North East Mayor Kim McGuinness has thanked residents for sharing their views on the draft Local Transport Plan after over 16,000 responses were received during the 12-week public consultation.
The draft Local Transport Plan (LTP) is the region’s strategic plan for transport, setting out ambitions up to 2040 to create a green, integrated transport network that works for all.
Early analysis of the data has shown consistent support for the proposals during the consultation, with 81% of respondents either strongly agreeing or agreeing with the ambition of the plan and 81% strongly agreeing or agreeing that the region is focusing on the right improvements. Results showed good representation from across the seven Local Authority areas in North East England, rural as well as urban communities, and an even balance of men and women and different age groups.
The North East Combined Authority is assessing all feedback received and a revised draft of the plan is set to go to the North East Combined Authority Cabinet for approval later in the Spring.
North East Mayor Kim McGuinness, said: “I would like to thank the thousands of local people who have shared their thoughts on our draft Local Transport Plan. We’ve received over 16,000 responses which is a great result and makes this one of the largest consultations held in the region to date.
“I’m so pleased that we have had a wide variety of audiences taking part, so this plan will be truly inclusive and reflective of the views from right across the North East. We’ve held 36 events during the last 12 weeks to ensure we have talked to as many people as possible – this includes pop up events in public spaces and bespoke events with women and girls, young people, disability groups and other hard to reach groups. I am very keen to listen to young people about what matters most to them and I'm pleased that over a thousand young people have shared their views on what they need from our transport network as part of the consultation.
“Transport is a huge enabler to opportunity, and through transport we can deliver major transformative change which will boost our economy, help to improve our health and our environment, and of course enhance opportunities for all. It is so important to the long-term prosperity of the North East that we deliver the right transport investment that will truly improve things and deliver the transport system we deserve.
“I look forward to reviewing the refreshed LTP as we unpick the thousands of views and suggestions we have received. Thank you to everyone who took the time to take part, I am extremely grateful for your input.”