Joint Local Transport Plan 4 2020-2036 January 2020 Joint Local Transport Plan 4 2020-2036 January 2020
Contents
Section Page Section Page Section Page Section Page
Climate change – the challenge ahead 5 Section 6: Connectivity beyond Section 8: Local connectivity 83 Section 11: Major schemes and summary the West of England 37 of interventions 127 Section 1: Setting the scene 9 Local challenges 83 The West of England 9 Beyond West of England challenges 37 Local policies and interventions 83 Major schemes 127 Climate emergency 10 Beyond West of England policies L1 Enable walking and cycling, ‘active Transformational 130 and interventions 37 Managing demand 10 modes of travel’, to be the preferred Early investment schemes (including B1 Enhance competitiveness of major choice for shorter journeys 84 committed projects) 131 Joint Transport Study 11 gateways and improve connectivity L2 Reduce the number and severity Joint Transport Study required schemes 134 Local Industrial Strategy 11 to international markets 37 of casualties for all road users 91 Working with partners to build our Sustainable development goals 11 B2 Improve strategic resilience L3 Encourage residents and employees current programme 136 Transport in the West of England 12 of the network for all trips 41 to make more sustainable and Summary of Interventions 136 Local Transport Plans 13 healthier travel choices 94 Section 7: Connectivity within Section 12: Targets, indicators, the West of England 49 L4 Support opportunities for all sectors Public consultation 17 monitoring 139 Within West of England challenges 49 of the population to access the Uodating and reviewing the JLTP4 18 Background 139 Within West of England policies and services they require, wherever Section 2: Transport challenges Developing indicators 139 interventions 49 they live 100 in the West of England 19 Monitoring indicators 139 W1 Provide more public transport options L5 Support the identification and Section 3: Vision and objectives 25 and improve service quality 50 implementation of measures that Risks associated with meeting targets 141 Vision 25 will improve air quality 105 W2 Provide for journeys where public Summary of indicators 141 Objectives 25 transport is not an option 61 Section 9: Neighbourhood connectivity 111 Section 13: Environmental, equalities Outcomes 25 W3 Use, as appropriate, measures and Neighbourhood challenges 111 and health impact assessments of JLTP4 145 Where we need to be in 2030 27 technological advances to influence Neighbourhood policies and interventions 111 Introduction 145 Where we want to be in 2036 27 and better manage the demand of N1. Use master planning and local design Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) And where will we go next 27 private car use 65 to create better places 111 summary 145 W4 Improve resilience of the network, Section 4: Embracing technology N2 Facilitate the use of active modes for Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA) providing increased reliability 71 and partnerships 29 all short trips, including the first and summary 148 last mile of longer journeys 118 Technological advances and innovation 29 W5 Enable business clustering and Equalities Impact Assessment (EqIA) the efficient movement of freight 77 Advancing together 30 Section 10: Funding and implementation 123 summary 151 Maintaining and developing Introduction 123 Health Impact Assessment (HIA) summary 151 wider partnerships 32 Current situation 123 SEA consultation 152 Monitoring and next steps 152 Section 5: Improving connectivity 33 The funding gap 124 Beyond the West of England 34 Additional sources of funding 125 Glossary 153 Within the West of England 34 Appendices Local 35 1 Summary of Environmental Report 157 Neighbourhood 35 2 Scheme Summary Table – categories 167 3 Major scheme details 169 4 JLTP4 Consultation Report 185
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Climate Emergency – the challenge ahead
What is the Joint Local Transport Making a difference disaster. The Panel concludes we will require rapid, Plan 4? far reaching and unprecedented changes in all We have seen significant improvements in aspects of society to avoid this. This is especially The Joint Local Transport Plan 4 (JLTP4) - led by transport since our first Joint Local Transport Plan true for the transport sector which, at 32%, is the the West of England Combined Authority, working (JLTP) back in 2006. largest single source of carbon emissions in the South West. For the West of England transport CO2 with Bath & North East Somerset, Bristol, North The arrival of metrobus and the Greater Bristol emissions will rise by a further 22% by 2036 if we Somerset and South Gloucestershire councils Bus Network has transformed bus services and don’t act - increasing the risk of droughts, floods – looks at transport up to 2036. It sets out how bus patronage has grown, against a national trend and extreme heat not just globally but also for the we aim to achieve a well-connected sustainable of decline. transport network that works for residents, South West region. Consequently, all four local businesses and visitors across the region; a The number of cycling trips has more than doubled authorities and the West of England Combined network that offers greater, realistic travel choices thanks to transport packages in Bath and Weston- Authority have now declared climate emergencies. and makes walking, cycling and public transport super-Mare and investment through the Local the natural way to travel. Sustainable Transport Fund, Cycling Ambition Encouraging modal shift Grant and the Local Growth Fund, improving A note to the text cycling and walking infrastructure. The Local Our Joint Local Transport Plan aims to ensure To demonstrate how the JLTP4 policies contribute Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan will that transport is carbon neutral by 2030. To do towards delivering the objectives and outcomes, a provide a prioritised list of improvements across this there has to be a substantial shift towards series of icons have been developed. There is one the West of England. cleaner and greener and more sustainable icon for each objective, with the numbers below the forms of transport. We will need to maximise Rail passengers too have doubled in number since every opportunity and work in partnership with icons showing which outcomes the policy is likely 2008. And looking ahead MetroWest, which will see to make the largest contribution towards achieving. sustainable transport organisations, bus and rail new stations and reopened lines, is on the point of operators, to encourage and help people switch The icons are included next to each policy at the delivery. from cars to cycling, walking and public transport. start of the connectivity sections (Sections 6–9). Thanks to Go Ultra Low West and improved Support sustainable and inclusive economic growth (EG) £ or graph of arrows increasing Enable equality and improve accessibility (EA) equal sign or open door We know that for some people a car is essential Address poor air quality and take action against climate change (CC) thermometer/cloud Contribute to better health, wellbeing, safety and security (H) heart infrastructure, every year more and more car trips Create better places (BP) The objectivesgoogle pin/ tree/sunshine are: and is likely to remain so, maybe due to mobility
