Merseyside travel plans open for review

A six-week public consultation period opened today into the next statutory Local Transport Plan (LTP3) being delivered by the Merseyside Transport Partnership.

The results of the consultation, as well as extensive research, will be used to gain an insight into the region's transport needs over the next two decades. Once the views of stakeholders and the people of Merseyside have been gathered, MTP will look in detail at how elements of the plan can be put into practice over a shorter timeframe. LTP3 is due to start in April 2011.

At this stage, people are being given the opportunity to comment on four key themes – the work that MTP is already doing to provide a safe and efficient transport system; goals for the future; the concept of creating a new 'mobility culture'; and the challenges and opportunities that transport in Merseyside faces in coming years.

Targets in the plan include increased cycle use and changes to certain rights of way, adding to the capacity of the transport network and improving access to employment for deprived communities.

Neil Scales, chief executive of Merseytravel and chairman of MTP, launched the consultation at today's breakfast briefing event at the Hilton. Scales said: "Over the past ten years we have made great steps towards providing a modern and extensive transport network for Merseyside. It is now time to build on these successes and prepare for the future. The world will change a great deal in the next two decades and we must adapt to make the most of the opportunities that will be available to us.

"Transport has an important role to play in the region's future in supporting the growth of the economy, helping tackle climate and encouraging people to lead healthier lifestyles. Our new Local Transport Plan will also play a key role in helping Merseyside achieve its vision of becoming a thriving international city region by 2030.

"Transport affects us all and it is absolutely crucial that as many people as possible are involved in the process of planning for the region's changing transport needs. Over the coming weeks, we will be gathering opinions from a cross section of the community and I would urge everyone to make sure they have their say."

• To have your say, visit http://www.letstravelwise.org/content83_The-Local-Transport-Plan.html