Dorset Council and BCP Council are working together on a new joint transport plan. This is an opportunity for the councils to update plans to ensure that Dorset’s transport system meets the expectations of everyone, and to identify the most important issues to prioritise future investment.
Local Transport Authorities have a statutory duty to prepare and update a Local Transport Plan for their area. Since the last Local Transport Plan (LTP3) was produced in 2011 a lot has changed. The new joint Local Transport Plan 4 (LTP4) will set out the long-term goals, strategy, and policies for improving transport for everyone over the next 10-15 years.
This joint plan will set out how transport is delivered to meet some of the demanding challenges facing the area, covering all types of transport, as well as road safety and maintenance.
The new plan is needed to ensure we can travel safely and easily, whilst reducing carbon emissions and protecting the landscape that makes BCP and Dorset so special. All this must be done while maintaining economic growth and improving transport choices, accessibility, and experiences for all.
The plan will be designed in line with the government's priorities, especially the Net Zero by 2050 target.
Complete our survey to help shape travel and transport across Dorset
In early 2024, residents, businesses and visitors will be invited to share their views on what they consider to be the big transport issues across the whole of Dorset. This work plays an essential role in helping the councils understand the different transport needs of the diverse communities who live and work in Dorset
Dorset Council and BCP Council will be running a survey to gather feedback and experiences from 22 January to 3 March 2024. The survey will cover a range of transport related topics, such as:
- improving transport across both rural and urban areas
- ensuring all ages and abilities can access services
- making it easier for people to be more physically active
- more opportunities for affordable, available and accessible public transport
- helping people feel safer on our roads and on public transport
- reducing congestion and carbon emission
- improving digital and real time information
The survey will be open for six weeks from Monday 22 January 2024. A link will be available here from 22 January.
The survey is available to complete from 22 January until 3 March 2024.
Paper copies will be available at Dorset Council and BCP Council libraries.
As well as the survey, there will be a series of roadshow-style events held at venues across the county for people to share ideas and find out more. Details of the 12 locations, dates and times are provided below:
- Friday 16 February Kinson Library 1pm to 5pm
- Saturday 17 February Bridport Library 10am to 2pm
- Monday 19 February Bournemouth Library 2pm to 6pm
- Thursday 22 February Shaftesbury Library 10am to 2pm
- Saturday 24 February Dorchester Library 10am to 2pm
- Monday 26 February Sherborne Library 2pm to 6pm
- Wednesday 28 February Christchurch Library 10am to 2pm
- Tuesday 20 February – Charmouth Parish Council offices, The Elms, The Street, Charmouth, DT6 6LN, 10am to 1pm
- Tuesday 20 February - The Guildhall, Bridge Street, Lyme Regis DT7 3QA, 3pm to 6pm
- Thursday 29 February - The Chantry Fields Office, Gillingham, SP8 4UA, 10am to 4pm
The analysis of all the feedback received will take place during the spring, and reporting will follow in summer 2024.
Further public consultation will then take place on a draft plan that will then be considered by both councils before adoption in 2025.