Agenda item

The purpose of this report is to provide an update to Scrutiny on the results of the publicity campaign and consultation activity undertaken on the draft Kirklees Transport Strategy and to seek feedback on the Strategy before it proceeds to cabinet for approval.

Contact:  David Wildman, Service Director Skills and Regeneration.

Cllr Moses Crook, Cabinet Member for Transport and Housing, introduced the agenda item, advising the Panel that it is a positive time to be bringing the first Kirklees Transport Strategy through the governance process for adoption. He explained that there are many opportunities for companies to benefit, for example with the bus franchising, the TransPennine route upgrade project underway, mass transit or tram in the pipeline and the development of West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) LTP4. In addition, further powers coming with further funding through the extension of the devolution process in West Yorkshire.

Kirklees having its own transport strategy, aligned with LTP4, will help to embed local priorities around sustainable transport and inclusive prosperity. It will maximise the benefits to Kirklees from external funding and regional projects. Working together with regional partners but with a focus on specific transport needs in Kirklees.

In Kirklees there is higher unemployment and lower earnings than the national average, with many travelling out of the district to work. These factors all point to, inequality, exclusion, and deprivation. The hope is that this strategy will help to provide greater opportunity for communities, whilst also reducing the collective environmental impact.

The Panel was reminded that the draft strategy was presented to the Growth and Regeneration Scrutiny Panel in January 2025, following which, Cabinet gave approval for the strategy to go out for public consultation. The consultation was successful with 2112 responses, with approximately 1500 providing free text input to illustrate their concerns and interest in transport. Responses confirmed public approval of priorities in the strategy, in particular support for prioritising and improvements around bus transport, including the move to publicly controlled bus services through franchising.

The final draft of the strategy will be presented to Cabinet in September for approval. Cllr Crook thanked officers for the excellent work they have undertaken to produce the first transport strategy.

David Wildman, Service Director for Skills and Regeneration, Rory Davis, Transport Strategy and Policy Lead, and Lucy Wade, Project Manager, Transport Strategy Policy and Development, were also in attendance at the meeting to provide further details on the Transport Strategy.

David Wildman, advised the Panel that the strategy is not an action plan or a list of projects, it is a statement of intent that aligns with the Local Plan, which is currently undergoing revision, and WYCA, emerging LTP4. It sets out how transport schemes will be approached, ensuring that future work remains in synergy and alignment with regional priorities, to ensure future funding opportunities can be targeted. Importantly, it reflects the unique needs and aspirations of the district.

Rory Davis provided an update on the revisions made to the strategy since its previous presentation to the Panel in January 2025. In summary, he informed the Panel that the consultation had been a wide-reaching campaign, funded by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA), enabling engagement with communities through social media, marketing, and publicity events. Officers actively engaged with residents across the district, bringing the conversation directly to the public.

The Panel was reminded that during the January meeting, members raised several issues all of which have been incorporated in the strategy, including:

·       Accessibility and the need for the strategy to support effective travel for people with disabilities.

·       Concerns around safety, particularly in relation to using transport such as bus stations at night.

·       Comments regarding the rollout of electric vehicles (EVs), with emphasis on ensuring businesses can support the transition without disadvantaging individuals who may face challenges installing home chargers.

·       Clarification on how the success of the strategy will be measured.

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

-       The report outlined public responses to the strategy’s objectives. It showed that the environmental objective received 68% support, which was lower than the other objectives. Are you aware of the reasons behind this and are there any anticipated challenges in gaining wider public support for the environmental aspects of the strategy.

-       What level of control will the council have over the bus fleet under the proposed bus franchising system?  Will there be scope to influence the transition to electric vehicles, given that many buses operating in Huddersfield and across Kirklees are still diesel-powered, refurbished, and prone to breakdowns. Will it be possible to ensure a modern, reliable, and environmentally sustainable fleet to serve local residents?

-       With regard to the statistical significance of the survey results, with 2,112 respondents which represents less than 0.5% of the Kirklees population. Are you able to provide further details how this sample size produces a confidence level of 99%, and further explanation of the methodology used to interpret the data?

-       In terms of accessibility, has consideration been given to addressing the broader aspects of vulnerability, not only for women and girls but for all vulnerable adults?

-       What specific metrics will be used to assess whether the strategy is successfully encouraging a shift towards public transport and active travel, the report does not clearly outline this?

-       Has any consideration been given to freight transport within the strategy, particularly in relation to the development of a charging network for electric trucks to support urban deliveries?

RESOLVED:

That the Cabinet Member and officers be thanked for providing an update on the Kirklees Transport Strategy.