Sustrans’ Good Transport Plan sets out roadmap for cleaner and cheaper travel in Bristol

January 22, 2016
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Getting around Bristol can be cleaner, cheaper and more efficient if reliance on fossil fuels is reduced, according to a new transport strategy for the city.

Produced by Bristol-based cycling and walking charity Sustrans, the Good Transport Plan sets out a vision for the future of travel in Bristol.

Sustrans, which produced the plan for the Bristol Green Capital Partnership Transport Action Group, worked with a range of local organisations, businesses and community group leaders and consulted with more than 1,300 people – made up of over 700 face-to-face engagements at events across Bristol and a further 600 online.

The plan aims to create change by setting out proposals that would make traveling into and around Bristol more sustainable, accessible and enjoyable.

The plan lists nine objectives that would promote clean and convenient travel. These are:

*           An affordable and reliable public transport system

*           A well-connected walking and cycling system that is of high quality

*           Increasing the use of low-emission, shared vehicle usage and accessible refilling points

*           Reducing the number of heavy vehicles on the road and coordinating delivery vehicle patterns

*           Creating a people centred city centre by reducing its traffic flow

*           Encouraging collaboration and empowerment to communities

*           Giving employees the chance to work from home when possible

*           Allowing children the opportunity to scoot and cycle to improve their well-being

*         And overall, to prove that sustainable and active travel is beneficial to everyone

The plan aims to inspire people to see the potential for the future of travel in Bristol, and even to provide their own ideas – feeding into the current West of England Joint Spatial Plan and Transport Study consultations.

Sustrans director Ian Barrett, pictured, who is also vice-chair of Bristol Green Capital Partnership, said: “The Good Transport Plan has been a unique opportunity to engage people throughout Bristol in creating a shared vision for the city’s streets.

“It brings together current plans for transport in the Bristol area and looks at what more we can do to change the way we travel and make it easier for everyone to travel in ways that are good for their health and the environment.

“The Bristol Green Capital Partnership has provided a unique space to develop this idea and promote collaboration – bringing together previously disparate campaign voices to give everyone a chance to contribute to the debate on the future of transport in Bristol and establish new ambitions that we hope will help shape our transport system over the next 20-30 years.”

Bristol City Council service director for transport Peter Mann said: “I very much welcome the production and launch of the Good Transport Plan by the Bristol Green Capital Partnership and recognise its contribution to the mobility debate in the city.  The Good Transport Plan helps to clarify the real challenges we face in keeping Bristol moving and to put forward some of the main ideas around sustainable transport.

“The large membership of the Partnership provides a forum that reaches deep into Bristol’s communities and therefore helps engage many who would not necessarily get involved in a traditional consultation exercise.

“I particularly welcome the recognition in the Plan that we are not starting from scratch. Indeed, it highlights some of the more significant transport projects currently going on in the city that will all contribute to meeting long-term objectives. I also welcome the suggestion that citizens themselves can start to make a difference through their own travel choices in their local areas and workplaces, without waiting for major projects to provide ‘magic bullets’ to our shared problems.

“The forward planning for transport in the city region is currently underway through the Joint Spatial Plan and Transport Study consultation and the Good Transport Plan chimes well with this work.  It will, I am sure, stimulate the debate further and I will make sure the Good Transport Plan is taken into account alongside all other opinions in developing future transport policy in the city.”

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