Support sustainable and inclusive economic growth (EG) £ or graph of arrows increasing are made by electric vehicles. Enable equality and improve accessibility (EA) equal sign or open door impairments, work patterns or the need to Address poor air qualityTake and take action action against climate againstchange (CC) thermometer/cloud climate change and Contribute to better health, wellbeing, safety and security (H) heart transport bulky or heavy items. For most people, Create better places (BP)address poor air qualitygoogle pin/ tree/sunshine Meanwhile work is starting on a transformational mass transit network for the West of England and however, the car is often seen as the most convenient personal choice. To encourage people Support sustainable and inclusive economic growth (EG) £ or graph of arrows increasing we are embracing technology and how this will Enable equality and improve accessibility (EA) Supportequal sign sustainable or open door and inclusive economic Address poor air quality and take action against climate change (CC) thermometer/cloud heart to move away from cars, we will need to provide Contribute to better health, wellbeing, safety and security (H) lead to new, innovative and low carbon ways to Create better places (BP) growthgoogle pin/ tree/sunshine travel. transformational alternatives such as a new mass Support sustainable and inclusive economic growth (EG) £ or graph of arrows increasing Enable equality and improve accessibility (EA) equal sign or open door transit network. This may not be enough, so we will Address poor air quality and take action against climate change (CC) thermometer/cloud Contribute to better health, wellbeing, safety and security (H) heart Create better places (BP) google pin/ tree/sunshineEnable equality and improve accessibility also consider ways to manage demand possibly The challenge through congestion charging, emissions charging Support sustainable and inclusive economic growth (EG) £ or graph of arrows increasing Contribute to better health, wellbeing, safety Enable equality and improve accessibility (EA) equal sign or open door Address poor air quality and take action against climate change (CC) thermometer/cloud and workplace parking levy-type schemes. Cities Contribute to better health, wellbeing, safety and security (H) heart All of this is good news, but we recognise the very Create better places (BP) google pin/ tree/sunshine and security real challenge of climate change, the emergency such as Oxford, Leicester and Birmingham are already actively looking at these to reduce demand Create better places we face and its impact on the health, safety and wellbeing of our residents and people around and overall carbon emissions. Revenue raised from demand management measures, which the world. The UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has warned that a rise could be significant, would be re-invested in public in temperatures of just 1.5 degrees could lead transport, cycling and walking. to ecological, environmental and humanitarian
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Climate Emergency – the challenge ahead continued
London of course already has a congestion • Explore new ways to run and fund our transport transport to access their jobs and leisure activities charging scheme, and Nottingham’s workplace networks to provide unprecedented investment and for vehicles delivering goods. Public spaces parking levy has raised over £61m since it was in cycling, walking and public transport. will be greener, cleaner, people focused places that introduced in 2012, helping the city fund its second are no longer dominated by vehicles. tram route. • Promote zero carbon development that does not need to be retrofitted. Ultimately our transport vison is: JLTP4 and ongoing review In the meantime, regular reviews and progress reports will ensure the JLTP4 remains relevant and ‘Connecting people and This Joint Local Transport Plan (JLTP4) sets out to decisive. decarbonise and promote and transform cleaner places for a vibrant, and greener and sustainable forms of transport – cycling, walking and public transport but it is Government role inclusive and carbon unlikely to be enough to be transport carbon The JLTP4 and its successor Plan will not be neutral West of England.’ neutral by 2030, but it is a good starting point. able to achieve everything on their own. Central Read on for how we aim to achieve this. To transform our region, we will need to be flexible, Government will have an increasingly large agile and brave in our approach to the climate role to play on issues such as the price of fuel, emergency as technologies evolve and lifestyles tightening emission standards, incentives to switch JLTP4 and the Local Industrial and future strategic and local development to electric vehicles and funding for mass transit. Strategy planning change so the JLTP4 will not be set in As an example the October 2019 IMF report ‘How Launched in the summer of 2019 the West of stone. For these reasons the JLTP4 will remain to mitigate climate change’ concluded that of the England’s Local Industrial Strategy sets the under review. We will undertake an immediate various mitigation strategies to reduce fossil fuel region’s overall approach to how we will develop review which will include further work to build CO2 emissions, carbon taxes levied on the supply our regional economy through supporting up the evidence base and establish what will be of fossil fuels are the most powerful and efficient innovation, skills development, enhancing required to reach the 2030 target and this will set because they allow firms and households to find productivity and infrastructure development. In the basis for the next JLTP. the lowest-cost ways of reducing energy use and shifting toward cleaner alternatives. Only the turn the JLTP4 sets out how we will develop The review will also include: Government can lead on carbon taxes. transport in the region and address our priorities to reduce energy demands, lower carbon emissions • Reinventing public transport through mass As part of a coordinated programme we will lobby and address the climate emergency. Central to transit, smart ticketing and making it more user and push central Government to play its part and our Local Industrial Strategy and the JLTP4 are friendly, convenient, safe, direct and attractive enable the legislation and funding necessary to the objectives of clean and inclusive growth and linking key destinations to enable everyone to deliver the JLTP. these are very much aligned to the United Nations use it. 17 sustainable development goals alongside the • Rethinking how we use our existing transport Where we want to be in 2036 other JLTP4 priorities for supporting sustainable economic growth, equality and accessibility, corridors including reallocating more road By 2036 at the completion of the JLTP4 the West space to buses, pedestrians and cyclists. creating better places and embracing new of England will be a carbon neutral community technology. • Demand management measures to influence where walking and cycling are the preferred travel choice and raise revenue to reinvest in choice for shorter journeys, and the vast majority alternatives. of vehicles on the road are decarbonised and no longer powered by fossil fuels. People will • First and last mile type solutions to provide a have the opportunity to move around the region linked-up transport network. using affordable, high quality and frequent public
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Section 1: Climate Emergency – the challenge ahead continued Setting the scene
The West of England In 2017, the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) was formed to help support increasing The West of England is a prosperous city region coordination of transport, housing and skills with a population of 1.1 million and an economy across the area administered by Bath & North worth over £35bn a year. The region is diverse, East Somerset Council, Bristol City Council and with the vibrant densely populated cities of South Gloucestershire Council. It is a legal body Bristol and Bath, complemented by surrounding that can make transport decisions at the combined rural areas and towns. The region’s growth has authority level and receive devolved powers exceeded the national average over the past 15 and resources. It is through the West of England years, while population grew by nine per cent Joint Committee that WECA and North Somerset between 2001 and 2011. Productivity is the highest Council make decisions at the West of England of all city regions in England outside London. level. Central Government has devolved £30m per annum for 30 years to WECA, giving more local The West of England is known across the UK and control and accountability over spending. The West further afield for its creativity and quality of life; it of England authorities will continue to work closely is recognised as one of the best places to live in with partners, including the West of England Local Britain. The region attracts students and visitors Enterprise Partnership. from across the globe who recognise the unique cities and towns and top-performing universities. It has a highly skilled and talented workforce, which is attracted by the top-class job opportunities, supporting the clusters of world-leading sectors within or adjacent to the region including aerospace, financial, nuclear and innovation.
