 

Active Travel  - is an integral part of the approach to sustainable transport in Kirklees, enabling residents to walk, cycle and wheel (wheelchairs, mobility scooters etc.) for short journeys as well as integrating it with other modes particularly public transport.

 

Bus – It is important to recognise the strategic importance of bus services as the most heavily used form of public transport. Since the pandemic the bus network has suffered, therefore, bus reform recognises the need for change.

 

Rail – The West Yorkshire Rail Strategy is an important part of the integrated transport vision moving forward, facilitating a shift towards more sustainable and efficient modes of transport. The TransPennine Route is an integral part of this.

 

Road Network – Some new road building will be necessary to alleviate congestion hotspots. Bringing forward development sites will be critical to support growth and regeneration plans for the district. It is also important to improve safety on the roads, and address concerns for those walking, cycling and wheeling.

 

Decarbonisation – Recognises that road transport is one of the biggest contributors to air pollution, and the strategy and vision supports a comprehensive electric vehicle charging network within the district. Work will also be undertaken with the bus operators to move to a near zero emissions bus fleet.

 

West Yorkshire Local Transport Plan – is currently being worked on, and is due to be published in Summer 2025, and will replace the current West Yorkshire Transport Strategy 2040.

 

In response to the information presented, the Panel made comments and asked questions including some of the following:

 

-        Whilst it is recognised that the ambition is to get to net zero, it would appear that there is a move to get people out of cars and on to public transport. This is of concern, particularly for people in certain areas, for example rural areas where public transport is infrequent and unreliable. This restricts peoples’ movement which will have an effect on economic growth as they may struggle to get to work, or may be required to leave work earlier in order to get the limited buses that are available. There is a concern that the strategy does not appear to be forward looking and lacks innovation. The ability to use cars gives individuals flexibilities and freedoms,  and whilst electric cars may seem like a solution, there are issues with their weight and their reliance on non-renewable resources. There are concerns as to whether the strategy is looking far enough into the future to be considered a long-term strategy.

 

-        The information presented mentions active travel, however when it comes down to the reality, there are concerns, particularly in certain wards where, for example, the decision has been made by the Council to discontinue funding to repair lights. People will therefore stop using the active travel route because it is considered dangerous and dark.

 

-        The report (Section 2.1) mentions a reduced need for reliance on the private car, how has it been determined that there is a reduced need for the private car? Where is the evidence base for this?

 

-        The strategy does not appear to address the availability of public transport outside of the town centres. The strategy also aims to ensure that communities across the district are connected and have equal access to opportunities, however, some communities have difficulties accessing public facilities such as hospitals because of a lack of public transport. Unless an individual has their own car, they are likely to struggle to get to appointments or visit relatives.

 

-        Whilst the strategy appears to contain a lot of information, it is not clear what the vision is. It does not emphasise Kirklees being in a central geographical position, equidistant from Manchester, Leeds and Sheffield, linking also the three Mayoral districts.

 

-        Funding has been secured to make improvements to the Penistone Line, however, it needs further investment and needs to be at the heart of the Transport Strategy.

 

-        The strategy does not appear to address concerns regarding the safety of road users in certain areas where cars are known to exceed the speed limit.

 

-        Will the Council be leading on introducing electric vehicle charging points in the Town Centre?

 

-        The report (Section 3.4) mentions air quality considerations, however there is no detail, how will this be implemented?

 

-        It is heartening to see that Active Travel was to be embedded in the strategy and not just seen as an add-on. It is hoped that the ambitions of Kirklees are realised through successful outcomes.

 

-        Consideration needs to be given to providing a range of electric vehicle charging points to fulfil a range of different users, for example, some points in the town centre where charging takes two hours, as well as some high-speed charging points.

 

-        Whilst it is recognised that the strategy is a draft and is high level, it will be good to see further detail in future.

 

-        Often the concerns around public transport raised by residents are not in relation to the cost, but the reliability of services. Public transport in and out of Huddersfield on paper appears to be very good, however the links between villages is what causes people to rely on cars.

 

-        Ensuring that train stations are fully accessible, should be a key priority in the strategy, as many disabled people are currently unable to travel on trains in Kirklees because of the lack of accessibility.

 

-        Has consideration been given to how electric vehicle charging points will be set up where there is mainly terraced housing?

 

-        As part of Active Travel, is the Council looking at routes down to the canal paths and will the strategy include any programmes of education for members of the public, with regard to road safety, for example, wearing high visibility clothing.

 

 

RESOLVED

 

That Rashid Mahmood and Cllr Crook be thanked for providing an update on the Transport Strategy.