Council outlines new transport objectives

The objectives will now be considered by the full council before plans are implemented

A council's cabinet has endorsed a plan outlining its latest transport objectives after it received more than 1,000 contributions.

Wiltshire Council said the local transport plan (LTP4) seeks to "support motorists" rather than "penalise them".

The plan covers all aspects of transport in the county and focuses on three different place types - principle settlements, market towns and rural areas.

Councillor Tamara Reay, who is the cabinet member for transport, said the plan would help with health, economic growth and 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," she added.

Any approved plans are expected to run until 2038 and it is hoped that focusing different plans on each geographic locations unique circumstances will allow the council access to more central government funding.

Whilst the proposal received council backing - others raised concerns about public transport and access to it.

"The consultation report identified a significant issue with accessibility at rail stations and on buses," said Colin Gale, a member of the Pewsey Vale Rail Users Group.

"The local transport plan has not been updated to scope this issue and identify corrective accessibility measures."

Ms Reay told him that discussions were "ongoing" with industry partners and that there would be further detail in future plans.

The plan will now be considered by the full council next week.

There will be opportunities for our communities to share their views on any draft delivery plans during the course of the year.