South Gloucestershire
Bristol
North Somerset Bath & North East Somerset
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Section 1: Setting the scene continued
Climate emergency Managing demand Joint Transport Local Industrial Strategy As we set out at the front of the JLTP4 we need to We have already flagged that we need to change Study The West of England Local Industrial Strategy recognise the very real challenge of climate change the way we travel. This will mean managing A Joint Transport Study looks at how we need to work together to secure with all four local authorities and WECA having demand and in turn this will mean new charges (JTS) was undertaken to clean growth to benefit all residents. declared climate change emergencies. Our aim is and restrictions. Tough measures that will need to recommend how to address Launched in summer 2019, it was developed by to ensure transport is carbon neutral by 2030. This be considered are: both current transport is the opportunity for all of us, from individuals to the West of England Combined Authority and Local l Management of parking provision – on street, off challenges, including Enterprise Partnership, working with regional organisations, to take responsibility for and action carbon reduction, and on reducing transport carbon emissions. Of course, street, residential and business parking businesses and organisations, as well as central forecast growth. The JTS, Government. there is far more to declaring a climate change l Reallocation of road space to sustainable developed in partnership emergency than just transport but taking action transport modes with Highways England, identified potential future To ensure continued success for the region, four will mean changing the way we all travel. strategic transport proposals for delivery up to key priorities are identified in the strategy: l Road user charging e.g. as applied in London 2036, that address current challenges and inform It is no longer enough for us to acknowledge l with revenue reinvested in alternatives future development proposals for local and Investing in infrastructure that reduces energy the issue of climate change: we need to move demand, lowers carbon emissions and is l regional plans. more quickly to respond to the challenge. It is Workplace parking levy e.g. as applied in resilient to the impacts of climate change. no longer enough to expect everyone else to Nottingham with revenue reinvested in Future strategic planning will set out a prospectus l change their behaviour or rely upon technology alternatives for sustainable growth to help the region meet its Strengthening innovation and driving productivity to solve the issue. We must all start taking l City centre and town centre private vehicle bans housing and transport needs. It will include the personal responsibility to tackle the effects of policies and principles required to support the l Supporting all residents to contribute to and climate change including how we decide to travel. The measures will raise revenue to reinvest in delivery of new homes and jobs. Local Plans for benefit from economic success In return we as the West of England authorities alternatives modes of transport. each authority contain the more detailed plans and will press the Government to provide us with the policies for new development, including parking. l Providing businesses with the space, networks tools, powers and resources to achieve our target There is nothing particularly new in these and skills they need to boost productivity, grow of being carbon neutral by 2030. The policies and measures. They have all been successfully used, The JTS set out the following approach for and thrive initiatives set out in this plan enable and encourage often as individual measures, in many locations transport: across the world but what is shifting is the scale of These priorities align well with the JLTP4 the increased use of sustainable and active modes “Transport in the West of England will be of travel. intervention required to address climate change. objectives for addressing climate change, Many of these measures are likely to divide transformed over the next 20 years through a supporting sustainable economic growth, equality opinion, and decisions must be bold to achieve the programme of complementary measures designed and accessibility and creating better places and the step-change required by 2030. The purpose of the to address underlying challenges and to enable commitment for embracing new technology (see JLTP4 is to provide the actions, interventions and the sustainable delivery of new housing and Section 4). policy framework for local decisions. employment growth.” More detail on how we propose to manage demand The JTS has informed and has been informed Sustainable Development Goals by local and regional plans. The findings and can be found in Section 7: Connectivity within the Complementing the Local Industrial Strategy are West of England. recommendations in the JTS were advisory; this Joint Local Transport Plan takes account of these the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development findings, builds upon them and formalises the work Goals (SDG) which aim by 2030 to address previously carried out. challenges related to poverty, inequality, environment, prosperity, climate action and peace and justice. Although transport may not have a direct impact on every goal, there are indirect ways that most of
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Section 1: Setting the scene continued the 17 goals can be met through implementing the income. However, most transport funding comes growth. The Western Gateway is not a statutory accessibility need and it is not viable to run a measures of the JLTP4 including creating better from the Department for Transport (DfT) and other body. commercial service. places and supporting sustainable and inclusive arms of central Government. economic growth. Indirectly, other goals are Five broad strategic transport corridors and three Other organisations positively benefitted, such as life on land and life Department for Transport interchanges have been identified where enhanced A range of other organisations are involved in below water, through consideration of species in The Department for Transport (DfT) is responsible connectivity will generate a range of economic delivering transport improvements. This includes our Habitats Regulations Assessment. for allocating funding to transport schemes. In benefits, including much-needed productivity gains, Bristol Airport and Port, housing and employment recent years, the level of regular annual funding employment and Gross Value Added (GVA). The developers, walking and cycling charities and Transport in the West of England that local authorities receive from DfT for capital Western Gateway is strategically located so that external stakeholders. Further details on how many of the corridors provide connectivity to the Transport in the West of England is planned, transport projects and highway maintenance has we will continue to embrace these and other been reducing. Funding is increasingly awarded neighbouring SNTBs of the Peninsula, England’s partnerships are set out in Section 4. managed, delivered and funded by a large group Economic Heartland and Transport for the South of organisations, shown in Figure 1.1, working through competitive bids, such as the Highways Maintenance Challenge Fund and Cycle Ambition East. A new Western Gateway rail strategy is under together to improve transport provision and development. Local Transport Plans support our commitment to carbon reduction. Fund, and these can only be used for specific purposes. This shift to competitive bids means Highways England Local authorities have historically been required Figure 1.1: Transport in the West of England central Government achieves greater control, by Government to prepare LTPs; this plan is the accountability, and stronger value for money. Highways England is responsible for the Strategic fourth prepared by the authorities in the West of Road Network (SRN), which comprises of England. In the past, LTPs would set out transport Local authorities However, it has led to more uncertain levels of motorways and major A roads. Highways England and WECA improvements the local authority had identified funding for local authorities. receives funding from central Government and as required, and these would be reviewed by DfT. sets out its investment priorities in five-year Road Based on the review, funding for core schemes Other organisations Department Local Enterprise Partnership Investment Strategies (RIS). The development of e.g. Bristol Airport for Transport and Port would be allocated, with major schemes (those The West of England Local Enterprise Partnership RIS considers local needs for improvements to the over £5m) funded through a separate bidding (LEP) supports business growth and is working SRN, such as new motorway junctions. process. Transport Local Bus operators Enterprise to attract new jobs to Bristol, Bath, Weston- in the West Partnership super-Mare and the rest of the region. The LEP, Network Rail and train operating companies The recent shift to most transport funding coming of England which is accountable to WECA, brings together Network Rail is responsible for the rail tracks, from bids means LTPs are now more aspirational signalling and other rail infrastructure, including Network Rail Sub-National organisations from the private, public (including documents that are increasingly used as bidding and TOC's Transport Bodies the four local authorities), education/training and Bristol Temple Meads station. Train operating tools. Local authorities can set out a programme companies, such as Great Western Railway, operate they would like to deliver, and in addition to regular social enterprise sectors, to support the delivery funding, they can still apply to DfT for larger Highways People of the West of England Industrial Strategy. We the trains and most stations. Like Highways England who travel sums of money to deliver major schemes (for will also work with the cross border Western England, Network Rail produces a five- year investment strategy, that takes into account further information see Section 10: Funding and Gateway powerhouse covering Bristol, Bath, Implementation). Gloucestershire, Swindon, Cardiff, Newport and strategic projects, such as electrification, and locally promoted projects, such as MetroWest. Local authorities and WECA Swansea. Local authorities are responsible for delivering Sub-National Transport Bodies Bus operators local transport schemes. They also work together, The Western Gateway Sub-National Transport Most buses in the West of England are run on a through bodies such as WECA, on the development Body (SNTB) made up of the WECA, North commercial basis by bus operating companies, of cross-cutting strategies for the West of England Somerset, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, such as First. They are responsible for setting and delivery of larger schemes, including metrobus Gloucestershire County, Dorset and Wiltshire routes, fares and timetables, and work with local and MetroWest. Local authorities receive regular councils aims to provide more strategic thinking authorities to improve services. Local authorities annual transport funding from local sources, about transport investment priorities to improve also subsidise a small number of services for including Council Tax, business rates and parking regional productivity and sustainable economic local communities, where there is a social or
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Section 1: Setting the scene continued
