Plan will help cut congestion

Plan will improve county transport system

Staffordshire's Cabinet has approved plans which could see almost £340 million spent on transport improvements in the county over the next five years.

The Local Transport Plan submission to Government is Staffordshire's "sales pitch" for transport funding.

Major schemes, projected to cost more than £5 million, highlighted in the report include:

Brinsford Park and Ride - integrating bus and rail.
Stafford Western Access Improvements - bringing better public transport alongside improved traffic flows
Burton Southern Access Improvements - including third river crossing

It focuses clearly on improving access to opportunities for all, improved road safety, a well maintained highway network, reduced traffic congestion and improved air quality. The document aims to convince Whitehall Transport decision makers that Staffordshire deserves extra investment.

Just before Christmas the Government indicated that Staffordshire's transport performance was on the up with more money chalked up to create a better transport network in the county.

In the Government's annual transport review Staffordshire was been praised for its achievements - gaining a special £250,000 bonus reward for good performance.

Key achievements included slashing the number of children killed or seriously injured on Staffordshire roads by 50% - six years ahead of schedule, and completing congestion busting Biddulph and Burntwood bypasses on time and on budget.

The county now qualifies as a "Good" performer -only a hairs breadth away from getting "Excellent" status. Last year the County was only ranked as "average."

The new plan has been put together after extensive consultation with partners and the wider community. A comprehensive household survey and travel diary was completed by almost 3,500 families - providing a snapshot of public attitudes.

Residents rated road safety as their primary concern with 49% putting at the top of the league table of issues. Accessibility came second with 21% and Air Quality getting 17%. Out of the four priorities congestion came in last with 13%.

Staffordshire's Cabinet member for transport Councillor John Wakefield said: "Its vital that we show Government that Staffordshire is planning effectively and efficiently to meet the real needs of communities, the economy and the environment in Staffordshire.

"The report demonstrates that we can integrate national priorities and local concerns, focusing resources effectively where they are needed and achieving maximum punch per pound of expenditure."

Page Last Modified: 30/01/2007 16:05:24

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