Agenda item

Local authorities in England are required by central government to prepare a Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) to set out long term plans for delivering new or improved infrastructure for walking and cycling. 

New national policy and guidance titled ‘Gear Change’ has been published by government, setting higher and more ambitious standards for infrastructure required to achieve the government’s vision of half of all short, urban journeys to be made by cycling or walking by 2030.

Government has confirmed that local authorities that do not have a LCWIP and that do not comply with the updated design standards (e.g. LTN 1/20 Cycle Infrastructure Design) will not receive funding for active travel. 

The draft LCWIP has undertaken two rounds of public engagement including a full public consultation during November and December 2021. The final draft incorporates comments and suggestions from the public and other key stakeholders. 

The Portfolio Holder for Sustainability and Transport presented a report, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member and a copy of which appears as Appendix 'B' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

Cabinet was informed that Local authorities in England are required by central government to prepare a Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) to set out long term plans for delivering new or improved infrastructure for walking and cycling. 

In relation to this Cabinet was advised that new national policy and guidance titled ‘Gear Change’ has been published by government, setting higher and more ambitious standards for infrastructure required to achieve the government’s vision of half of all short, urban journeys to be made by cycling or walking by 2030.

Further to this Cabinet was advised that Government has confirmed that local authorities that do not have a LCWIP and that do not comply with the updated design standards (e.g. LTN 1/20 Cycle Infrastructure Design) will not receive funding for active travel. 

Cabinet was informed that the draft LCWIP has undertaken two rounds of public engagement including a full public consultation during November and December 2021, and that the final draft incorporates comments and suggestions from the public and other key stakeholders. 

RECOMMENDED that: -

Cabinet recommends to Council that the Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan is approved.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Sustainability and Transport