Issue - meetings

The Movement Strategy proposes a shift away from car dependency by improving alternatives such as walking, wheeling, cycling and public transport.  The Cabinet is asked to approve the development of a Movement Strategy and to agree the proposed arrangements for public consultation.

(1)  To approve the development of a Movement Strategy.

(2)  To agree the strategic objectives for the Movement Strategy.  The objectives are creating a great quality place, improve travel choices and reduce private vehicular traffic.

(3)  To approve proceeding to public consultation from Tuesday 14^th October to Friday 28^th November 2025.

Cllr Joel Hirst, Cabinet Member for Economic and Cultural Sustainable Development, introduced the report, moved the officer recommendation and made the following points:

• The Movement Strategy would provide the framework to support ‘Journey to Net Zero’ goals by addressing traffic congestion, air pollution, and carbon emissions.
• The strategy proposed rebalancing the traffic network and improving active travel and bus flow.
• The vision was a ‘virtuous circle’ of quality places, improved travel choices and reduced traffic.
• The strategy included short, medium, and long-term interventions and would help secure regional investment from WECA for schemes such as mass transitoptions, improved strategic travel corridors, improved rail networks with new stations and improved travel interchanges.
• The benefits of the strategy included better travel to work options, improved pedestrian safety, improved mobility in the city centre for all, better parking, more reliable bus networks, prioritised bus corridors, better real time travel information and expanded EV infrastructure.
• The consultation would run from 14 October to 28 November.

Cllr Sarah Warren seconded the motion and highlighted that the benefits were beyond carbon reduction and would have a positive impact on health, heritage and the economy.

Cllr Lucy Hodge welcomed the strategy, stating that it would provide a timely and comprehensive framework to prioritise activity, ensure schemes linked up and improve the quality of life for everyone. 

Cllr Matt McCabe referred to the timeliness of the strategy to coincide with the re-set of the Local Plan and encouraged everyone to engage with the public consultation.

Cllr Paul May referred to the trials around school streets and confirmed that he would be promoting the concept of school streets as part of this strategy.

RESOLVED (unanimously):

(1)  To approve the development of a Movement Strategy.

(2)  To agree the strategic objectives for the Movement Strategy.  The objectives are creating a great quality place, improve travel choices and reduce private vehicular traffic.

(3)  To approve proceeding to public consultation from Tuesday 14^th October to Friday 28^th November 2025.