Briefing Update - Reallocation of Roadspace for Active Travel

On Saturday 9th May the Government published new statutory guidance for highway authorities regarding the urgent need to reallocate road space towards pedestrians, cyclists and ‘active travel’ as we begin to move out of ‘lockdown’. It is clear that the Government expects local authorities to make significant changes to their road layouts to give more space to cyclists and pedestrians. Such changes will help embed altered behaviours and demonstrate the positive effects of active travel. It is also apparent that these changes are focused on access to employment, town centres and schools etc rather than some of our leisure routes.

We have put together a website that provides more background and details of the Government’s intentions and the County Council’s emerging plans. It also provides an overview of the types of interventions that can be considered.

We are conscious that the announcement from the Government has been well publicised and we are beginning to field a number of requests and suggestions from across our communities. We feel that for any proposals to be taken forward it is essential that they have the full backing of our Parish and Town Councils. As such when we are receiving suggestions from your communities we are asking them to contact you in the first instance to give you opportunity to consider and where appropriate consult with effected parties and interested groups such as chambers of trade and residents associations. We then suggest that proposals are discussed with our local Neighbourhood Officers who will be able to shape ideas into deliverable solutions.

Delivering this type of temporary infrastructure in such a short timescale is unprecedented for the County Council but we are confident that by working together with our Parish and Town Councils we can provide the necessary support to help keep our communities safe in these difficult and challenging times.