Issue - meetings

The Board received a report of the Strategic Director, Environment which sought approval of the Mersey Gateway Sustainable Transport Strategy (MGSTS), which set out how the proposed Mersey Gateway Project (The Project) could enable improvements in integrated transport across the Borough that would further the economic, transport and sustainability objectives of the Council. By adopting this report as Council policy, the document would have significant weight in the consideration of the various planning applications for Mersey Gate Project that were now with the Government.

Members were advised that the Project was central to the achievements of the environmental and economic regeneration aspirations of Halton and was key to those of the sub-region.

It was further noted that at the local level The Project would bring about a step change in improvements to the transportation connections between Runcorn and Widnes via the Silver Jubilee Bridge (SJB). By transferring around 80% of the traffic from SJB to the new crossing, the existing SJB would be available for local transport services and facilities. The Project would also deliver amendments to the SJB carriageway and approach roads that were intended to improve the integrity of the bus network by reducing journey times, improving reliability and supporting and underpinning improved bus services across the Mersey between Runcorn and Widnes.

Members were advised that although the key changes to the road system in Halton would be delivered through the Mersey Gateway scheme, as submitted to the Secretary of State for planning approval, to take full advantage of the opportunity presented by these changes would require co-ordinated intervention in the form of better connecting bus services and improved facilities for cycling and walking.

It was noted that the combined programme within the MGSTS would also address existing concerns over accessibility and connectivity as part of the wider sustainable transport and sustainability agenda for all residents of Halton, particularly those living in the most deprived wards in the Borough.

The MGSTS and the Mersey Gateway Regeneration Strategy (MGRS) were integrated initiatives by the Council to support the delivery of the Project objectives and together set out a rigorous and clear approach to maximising the benefits across the Borough. The Project had seven high level strategic objectives, two of which related directly to sustainable transport.

The MGSTS aimed to deliver the following key vision of the sustainable travel options within Halton:

To identify and promote a network of high quality, safe, affordable, accessible and environmentally friendly travel measures for local residents, businesses and visitors to Halton, which supported the key objectives of the Local Transport Plan and the Project.

Members were advised that the full strategy comprised of five key sections:

(1)   Setting the Scene;

(2)   Halton’s Story of Place and its Existing Transport Network;

(3)   National, Regional and Local Policy Context;

(4)   Mersey Gateway Sustainable Transport Strategy; and

(5)   Measuring progress for the Sustainable Transport Strategy.

Each of the key sections was outlined in further detail in the report along with Phase 1 for implementation between 2014/2015  ...  view the full minutes text for item 114