Local Transport Plan 3

The Transport Act 2000 requires Local Transport Authorities (County Councils, Unitary Authorities and partnerships in metropolitan areas) in England to produce and maintain a Local Transport Plan (LTP). The first five-year LTPs were submitted in 2000, covering the period from 2001/02 to 2005/06. Second LTPs were submitted to the Department for Transport in March 2006, covering the period 2006/07 to 2010/11.

The Local Transport Planning process has brought about a step change in the way that Local Authorities plan strategically for transport in their areas. Good transport is a vital factor in building sustainable local communities. It contributes to the achievement of stronger and safer communities, healthier children and young people, equality and social inclusion, environmental objectives and better local economies. Where transport fails, these aspirations are put at risk.

In November 2008, the Department for Transport published 'Delivering a Sustainable Transport System' which set out how transport can contribute to meeting the five national goals of:

• Supporting economic growth.
• Tackling climate change.
• Promoting equality of opportunity.
• Contribute to better safety, security and health.
• Improving quality of life and a healthy natural environment.

The Department for Transport now wants to see Authorities framing their transport strategies on robust evidence relating to the specific challenges or problems each local area faces under the five goals. Authorities should identify these problems and priorities on the basis of clear evidence and data.