Issue - meetings

The Panel asked to note the current status of the development of the Kirklees Transport Strategy.

Contact: Rashid Mahmood, Head of Major Projects (interim)01484 221000

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  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7