Achievements during the Joint Local Transport l Completion of the Bath Transportation Package, Whilst the JLTP4 contains much that is new and health. The SEA process aims to make decision- Plan 3 period including expansion to the capacity of Park exciting it will continue the work of its predecessor makers aware of the likely positive and negative The West of England Joint Local Transport Plan & Ride, improvements to the city’s bus stop plans. Small and medium sized schemes to environmental effects of policies and plans at an (JLTP3), prepared in 2011, set out a 15-year vision infrastructure and reconfiguration of parts of the promote cycling, walking, road safety and public early stage of development. city’s road network transport will remain a key part of the JLTP4. for transport across the region. It focussed on The SEA does not provide a detailed assessment reducing carbon emissions, supporting economic l Completion of the A4174 South Bristol Link, a of the schemes listed within JLTP4 but includes a growth, and improving accessibility, safety and Joint Local Transport Plan 4 (2020-2036) key multimodal transport link connecting South This draft Joint Local Transport Plan (JLTP) has broad assessment of the likely effects of the overall security, health, and the quality of life. The region Bristol with North Somerset at Ashton Vale, plan. It also considers the impact of adopting has made significant achievements during the been prepared by WECA and the four West of improving links between the M5 motorway, England local authorities – Bath & North East and implementing JLTP4 compared to the likely seven years of JLTP3 spending over £500m on the Bristol International Airport and the A38, and impact of any reasonable alternative scenarios. delivery of transport projects, including: Somerset Council, Bristol City Council, North removing freight vehicles from Winterstoke Road Somerset Council, and South Gloucestershire The likely impacts of the plan and the reasonable l alternatives are identified, described and evaluated. Step-change improvements to the Greater Additionally, on the rail network, delivery continues Council. It takes account of the JTS findings Bristol Bus Network, including vehicle quality, and recommendations and will support delivery The reasonable alternative scenarios considered as of the Great Western electrification project and new part of this JLTP4 assessment, are: information, service frequency and fare bi-mode intercity trains, bringing faster journey of the more detailed interventions set out in structures times and more services linking the region with local transport strategies across the region. l JLTP3 remains the adopted transport policy for l The launch of the first three metrobus routes, London. Work is also progressing on MetroWest, This includes the Bath and Bristol Transport the West of England, and none of the transport providing a significant increase in the quality and which focuses on major improvements to local and Strategies, and other supporting strategies for policies included in JLTP3 are updated. suburban rail services, including the re-introduction cycling, parking and other modes. The JLTP4 will speed of public transport along over 50km of l of passenger services between Portishead, Pill, also be supported by other regional strategies ‘No Plan’ option, which assumes there is no routes, linking central Bristol with areas of North JLTP4 and JLTP3 ceases to be in place. This Somerset and South Gloucestershire Henbury and Bristol. covering cycling, walking, buses, the Major Road Network and the Key Route Network (KRN). The means the JLTP3 policies will no longer apply, l Successful bid with bus operators for These and other projects have contributed to very JLTP is fundamental in supporting the West of but schemes directly mitigating JSP strategic designation of key bus route corridors as a positive changes in how people get around the England Energy Strategy, along with local clean air development locations, and individual local Better Bus Area to target specific improvements region. During the past ten years we have seen: strategies, as part of achieving carbon reduction. authority transport policies, will continue to exist. funded by displaced Bus Service Operators’ l The number of bicycle trips more than double, Future strategic planning will mainly be delivered Grant with an average year on year increase of 10% by the Local Plans and SPDs, which include An Environmental Report has been prepared parking standards for the public highway and new l for JLTP4, providing an assessment of “the Programmes to facilitate travel behaviour l The number of bus passenger journeys development, including housing and offices. Both change and increase cycle and bus use, likely significant effects on the environment”. increasing by more than one third – with 10-15% WECA and the local authorities will put together The Environmental Report includes a Habitats delivered under the Local Sustainable Transport alone across much of the region in the year to their capital programmes for major scheme Fund, Access WEST, Better Bus Area Fund, Regulations Assessment, Equalities Impact 2016/17, compared to a fall of nearly 1% across delivery. Assessment and Health Impact Assessment. The Cycling Ambition Grant and Local Growth Fund England as a whole. Bus passenger satisfaction The relationship of the JLTP4 to other plans Environmental Report is being consulted upon l has remained stable in recent years with overall Large areas of public realm improvements to is shown in Figure 1.2 overleaf. The following at the same time as this consultation version of improve conditions for pedestrian and cyclists bus satisfaction levels standing at 89% in the JLTP4. A summary of the draft Environmental 2017, which is higher than in most core city section identifies the challenges JLTP4 will need to and remove the dominance of vehicular traffic, respond to over the next 20 years. Report is included in Appendix 1. including Weston-super-Mare town centre and regions The SEA seeks to identify measures that can be The Cenotaph in Bristol l Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Rail passengers (since 2008) increasing by more integrated into JLTP4 to ensure that likely adverse l Completion of the Weston-super-Mare transport than half, with more than double the number The European SEA Directive (2001/42/EC) requires environmental impacts of the plan are minimised package, including improvements to M5 Junction using the Severn Beach Line an environmental assessment to be undertaken of and mitigated. The mitigations included in the 21 and the Worle Parkway station interchange We exceeded the targets set out in JLTP3 in all any plans or policies that could result in an impact Environmental Report, and the feedback obtained these areas, along with those relating to improving on the environment. The overall aim is to ensure during the consultation period, will be considered road safety and reducing CO2 emissions. better protection for the environment and human and used to inform the final version of JLTP4.
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Section 1: Setting the scene continued
Figure 1.2: Relationship of JLTP4 to other plans Joint Green Infrastructure Strategy Answering the consultation questionnaire, 79% of Transport can make a positive contribution to people agreed with the challenges identified, 65% the natural environment by integrating green agreed with the JLTP4’s vision and objectives, National Government Policies, e.g. National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), indicating a broad acceptance of the core principles Department for Transport policies infrastructure into scheme design. Green infrastructure is a strategically planned and of the plan. At 56%, fewer people agreed with the managed network of natural and semi-natural approach to improving the region’s connectivity, areas, delivering multiple benefits for people, but still indicating that an overall majority agree Strategic (West of England) wildlife and the environment. The West of with the approach. Responding to this feedback, we have strengthened plans for connectivity and set Regional supporting strategies, England’s emerging Joint Green Infrastructure Strategy (JGIS) provides an evidence base for regional targets for modal share, bus passenger Future spatial including: strategy and Local Joint Local Transport • Key Route Network Strategy Local Plan development as well as other plans and satisfaction, and congestion and road safety (see Industrial Strategy Plan (JLTP4) • Climate Change Action Plan strategies; tools to enable a consistent approach Section 12: targets, indicators, and monitoring). • Local Cycling & Walking to green infrastructure across the four authorities; With the online Transport Priority Simulator, the Infrastructure Plan and identifies opportunities for enhancement and Joint Future • Bus Strategy most popular priorities for transport spending Transport spatial improved connectivity of green infrastructure. were: reallocating highway space (to public Study (JTS) planning • Energy Strategy Transport schemes designed from the outset with • Local clean air strategies transport/cycling/walking), new and improved strong green infrastructure principles including rail services, creating a comprehensive and safe • Strategic Environmental establishment and maintenance considerations Assessment network to support active travel for shorter Spatial and costs have the potential to deliver significant strategy JLTP4 • Network Rail & Highways trips and constructing a mass transit network. HRA HRA England regional strategies benefits including biodiversity net gain, carbon Responding to this feedback, JLTP4 has been • Ultra Low Emission Vehicle capture, sustainable drainage systems, air quality, amended to place greater emphasis on the Strategy improvement to health and wellbeing through highway space required for cycling, walking • Freight strategy improving access to green spaces via active travel and public transport (see Section 4: Embracing Joint Green • Cross boundary area specific routes and building resilience against climate Infrastructure masterplanning/strategies technology and partnerships). We have also made Strategy change. significant progress with our plans to reopen The further development of Green Infrastructure the Portishead railway line (Metrowest Phase 1) Plans at an authority level will also reflect schemes which will upgrade the existing train service at 16 Local stations across three rail corridors. We will also Local (Unitary Authority level) Plan KEY contained within this JLTP4. This approach HRA helps achieve objective 5 (SEAO5) of the JLTP4’s publish and consult on a Local Cycling and Walking Informs Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA): to Infrastructure Plan to support the creation of a comprehensive and safe network for active travel. Local Plans (by each ‘protect and enhance biodiversity and ecological Strategic unitary authority) Technical networks. In the free text comments, some people used the policy studies documents opportunity to highlight concerns about specific Public consultation schemes. The alignment and locations of schemes Local access Major transport strategies & programme HRA Habitats shown on this plan are purely indicative. Any infrastructure plans Regulations Local policy Public consultation on the draft JLTP4 was documents schemes identified in JLTP4 would be subject to Assessments undertaken from 6 February to 20 March 2019. further feasibility work and consultation, with most We wanted to ensure that as many people requiring planning permission. Major as possible had a chance to respond to the Supporting transport Major transport strategies programme consultation on the document. Over the course of For further information, please see the JLTP4 programmes delivery the consultation, social media activity exceeded consultation report in Appendix 4. over half a million views and we received approximately 4,200 responses.
