Striking the Balance sets out a clear plan for transport in Kent which is ambitious but achievable in its aims to improve all types of journeys. The plan will support delivery of the Council’s strategy, Framing Kent’s Future.
In 2023, views from residents and businesses were gathered in a public consultation on the Emerging new Local Transport Plan. This new draft full plantakes these views into consideration to strengthen the case for improvements to the transport modes that people in Kent rely on most.
The new plan will help KCC to make the case to secure funding needed for roads and public transport to cope with the pressures of today’s traffic and growth. It is estimated that between £2.6 billion and £3.1 billion extra will be needed from government to deliver all the proposed transport improvements in the plan that KCC is responsible for, over the next 12 years.
This consultation on the draft full Local Transport Plan is seeking feedback from residents, businesses and stakeholders to help finalise the plan. This includes the opportunity to let us know your views on the full range of countywide strategic schemes and local schemes set out for each district.
“Whether you drive, catch a bus, take the train, cycle, wheel or walk, our new Local Transport Plan has proposals that will affect you and aim to improve the journeys you make every day.”
Neil Baker, KCC’s Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said: “Whether you drive, catch a bus, take the train, cycle, wheel or walk, our new Local Transport Plan has proposals that will affect you and aim to improve the journeys you make every day.
“Although we are working in very challenging financial circumstances, the purpose of this plan is to set out what Kent needs so that we can work with our partners to obtain funding that offers a real return, not just locally, but to the national economy too.
“I encourage you to read our ambitious strategy and let us know what you think so we can make sure our final Local Transport Plan works for you and the county.”
Residents can find the full plan and consultation questionnaire at www.kent.gov.uk/ltp5. Details of drop-in events to find out more about the plan will be found here. The consultation closes on 8 October 2024.
Notes to editor
- The Local Transport Plan is a statutory requirement set out in the Transport Act 2000 (as amended by Local Transport Act 2008).
- KCC’s fourth Local Transport Plan was adopted in 2017.
- KCC estimates over 1.6 billion journeys are made each year in Kent across all forms of transport.
- The Local Transport Plan also sets out KCC’s proposals for how other transport bodies including National Highways and Network Rail should invest government funding in the networks they are responsible for.
- The Local Transport Plan is subject to consultation and will not be finalised until the consultation responses have been considered and KCC votes to adopt it.
- A detailed update was provided to the meeting of the County Council on 23 May 2024.
