1. Transport Strategy in Cheshire West and Chester Alison Knight Director of Places Strategy
3rd June 2016

2. Setting West Cheshire in context
Well connected location - extensive motorway, trunk road and rail networks
Carries a significant amount of local, sub-regional and national traffic
Travel patterns influenced by nearby conurbations and NE Wales
Access to ports and airports
Strong sub-regional economy and regeneration aspirations
Housing growth
Higher than average car ownership and use
A selection of the likely issues that need to be considered as we prepare the new LTP.
Map is useful to show that issues are broader than just those within West Cheshire itself. Particularly strong links to NE Wales and Merseyside. Less so with Cheshire East and Manchester ?

3. Putting this into perspective
Over 200,000 commuter trips (including 50,000 inbound trips and 52,500 outbound trips) every day
High dependence on car for commuter trips. (90% of trips). Low levels of commuting by bus, rail, cycling and walking
16% of trips to Merseyside and 5% to Manchester made by train
18% of trips from NE Wales made by bus
65% of local residents work in the Borough.
High levels of cross boundary commuting
35% in inbound trips originate in NE Wales. A further 26% come from the Wirral and Merseyside. 15% of trips come from Cheshire East and 6% from Greater Manchester
23% of outbound commuting is to Merseyside, 20% to NE Wales 17% to Cheshire East, 14% to Manchester, 9% to Halton and 6% to Warrington
Patterns reflect national trend for travelling further – increased mobility, car ownership and dynamics of labour market

4. What this means in practice

5. The national and sub-national policy context
National policy – Key focus on supporting economic growth. Overall move towards greater devolution of powers & responsibilities to sub-national bodies and local authorities
Northern Powerhouse – emergence of Transport for the North (TfN) and Sub National Transport Bodies (role and powers are evolving)
Will initially advise on strategic transport schemes and investment
Potential powers for decision making in delivery of schemes and cross-regional projects (eg, smart ticketing)
Governance and development of permanent organisation evolving
Need to make case that CWaC is represented as a key economic geography within the Northern Powerhouse
Cheshire & Warrington LEP and LTB – basis for growth deal and devolution deal
North Wales agenda – critical inter-relationship with Welsh Government, MDA and North Wales Economic Ambition Board. Vital to pursue shared objectives for improved connectivity and accessibility.

6. The local agenda – the LTP
Sets out over-arching transport vision, strategy and local objectives
Remains a statutory document previously updated at five year intervals. National guidance still in place but no longer a national audience or DfT influence
Expectation that future Combined Authority will be required to produce a formal transport strategy plan
Value in refreshing CWaC evidence base and priorities
Currently preparing a refresh of the LTP and considering work on provisional joint LTP with CEC and WBC

7. Our LTP objectives Top priorities Supporting priorities
Provide and develop reliable and efficient transport networks which support sustainable economic growth in West Cheshire and the surrounding area
Reduce carbon emissions from transport and take steps to adapt our transport networks to effects of climate change
Manage a well maintained transport network
Supporting priorities
Contribute to safer and secure transport in West Cheshire and to promote types of transport that are beneficial to health
Improve accessibility to jobs and key services which help support greater equality of opportunity
Ensure that transport helps improve quality of life and enhances the local environment

8. Local Studies – Chester Transport Strategy
Prepared to support One City Plan and wider growth objectives in city
Extensive consultation and engagement exercises
Recommendations report approved by executive in February 2014
Initial outcomes have supported business case for new Bus Interchange, adoption of new P&R contract and public realm improvements
Phase two work largely now completed

9. Chester Transport Strategy – forthcoming decisions
Pedestrianisation and public realm improvements – close relationship with Theatre and Northgate proposals
CWRR (including consideration of alternative alignment) and fifth P&R – commitment needs to be endorsed in LP part 2
Pinch Point priorities
Coach Strategy
Emerging study to review options for NE Gateway proposals including Hoole Rd bridge and relationship to CBQ

10. Winsford Transport Strategy
Being developed to enable successful delivery of Neighbourhood Plan
Work developed in parallel to review of options to improve town centre
Includes consideration of options to improve access to M6 junction 18
Successful joint consultation undertaken autumn Over 500 responses. Report to WNPSG February 2016
Draft recommendations report completed April 2016
Expected approval – Cabinet July 2016

11. Indicative local studies timetable
Borough-wide car park strategy – start January 2016 and draft report by August 2016
LEP Sub-Regional Transport Priorities and Strategy – sign off - spring 2016 LGF proposals being submitted now
Station Car Parking Study – spring/summer2016
North Wales Transport Task Group – started spring 2016
Northwich Transport Strategy (including traffic model refresh and assessment of Winnington Swing Bridge) – start spring 2017
Ellesmere Port Transport Strategy – indicative start late 2017

12. Thank you - any questions?