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Section 2: Transport challenges in the Section 1: Setting the scene continued West of England
Updating and reviewing the JLTP4 There have been significant achievements during growth to occur sustainably and be carbon the last seven years of JLTP3. Investment has neutral, connectivity across the region needs to be In the light of climate emergency declarations, contributed towards changes in how people get transformed. We are faced with ongoing and new the need to take significant action, and potential around the region, resulting in increased bus challenges, many of which such as climate change changes to future strategic planning the JLTP4 will passenger numbers, increased levels of walking are not unique to the West of England, and some of undergo immediate review. and cycling, improved road safety and reduced which we have little or no control over. This section CO2 emissions. However, the West of England sets out some of the key challenges faced. A high- We will undertake further work to build up the faces serious transport challenges, which will level summary is shown in Figure 2.1. evidence base and establish what will be required 2 become more acute with the anticipated scale of to reach the 2030 target and this will set the basis £ growth in the area. For population and economic for the next JLTP. This could include: l Reinventing public transport through mass Figure 2.1: High-level summary of transport challenges transit, smart ticketing and making it more user friendly, convenient, safe, direct and attractive linking key destinations to enable everyone to use it. 2 l Rethinking how we use our existing transport corridors including reallocating more and more 2 of 3 commutes by car Over 300 premature Ageing population:£ road space to buses, pedestrians and cyclists. deaths a year linked 1 in 5 over 65 years old l Demand management measures to influence to NO2 travel choice and raise revenue to reinvest in alternatives. increase25% in trips by 2036 2 l First and last mile type solutions to provide a 2 2 in 5 commutes are joined-up transport network. £ £ shortfall 1 in 11 commutes less than 2km l Exploring new ways to run and fund our £6bn by public transport transport networks to provide unprecedented in transport funding investment in cycling, walking and public transport. 2 2 £300m 2 annual cost of congestion l Promoting zero carbon development that does £ £ not need to be retrofitted. Transport is the largest£ In the meantime regular reviews and progress contributor to greenhouse reports will ensure the JLTP4 remains relevant and Population growth gas and CO2 emissions decisive, flexible and agile. 2016: 1.1m people 2036: 1.3m people
18 19 Joint Local Transport Plan 4 2020-2036 January 2020
Section 2: Transport challenges in the West of England continued
Climate change – It reports that CO2 emissions public transport. With significant l Implementing demand And globally: must be cut drastically by 45% population changes, however, management measures to transport is the largest l of 2010 levels by 2030 and ‘net this trend could reverse without encourage a modal shift Higher temperatures - contributor to carbon zero’ levels achieved by 2050. significant intervention and we to more sustainable forms almost 400 all-time high dioxide emissions in the will have to take major action to of travel and reinvest the temperatures were set in the West of England This means that alongside hit that 2030 target. revenue in public transport, northern hemisphere over the technology to reduce emissions, cycling and walking summer of 2019 with records Transport is responsible for such as electric cars, significant As later sections in the JLTP4 broken in 29 countries 32% of carbon dioxide (CO2) advances are required in will expand upon we will address l Local authorities leading the l More droughts and flooding emissions in the West of technology that can remove CO2 climate change by: way as public organisations England, compared to 26% from the atmosphere. In 2017 the by encouraging their own l l Providing a well-connected More extreme weather events nationally. Climate change Government announced plans staff and operations to use and sustainable transport impacts on the resilience and to ban the sale of new diesel sustainable forms of transport l Retreating ice sheets - Arctic, network to accelerate the shift standard of the transport and petrol cars by 2040, with Antarctic and Greenland towards low carbon trips If we don’t deliver on these network, including issues such all fossil fuel powered vehicles actions the most likely local l Gulf stream continues to as flooding, landslides, potholes, banned entirely by 2050. l Supporting sustainable outcomes by 2036 are: slow – 15% drop since the mid heat damage to roads and rail As mentioned in Section 1 the development twentieth century buckling. The JLTP4, future l CO2 emissions up 22% four local authorities and WECA l strategic planning and Supporting the take up of l Areas on Earth that are no have declared climate change Ultra Low Emission Vehicles l Congestion costs £800m a longer habitable by people West of England Energy Strategy emergencies with the aim to be to decarbonise transport year will be key levers in supporting carbon neutral by 2030. Over the UK commitment to the Paris the last decade a reduction in l Embracing new technology l Delays up 40% Travel demand is to provide new travel options Agreement, negotiated at the transport emissions has been l Vehicle trips up 26% growing, and there is 2015 United Nations Framework achieved through improved for people and ways of an increased need to transporting goods 2 in 5 commuting Convention on Climate Change. fuel efficiency and some mode l Time spent queuing in traffic improve the offer of shift to walking, cycling and 74% car journeys less This aims to limit the increase more sustainable modes in global average temperatures l Journey time up 9% of transport than 2km to 1.5°C by 2050. The Climate And nationally: Change Act is a legally binding The demand for travel to and Current carbon dioxide emissions, by sector, in the West of England commitment by the UK l Summer temperatures in the within the West of England is Government to achieve an 80% UK will regularly reach 38.5°C growing, and will continue to reduction in CO2 emissions by oa transport roa s 4 by the 2040s grow, due to forecast housing 2050 from a 1990 baseline. oa transport inor roa s and employment growth. This l Transport ot r Heat related deaths in the UK will put increasing pressure In October 2018, the United n strial an co rcial l ctricit projected to rise from 2,000 on the already congested Nation’s Intergovernmental n strial an co rcial as a year at present to 7,000 by transport network. Changing Panel on Climate Change n strial an co rcial ot r ls 2050 travel patterns, due to the published a report saying the layout and location of more o stic l ctricit l Heavier rainfall impact on world is off track to keep to recent developments, flexible o stic as drainage and sewage systems the 1.5°C limit and would likely working and the increasing o stic ot r ls especially in urban areas exceed it by around 2040, even availability of technology and ric lt r with the promises made as part telecommunications, will have of the Paris Agreement. some impact on transport
20 21 Joint Local Transport Plan 4 2020-2036 January 2020
Section 2: Transport challenges in the West of England continued growth, but if left unchecked People who do not use public unchecked. The removal of the Demand is growing on the local Transport impacts on High car dependency, poor air there is still going to be an over- transport have the perception Severn Bridge tolls is likely and regional rail network, and safety, security, air quality and inactive lifestyles dependence on the private car, there are limited travel options, to have worsened congestion trains are overcrowded at peak pose a major threat to public particularly for some very short hence the level of satisfaction on some major roads in the times, particularly into Bristol quality, public health health. The quality of the public journeys. with public transport journey West of England. Additionally, and Bath. and public realm realm and green spaces are poor planning information is lower the efficiency of the region’s in some areas, and severance Vulnerable road users than the national average. network is impacted by different and noise caused by motorised The common perception There are high levels of (particularly pedestrians, cyclists highway network management traffic exacerbates this and and motorcyclists) continue is that there are limited arrangements. inequality and different deters the use of active modes. Parts of the road and to be more seriously affected travel options accessibility needs As well as impacting on physical by road traffic incidents with rail networks are under There is a need to sustainably health, it limits the integration There can be limitations to public There are high levels of motorcyclists disproportionately strain accommodate growth in the and vitality of local communities transport connectivity resulting inequality across the West of affected. Many streets are number of delivery and freight and negatively affects