SENT ON BEHALF OF COUNCILLOR MARK COKER, PENINSULA TRANSPORT CHAIR

Dear stakeholder,

In a major milestone, Peninsula Transport, the Sub-national Transport Body for Cornwall, Devon, Plymouth, Somerset and Torbay, is proud to share our regional transport strategy.

The strategy aims to give people in the south west a more resilient, reliable and accessible transport system, boosting economic growth while supporting more sustainable ways to travel. Overcoming some specific regional transport challenges such as network resilience, seasonal variation and rural accessibility will be vital.

To do this, the strategy sets out four outcomes as well as a route map to achieve a strategic transport network that works for everyone – from businesses to communities and visitors.

By 2030 the desired outcomes are:

• Easier journeys: an integrated public transport system that focuses on the needs of the customers, making travel easy and accessible as well as better active travel connectivity with the bus and rail network
• Going electric: affordable zero-emission transport through a reliable electric vehicle charging network and alternative fuel choices for road freight and buses
• A connected peninsula: safe, reliable, resilient and sustainable links to and throughout the peninsula, allowing for climate adaptation

These outcomes will ultimately lead to the key objective by 2050 of:

• Completing the transport network: improving connections within a safe and fully integrated transport network on a path to net zero

It is backed by a robust evidence base and consultation with government, industry, businesses as well as communities to make sure it meets the diverse range of needs of those travelling within the peninsula.

Additionally, the strategy will sit alongside a Strategic Implementation Plan which will identify and prioritise specific schemes and initiatives needed to deliver the transport strategy. The implementation plan is currently under development and is expected to be in place by late 2024.

Together, both the strategy and implementation plan will help to advise government on the unique transport needs and priorities of the peninsula and advocate for the delivery of transport projects that will make a real difference to the region.

The Peninsula Transport Strategy can be found at https://www.peninsulatransport.org.uk/peninsula-transport-strategy/

Please feel free to share this briefing email and the link with your networks.

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/peninsula-transport/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/PensTransport

Best wishes,

Councillor Mark Coker, Chair, Peninsula Transport