Cabinet endorses Local Transport Plan following consultation

Wiltshire Council's Cabinet has today (Tuesday 4 March) endorsed the Wiltshire Local Transport Plan 4 (LTP4) following the recent consultation.

The council held the consultation from Thursday 28 November 2024 until Friday 24 January 2025 and received a total of 1,077 contributions.

Since then, and following the consultation feedback, some amendments have been made to the plan. These have been approved by Cabinet and will now be considered by all councillors at the Full Council meeting on Tuesday 11 March.

Every council in the country is required to develop a Local Transport Plan (LTP). LTP4 outlines the council's strategic transport objectives and takes a place-based approach to transport planning, aligning with the Wiltshire Local Plan. It is tailored to three different place types: principal settlements, which covers Salisbury, Trowbridge and Chippenham; market towns; and rural areas.

Taking this approach allows the council to respond to each place's unique circumstances, recognising the needs of residents is different in rural areas to its city and towns. This approach will also help to unlock more central government funding to improve transport throughout the county.

LTP4 addresses all aspects of transport in the county, including road safety, highway management and improvements, public transport (buses and rail), walking, cycling, freight, car parking and the transition to electric vehicles.

Cllr Tamara Reay, Cabinet Member for Transport, said: I'm delighted that Cabinet has agreed to approve LTP4, which sets out how we can continue to build an efficient and effective transport network in Wiltshire for the plan period up to 2038.

A strong transport network is essential for economic growth in Wiltshire. LTP4 outlines our strategy for preserving and enhancing existing infrastructure, with a focus on fostering sustainable economic growth, improving public health and safety, reducing carbon footprints, and strengthening the resilience of our transport systems.

In a large rural county like Wiltshire, many people depend on their cars for their everyday lives, and so LTP4 looks to support motorists and not penalise them.

The plan will now be considered by Full Council next week, and if approved we will then focus on delivering LTP4. There will be opportunities for our communities to share their views on our draft delivery plans during the course of 2025.

More information about LTP4 is available at Wiltshire Local Transport Plan - Wiltshire Council.