quality of from the delivery of bus services The lack of spare highway England, with some communities perceived to have safety or vehicles. These are generated life by a deregulated, commercial capacity impacts on providing by the airport and port, both or individuals not benefiting security issues, including high market, and delivery of rail resilience, for example for of which have aspirations to from the prosperity of the numbers of heavy vehicles. services by franchisees working diversionary routes following expand, and other road freight region but impacted by the high There is a need to This makes walking or cycling to the specification set by DfT. an incident on the motorway movements into and through costs of living. The pockets of unappealing and can increase manage emerging network. Congestion and the region, associated with the deprivation, and their historic Whilst the number of passengers vehicle trips, such as on the technology and unreliability are a major cost growing economy, population lack of investment in transport has increased, public transport ‘school run’, thereby creating a innovation to the region, estimated to be and home shopping. improvements, impact on use is still low compared to vicious circle. equivalent to £300m per year, opportunities to access services We may be at the tipping point some other city regions. Many The local authorities work hard due to increased vehicle operator and employment. One equality Road traffic is a major of a revolution in transport, journeys are across or around to maintain their highway assets. costs non-productive time, impact is that women are less contributor to both urban and as emerging technologies and urban areas instead of to town However, budget constraints which are barriers to further likely to have access to a car global air pollution. Exposure innovation, including ‘driverless’ and city centres, and travel mean there is a highway clustering of business sectors than men and more likely to to transport-related air electric vehicles and smartphone options tend to be more limited maintenance backlog. There is an in Enterprise Areas/Zones have more complex travel pollution has been associated apps, change how we choose or slower. Some rail services increasing incidence of poor or and other major employment patterns that are not easy to with adverse health impacts to travel. We need to consider are still impacted by the age dangerous road surfaces, often areas. This will impact on our undertake, especially in areas of on local communities and the the potential for, and long-term and low capacity of rolling stock, arising from extreme weather sustainable growth aspirations poor connectivity. There is also natural environment. Air Quality impacts of this on mobility and infrastructure problems and rail and competitiveness if left events. an ageing population which has company staff shortages. Management Areas (AQMAs) travel (see Section 4: Embracing its own distinct travel needs. continue to be in place in areas technology and partnerships for Older people rely increasingly including Bath, Bristol and other more details). 1 in 11 commutes by public transport on others to gain access to locations on major roads with services, especially in rural areas heavy and/or slow- moving where local facilities and public traffic. The Government has transport are lacking or limited. directed local authorities to prepare Clean Air Plans to reduce nitrogen dioxide (NO2) levels in the Bath and Bristol urban areas to legal levels, which can include implementing Clean Air Zones (CAZs).
22 23 Joint Local Transport Plan 4 2020-2036 January 2020
Section 3: Section 2: Transport challenges in the West of England continued Vision and objectives
There has been limited P lic sp n in on transport p r r si nt Vision Outcomes transport funding Lon on The long-term aspiration for transport in the West For each of the objectives, several outcomes have of England is encompassed in the vision for JLTP4: been agreed. These outcomes set out what we Many of the challenges are a direct or s ir an T r result of limited transport funding are seeking to achieve by delivering the plan. across the region and wider South ort st ‘Connecting people and The policies included in the plan will support the West for many years; the level delivery of the objectives and outcomes. of available resources has been o t ast places for a vibrant, insufficient to address the scale To demonstrate how the JLTP4 policies contribute ast o n lan inclusive and carbon neutral of growth. During the five-year towards delivering the objectives and outcomes, a series of icons have been developed. There is period from 2012/13 to 2016/17, the st i lan s West of England’ average overall public spending on one icon for each objective, with the numbers transport per resident of the South ort ast Objectives underneath showing the outcomes the policy is West region was around £1,150, the likely to make the largest contribution towards o t st Five objectives have been identified, based on the Support sustainable and inclusive economic growthachieving. (EG) £ or graph of arrows Theincreasing icons are included next to each Enable equality and improve accessibility (EA) equal sign or open door lowest across all regions except Address poor air quality and take action against climate change (CC) thermometer/cloud Contribute to better health, wellbeing, safety and security (H) heart aspirations of the West of England authorities and google pin/ tree/sunshine Create better places (BP) policy in the connectivity sections. for the East Midlands. The average ast i lan s previous plans and policies prepared. There is no spend across England (excluding priority allocated to the objectives as they all have London) was nearly 20% higher, 0 00 000 00 2000 2 00 3000 3 00 000 Take action against climate and address poor a role to play in achieving the vision for the West air quality Support sustainable and inclusive economic growth (EG) £ or graph of arrows increasing at £1,370. Furthermore, during the Enable equality and improve accessibility (EA) equal sign or open door Address poor air quality and take action againstof climate changeEngland. (CC) thermometer/cloud The objectives, as follows, are in no Contribute to better health, wellbeing, safety and security (H) heart Create better places (BP) google pin/ tree/sunshine same period, the South West saw Support sustainable and inclusive economic growth (EG) £ or graph of arrows increasing 1. Reduce carbon emissions to net zero by 2030 Enableparticular equality and improve accessibility order: (EA) equal sign or open door P lic sp n in on transport p r Address poor air quality and take action against climate change (CC) thermometer/cloud the lowest average overall public Contribute to better health, wellbeing, safety and security (H) heart Create better places (BP) google pin/ tree/sunshine 2. NOx, particulates and carbon emissions are spend per Gross Value Added (GVA) Take action against climate change and Lon on reduced on transport, at £49.76 per £1000 address poor air quality
Support sustainable and inclusive economic growth (EG) £ or graph of arrows increasing 3. Air quality in the AQMAs is improved GVA. This compares to an average or s ir an T r Enable equality and improve accessibility (EA) equal sign or open door Address poor air quality and take action against climate change (CC) thermometer/cloud Contribute to better health, wellbeing, safety andSupport security (H) heart sustainable and inclusive economic in England, excluding London, of Create better places (BP) google pin/ tree/sunshine 4. Air quality remains better than national Support sustainable and inclusive economic growth (EG) £ or graph of arrows increasing ort st Enable equality and improve accessibility (EA) equal sign or open doorgrowth £58.48 per £1000 GVA. The JLTP4 Address poor air quality and take action against climate change (CC) thermometer/cloud Contribute to better health, wellbeing, safety and security (H) heart standards outside the AQMAs recognises the need to catch- Create better places (BP) google pin/ tree/sunshine ort ast Enable equality and improve accessibility 5. The transport network is resilient and up through the most ambitious Support sustainable and inclusive economic growth (EG) £ or graph of arrows increasing Enable equality and improve accessibility (EA) equal sign or open door Address poor air quality and take action against climate change (CC) thermometer/cloud Contribute to better health, wellbeing, safety and security (H) heart Contribute to better health, wellbeing, safety adaptable transport programme ever for the st i lan s Create better places (BP) google pin/ tree/sunshine West of England. and security 6. Technological advances to improve air quality ast o n lan and monitoring are embraced The following sections of the JLTP4 Create better places set out how we will continue to ast i lan s work together to build on our o t ast achievements to date, provide the step change in transport provision o t st that is required, and embrace new opportunities and technology to 020 060 0 00 provide enhanced connectivity across and beyond the West of England. This will ensure the West of England continues to be one of the best places to live, study work and visit.
