Introduction
This chapter describes the countywide transport strategy that has been adopted to achieve the overall objectives set out in Part 1 of the LTP. The strategy put forward in this LTP concentrates on the four Shared Priorities for Transport:
- Delivering accessibility;
- Tackling congestion;
- Improving air quality; and
- Making roads safer.
Implementing the core strategies will rely heavily on the various mode and delivery strategies that underlie the LTP. Full versions of these supporting strategies are provided in a separate Annex to the LTP (Annex 2). They can also be found on the County Council’s web site (www.warwickshire.gov.uk).
Annex 2 contains the following strategies:
In addition to the four Shared Priority strategies, this chapter discusses a number of other strategies and plans which the County Council has a statutory duty to produce. This includes the requirements for a Bus Strategy and a Bus Information Strategy, along with statements regarding the County Council’s progress towards developing a Transport Asset Management Plan (TAMP) and a Countryside Access and Rights of Way Improvement Plan (CAROWIP).
Quality of Life
Quality of life is made up of a range of different issues, and is included in all four of the Shared Priorities for Transport. These issues include:
- Quality of public spaces and better streetscapes;
- Community safety, personal security and crime;
- Healthy communities;
- Neighbourhood renewal and regeneration; and
- Noise, air quality, climate change and greenhouse gases.
These underlying issues also flow through the various mode and delivery strategies set out within this LTP.
Internationally and nationally climate change is widely accepted as one of the biggest threats to the human race.
These concerns are spelt out within the UK Energy Policy (February 2003) and the West Midlands Energy Strategy (December 2004). The UK Climate Impact Programme has been funded for a second five-year programme to further develop understanding of the impacts of climate change at a national and local level. The revised UK Sustainable Development Framework (March 2005) included the issue of ‘climate change and energy’ as one of it’s top five priority areas. The UK Government put these issues at the top of its agenda during it’s Presidencies of both the G8 Summit and the European Union in 2005.
Travel and the movement of goods, despite the enormous benefits they bring, are one of the biggest and fastest growing contributors to climate change, and are acknowledged as perhaps the most challenging sector in which to achieve carbon dioxide (CO2) reductions. In Warwickshire, final energy consumption for transport purposes is by far the largest sector, as shown in Table 2.1.
|
Energy Consumption in Warwickshire (Source: Ecotec Research & Consulting Ltd (2005)) |
||
|
Energy Source |
Total (000 tonnes) |
% |
|
Transport |
1,864 |
41.3 |
|
Domestic |
1,348 |
30.5 |
|
Industry & Commerce |
1,387 |
28.2 |
|
100.0 |
||
Across all sectors including transport and travel, there is an enormous task ahead if we are to achieve and exceed national aspiration of 60% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2050 and avoid some of the consequences of climate change. While this is considered technically possible, the way in which society and the economy operates will clearly need to change over coming decades. Based on the figures given, the CO2 emissions from transport will need to be cut from 1,864 to 746 thousand tonnes a year by 2050.
The transport infrastructure is likely to become more susceptible to the changing climate. Increasingly frequent extreme weather events such as intense rainfall and very hot weather should be expected in addition to gradual increases in temperatures over coming decades. These changes are likely to lead to more incidences of flooding and subsidence (amongst other impacts) affecting transport networks, the travelling public and business/commerce within the County.
There is a potential conflict between increasing choice, opportunity and accessibility with the need to control and reduce transport emissions. This LTP aims to reduce transport emissions in line with Government policy and stated commitments, whilst ensuring that levels of accessibility are maintained by sustainable modes of transport.
Work already in hand.…..
It is recognised that much of the activity Warwickshire has been undertaking in recent years, in particular encouraging modal shift towards increased multi-occupancy of cars, greater use of public transport, cycling and walking all contribute to reducing CO2 emissions. Working with the Carbon Trust, the County Council has developed a ‘Carbon Management Action Plan’ which includes proposals to improve the performance of it’s own corporate activities.
During 2005/06, two Climate Change strategies and sets of action plans for Warwickshire have been developed: a ‘Low Carbon Energy’ (Part 1) and a ‘Climate Change Adaptation’ (Part 2). These draw on work undertaken at a regional level, and have included engagement with a range of stakeholders from the public, private, and tertiary sectors. Those involved in the development and implementation of this LTP will be a part of the process. It is proposed that the County Strategic Partnership will be involved to ensure key partners begin to become more actively engaged in moving towards a low carbon future. The County Strategic Plan (2005 – 2008) includes an action aimed at reduction of CO2 emissions from corporate fleet vehicles. This is a good example of how this crucial objective can be delivered through partnership working.
Climate change is still a relatively recent consideration within transport planning and LTPs. The knowledge base and fresh thinking needs to be developed; new areas will need monitoring and pilot projects undertaken both to enhance the learning curve, demonstrate best practice and show leadership. It is anticipated that some funding from within County Council budgets will enable and contribute to this work.