What is the Local Transport Plan?

The LTP (Local Transport Plan) sets out a strategy for transport in Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch over the next five years (2001 to 2006).

The Local Transport Plan covers all forms of transport, including those that are provided by the public and private sectors and by communities. Its central theme is one of partnership and making best use of existing and future resources in a sustainable way.

The Local Transport Plan also contains a bid for Government funds. The effectiveness of the strategy is dependent to some extent upon the success of this bid and the Government has indicated that more money will be made available to support Local Transport Plan expenditure. Government funds, together with funds from the Councils and other partners, will enable the transport improvements outlined in the Local Transport Plan to be taken forward.

This document is a summary of the Local Transport Plan that covers the main urban area of Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch. Dorset County Council have produced a separate plan that covers Weymouth and Portland, the towns and settlements around Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch and the smaller market towns in Dorset and their surrounding rural areas. Both plans recognise the important transport links between the two areas and adjacent areas.

The Need for a Plan

Traffic continues to grow in the Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch conurbation. The problems that this causes include air and noise pollution, community severance and social exclusion yet car ownership has brought immense benefits to many. Traffic congestion is now widespread and is not just confined to peak hours or the holiday season. On some transport routes, traffic levels are at saturation levels with congestion occurring through much of the day, and bus services are severely disrupted. Provision of a high capacity road network to cater for local traffic is not affordable or effective, and would have major environmental disbenefits. The Local Transport Plan has been prepared in this context and aims to take a more comprehensive look at transport.

Transport problems must not be seen in isolation from other community issues. There are other social and economic problems, for which transport improvements can provide solutions. Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch are generally prosperous, but there are pockets of social deprivation. Those without access to a car need good quality transport links to gain access to employment and education opportunities. Accessibility to and from the area has been identified as a critical factor in the need to attract new inward investment. The Port of Poole is hampered by poor access, and there is a need to regenerate former industrial areas nearby. The tourism and leisure industry is vital to the local economy and there is increasing concerns that the levels of traffic congestion are detracting from the attractiveness of the area.

Government has recognised the increasing concerns over the quality of transport systems and stress that integrated policies are essential to improve the way we travel, and should put social inclusion and health at the heart of decisions on transport.

The Shared Vision

The Local Transport Plan for Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch has been produced jointly by the two Unitary Authorities of Bournemouth and Poole and Dorset County Council, the Highway Authority for Christchurch. Valuable input to the plan has been provided by Christchurch Borough Council and from the adjoining District Council areas of East Dorset and Purbeck. Following public consultation, the authorities have a shared vision for the plan which is for ...

"an integrated transport system that is safe, sustainable and accessible for all and that will assist in achieving a quality of life that is of the highest standard".