24 25 Joint Local Transport Plan 4 2020-2036 January 2020
Support sustainable and inclusive economic growth (EG) £ or graph of arrows increasing EnableSection equality and improve accessibility 3: (EA ) equal sign or open door Address poor air quality and take action against climate change (CC) thermometer/cloud heart Contribute to better health, wellbeing, safety and security (H) £ or graph of arrows increasing google pin/ tree/sunshine Support sustainable and inclusive economic growth (EG) CreateVision better places (BP) and objectives continuedEnable equality and improve accessibility (EA) equal sign or open door Address poor air quality and take action against climate change (CC) thermometer/cloud Contribute to better health, wellbeing, safety and security (H) heart Create better places (BP) google pin/ tree/sunshine
Support sustainable and inclusive Contribute to better health, wellbeing, safety Where we need to be in 2030 And where we will go next economic growth and security To achieve carbon neutral transport by 2030 Significant changes are taking place in society and 1. Improved efficiency and reliability on local, 1. There is a step change in the number of requires a substantial modal shift away from mobility as the digital age has collided with, and national and international transport networks healthy, low carbon walking and cycling trips cars to public transport, cycling and walking. It is is disrupting, the motor age. Social, technological, 2. Delivery of new housing and jobs is 2. There is a continued reduction in the number likely that a significant daily road pricing charge economic, environmental and political drivers supported of road casualties on the transport network with revenue reinvested in alternatives, and the are at play, creating deep uncertainty over what 3. Access opportunities to employment growth 3. Road safety for transport users is improved, return of the fuel tax escalator alongside further the future might look like. We want the West of areas and education is provided for all particularly for those most at risk engine efficiency improvements will be needed to England to be a world leader in transport provision. decarbonise transport (see Section 11 and Modal We want to be at the forefront of technology not 4. Transport assets are maintained and 4. Personal safety on the transport network is Target Shift). just ready for technology change but actively
Support sustainable and inclusive economic growth (EG) £ or graph of arrows increasing managed, and demonstrate value for moneyequal sign or open door improved, and there is less crime and fear of Enable equality and improve accessibility (EA) pursuing, planning and harnessing it and in the Address poor air quality and take action against climate change (CC) thermometer/cloud Contribute to better health, wellbeing, safety and security (H) heart 5. The high-quality transportCreate better network places (BP) generatesgoogle pin/ tree/sunshine crime Where we want to be in 2036 process pushing central Government to enable the inward investment legislation and provide the funding necessary to By 2036 at the completion of the JLTP4 the West realise this level of ambition. 6. Congestion and demand on the network Create better places of England will be a carbon neutral community Support sustainable and inclusive economic growth (EG) £ or graph of arrows increasing Enable equality and improve accessibility (EA) is betterequal sign managed or open door through technological 1. Journey experience is enhanced through an Address poor air quality and take action against climate change (CC) thermometer/cloud where the vast majority of vehicles on the road are Contribute to better health, wellbeing, safety and security (H) heart Create better places (BP) advancesgoogle pin/ tree/sunshine integrated and connected transport network decarbonised and no longer fuelled by fossil fuels. 2. The impact of the transport network on the More people will have the opportunity to move Enable equality and improve accessibility built, natural and historic environment is around the region using affordable, high quality 1. Connectivity is increased and transformed, minimised and frequent public transport accessing their enabling seamless “door-to-door” movements 3. Streetscape, public spaces and urban jobs and leisure activities and delivering freight. of people and goods environments are enhanced People’s choice of mode will be reflected by the real cost in environmental terms and consequently 2. Access for those with both visible and hidden 4. The transport network supports our streets and roads will no longer be dominated disabilities is improved neighbourhood renewal and the regeneration by the private car. More of us will cycle and 3. Access to services and opportunities for of deprived areas walk short distances more frequently rather residents in rural, remote and deprived areas than deciding to travel by car. Some of us will be is improved travelling by connected and autonomous vehicles whilst overall the number and distance of journeys 4. Better information to aid travel decisions is to work will decrease as more of us choose to work provided from home. 5. Low carbon transport and opportunities for reducing the need to travel are maximised 6. New public transport systems, smarter ticketing and faster payment options are enabled
26 27 Joint Local Transport Plan 4 2020-2036 January 2020
Section 4: Embracing technology and Section 3: Vision and objectives continued partnerships
Technological advances and accessible transport option for all. However, if CAVs innovation start to compete financially with public transport this may result in people shifting away from public Technological advances and innovation are striding transport to cars, which would lead to an increase ahead at the global level, with new digital systems in the number of vehicles on the road network. and devices becoming an increasingly important The introduction of CAVs may also mean that some part of our daily lives. The huge rise in internet people opt to commute further for work due to shopping, more flexible working patterns and their ability to work while traveling, again resulting use of telecommunications software, are leading in more vehicles on the road. Within this JLTP4 to fewer journeys being made per person for period, CAVs will only provide part of the solution, shopping, commuting and business. Technology and a multimodal approach will still be needed. has had a significant impact on mobility, and this will continue. Mobility as a Service (MaaS), including Pay As You Go travel, could encourage a shift away from Future mobility is about so much more than personally-owned modes of transport and towards technology; it’s about people, connectivity and the solutions that are consumed as a service. This way we create and support change to deliver the could include the concept of paying for a weekly future we want. People often adapt well to change, travel pass that includes bike hire, car hire, bus but opportunities need to be provided in the right and train travel, rather than owning a personal place and at the right time to maximise benefits. As mode of transport. such, by shaping future mobility systems, we can, in turn, shape demand. Open data, stemming from data collation and sharing of information obtained from journey The right schemes and policy framework need planning tools and ticket sales, for example, can to be in place to capitalise on changes, enable provide an understanding of travel behaviour. In us to harness the potential benefits, ensure it is turn, the data can support the identification and accessible to all and avoid negative impacts. We development of measures that influence future are witnessing rapid developments in many areas travel demand and mobility networks. that could mean more people are able to choose walking, cycling and public transport. These Future Mobility Zones (FMZs) changes could support a more inclusive society Smart city initiatives, that use data and technology where the young, elderly, persons with mobility to create a more efficient and integrated network, challenges, as well as those living in rural areas, such as Smart Motorways and Urban Traffic have new travel options, and offer new ways of Management Control. transporting goods to and around the region. Improved and faster wireless technology, The main areas being explored, or where advances including 5G, will support the further development are occurring and evolving, are as follows: of many other technologies. The ability to access information, particularly when out and Connected and Autonomous (driverless) Vehicles about, is critical to enabling people to maximise (CAVs) have the potential to radically transform opportunities to access the services they require. the transport system in the longer-term future. However, the evolution of CAVs needs to be Carbon reduction technology, such as cleaner carefully managed. CAVs offers the opportunity fuel and energy, are increasing in prominence for fewer people to own cars, if sharing vehicles and availability. This includes hybrid and electric and journeys becomes the norm, providing an vehicles, and e-bikes.
