Aim: To increase accessibility to employment, goods, services and facilities whilst reducing the impact of travel on the environment.

Transport impacts on us all and is a major factor in the social, economic and environmental wellbeing of the country - both in a positive and negative way. Transport allows us to access employment, goods, services and facilities. It also causes pollution and can be dangerous. Indeed, it is predicted that air quality will become poorer and as motor vehicles are recognised as a major source of air pollution (and noise), we need to increase our efforts to minimise traffic, particularly in and around the town centre.

Important Issues to address

• Fragmentation of the different modes of transport.
• Heavy reliance on motor vehicles for transport.
• Facilities for cyclists and pedestrians.
• Role of park and ride.
• Transportation access.
• Safe routes to school.
• Location of development.
• Role of green travel plans.
• Freight transport.
• Impact of business travel.
• Rail transport.
• Air pollution.

Key Objectives

• To improve integration of the different modes of transport.
• To improve facilities for cyclists and pedestrians, particularly in Shrewsbury.
• To increase accessibility to services and facilities whilst minimising adverse effects on the environment.
• To develop and promote innovative transport schemes to improve accessibility within and between rural areas, between the town and country and between different areas of the town e.g. Wheels 2 Work.
• To develop 'safe routes to school'.
• To locate development likely to generate a significant number of trips where it can be served by a variety of modes of transport.
• To develop and implement green travel plans.
• To increase the amount of freight carried by rail.
• To encourage the use of locally produced goods.
• To reduce the impact of business travel.
• To reduce air pollution.

Actions

• Integrate the different modes of transport through integrated timetabling, joint ticketing etc.
• Involve bus and rail companies, local authorities, businesses, the police and the Highways Agency in Shrewsbury's traffic management group.
• Ensure that the design of new developments addresses the needs of pedestrians and cyclists as much as private cars.
• Further develop the Shrewsbury Cycle Network by improving and extending the existing network.
• Continue to support Park and Ride schemes.
• Implement the Shropshire Local Transport Plan to improve transportation access throughout the Borough e.g. extension of the quality bus partnership, continue 'safe routes to schools' etc.
• Investigate alternative uses of existing transport resources.
• Promote the development of community transport schemes.
• Develop safe transport links in and out of the town centre for evening activity.
• Encourage development in locations where the demand for travel will be minimised through implementation of Shrewsbury & Atcham Borough Council's Local Plan.
• Develop and implement Green Travel Plans and ensure that these are included in part of the proposals for large developments.
• Pursue the case for European recognition as a Trans Euro Network priority corridor.
• Continue to promote farmers markets in Shrewsbury (to cut down the distances goods need to travel).
• Encourage the re-use of disused railway sidings and the development of new rail facilities, such as a rail freight terminal at Harlescott and a new rail route from Harlescott to Meole Brace to serve the Town.
• Investigate re-opening or opening small stations or halts both in rural areas and the suburbs of Shrewsbury.
• Develop air quality management areas where appropriate.

Future Community Involvement

Although we have tried to involve as many people as possible in putting this strategy together, it is unlikely that we have managed to reach everybody. Over the coming year we will involve the community in further development of the strategy Monitoring

To include:

Links to other strands of the strategy

• The economy.
• Health.
• Social inclusion.
• Vibrant communities.
• Learning and skills.

Partners in Delivery

• Advantage Shrewsbury
• Advantage West Midlands
• Bus and rail companies
• Business Link
• CENTRO/Central Trains
• Council for the Protection of Rural England
• Cycle Touring Club
• English Heritage
• English Nature
• Environment Agency
• Highway Agency
• Local Businesses
• Parish Councils
• Railtrack
• Residents Groups and Associations
• Shrewsbury and Atcham Borough Council
• Shrewsbury and District Chamber of Commerce
• Shrewsbury Business Club
• Shrewsbury Business Partnership
• Shrewsbury Community Transport
• Shropshire Community Transport Forum
• Shropshire County Council
• Shropshire Disability Consortium
• West Mercia Police