28 29 Joint Local Transport Plan 4 2020-2036 January 2020
Section 4: Embracing technology and partnerships continued
Timescales are hard to predict, and a We will release open source data for application The West of England authorities were project transformative change that is driven by some or all developers to build apps and digital platforms, partners with the ground-breaking Flourish and these advances may not even occur. While mobility so the community can have direct involvement in Venturer projects, which considered the potential changes are mostly likely to occur just beyond enhancing our service. Data should be shared and for, and long-term impacts of, technological the lifetime of this JLTP4, many of the JLTP4 open to avoid the creation of a monopoly. Open developments such as CAVs. Both projects involved Case Study: Venturer schemes will have a long lifespan, so the potential data is crucial with mobile phones and real-time academics, as well as legal and insurance experts, Venturer concentrated on autonomy. The technological impact needs to be considered. This information playing an increasingly important role to understand the societal implications of these state-of-the-art Wildcat autonomous vehicle will mean we are prepared for where we want in providing choice. We will put an expectation technologies. A regional technology consortium developed by BAE Systems has allowed to be, rather than adapting to the new mobility on our partners to provide us with any data to combine the knowledge of these partners Venturer to develop a range of new sensor environment we find ourselves in. Initially, we will they collect, to guide the future development of along with vehicle manufacturers, communication and control technology with experts at the produce a strategy on CAVs and MaaS setting out transport. providers, technology specialists, national research Bristol Robotics Laboratory. A series of our position, including our concerns and ambitions. projects, and academics of the universities in the increasingly complex tests were carried We recognise the need to gain confidence and region has been set up. out over three years. Year 1 focussed on As a starting point the West of England has bid public trust in using new technologies. We will handover between human and machine; Year to become one of three areas nationally to share encourage suppliers and partners to work closely The Government’s Innovate programme is 2 on interaction between the Wildcat and £70m of Future Mobility Zones (FMZ) funding to with elderly and ‘harder to reach’ sectors of delivering research and innovation projects, other vehicles; and Year 3 on interactions maximise the benefits from transport innovation in the population, to enable them to embrace new complemented by the UK Digital Strategy 5G between the Wildcat and pedestrians and urban areas. The core projects within our FMZ bid opportunities. testbed projects, including CAVs. cyclists. It also demonstrated “see through are a data hub to unify datasets and gather new technology” where one vehicle reports to the data. The aim is to maximise the understanding We recognise the high cost of widespread vehicle behind it what is in front. Venturer of travel demands and traffic and a mobility as a implementation of 5G and will work with suppliers partner Williams developed an advanced service platform connecting operators, consumers and other partners to help ensure that it does not simulator based on a Range Rover Evoque and transport authorities. For the user, it will mean Case Study: Flourish only benefit areas or users where the highest level that could replicate the real-world scenarios, new services, bespoke information and offers of financial return can be gained, and that rural Flourish concentrated on connectivity as well as testing human perceptions of a a single platform to plan and pay for mobility areas, in particular, are not overlooked. and older people. Flourish trialled some range of factors in a CAV. services. Other aspects of the FMZ involve the world leading Vehicle to Infrastructure development of Mobility Stations to improve (V2I) technology including the latest Partners: Venturer – Atkins (part of SNC- physical connectivity; trialling of micromobility generation of Wi-Fi for cars. It demonstrated Lavalin), AXA UK, BAE Systems, Bristol City modes; and deploying dynamic demand responsive communication between vehicles, and Council, South Gloucestershire Council, First transport services to improve first and last mile between vehicles and a base station. Flourish Group, Fusion Processing, Williams Advanced connectivity and access to employment. developed driverless pods tested in campus Engineering, University of the West of type environments, as well as in simulators. England and University of Bristol. Advancing together Flourish focused on the needs of older people when using CAVs, and built a detailed model We are committed to partnership working to of how Bristol could operate in future CAV ensure we are at the forefront of implementing scenarios. technological advances in transport, through developing and sharing knowledge, lessons Partners: Flourish – Atkins (part of SNC- learned and innovations. The ambition for the West Lavalin), Airbus Group, Axa, Dynniq, React AI, of England is to become a European leader in the Designability, OPM, Aimsun (part of Siemens), progressive roll-out of new technologies and new Bristol City Council, South Gloucestershire forms of mobility. We will work with and support Council, Transport Systems Catapult, Age UK, national and local legislation that encourages University of Bristol and University of the safe and sustainable travel, especially through West of England. technological initiatives to improve mobility.
30 31 Joint Local Transport Plan 4 2020-2036 January 2020
Section 5: Section 4: Embracing technology and partnerships continued Improving connectivity
Maintaining and developing wider We will provide a well-connected sustainable Park & Ride (P&R) will play an important role in partnerships transport network that offers greater, realistic enabling people living outside the urban areas, travel choice and makes walking, cycling and public who do not have easy access to public transport, The key to success in delivering JLTP4 is to transport the natural way to travel. Trips into and to access central areas by non-car modes. By work closely with our stakeholders and continue within the West of England will be seamless, faster, providing P&R sites on prioritised routes into the to build new partnerships. A JLTP4 Advisory cheaper, cleaner and safer. main urban areas, the accessibility, reliability and Group has already been established to provide convenience of P&R services will be improved. It is often said that our network is at capacity, technical and professional advice, comprising particularly during the morning and evening peak over 20 representatives of transport operators We recognise that for some people the private periods, but this is only the case if you consider and providers, transport user groups, transport car is essential and for others it is often the only it in terms of ‘vehicle space’. If we considered our discipline experts and emerging technology realistic mode of travel, such as those in rural roads in terms of ‘people space’ there is actually specialists. WECA and the four West of England areas where a reasonable level of bus service is plenty of available capacity on our road network. councils will continue to maintain and develop not sustainable. The needs of people with personal partnerships with: mobility challenges are recognised and supported. The focus for investment is on increasing the In line with our responsibilities under the Equality attractiveness of more active and sustainable l Local and national transport operators and Act 2010, we will ensure all new infrastructure, modes, both by improving these networks and providers vehicles and information are as accessible as opportunities and implementing measures that possible. We will deliver improvements to existing l Transport user groups can manage private car use. Individuals will be transport networks, targeting parts that cause empowered to change their travel habits, with l Persons with reduced mobility groups l Local most disadvantage. This includes rural and sustainable modes becoming the preferred choice deprived areas, which are in danger of getting left businesses and business groups l Community for journeys, if journeys need to be made at all. and voluntary sector behind. New and expanded rapid and mass transit, across l In seeking to reduce the level of emissions, NHS (including Clinical Commissioning Groups) the Bristol urban area and providing links towards and local sport organisations including carbon, we will provide infrastructure the East and North Fringe, Bath and the airport, to support the use of electric vehicles. We will l Educational establishments will be transformative, providing fast and reliable also continue to explore the use of mechanisms to journeys for residents and visitors. It will be reduce dependency on private car use, including l Community Rail Partnerships supported by comprehensive walking, cycling, bus providing continued support in the development of and rail networks, that enable people to get to l Police and Local Community Safety Partnerships new technologies. stops/stations quickly and easily. The quality and l Neighbouring councils (including across the coverage of this supporting network is critical, as Our strategy for improving connectivity in the West River Severn) the first and last mile of any journey is often the of England is shown in Figure 5.1. most important factor in determining mode choice. l Service providers e.g. electricity network This JLTP4 is structured around improving operators Attracting trips made by private car onto rapid and connectivity at four levels. These are not exclusive; mass transit will bring improvements in journey some of the policies and interventions are l West of England Road Safety Partnership times, reliability, air quality, carbon emissions and relevant at more than one level, although they As each individual project is developed a overall attractiveness of the network for more have not been repeated. As a plan that focuses consultation plan will be developed tailored to sustainable modes. Less traffic will improve the on the West of England region rather than local the relevant stakeholders unique to the impacted perceived safety and security of the network, and areas, connectivity at the most strategic level is community and scheme type. the reallocation of road space, where appropriate, considered first. will allow streets to be transformed, creating better Specific examples of how we work, and will places and improved public realm in urban areas. continue to work with groups or organisations, are set out in the connectivity chapters.
32 33 Joint Local Transport Plan 4 2020-2036 January 2020
Section 5: Improving connectivity continued
Figure 5.1: Strategy for improving connectivity Local