Agenda item

10.1

The Executive Director, Place submitted a report describing the development of a new Transport Strategy for Sheffield that seeks to improve the quality of life, environment and range of opportunities for the people and businesses of the city. Following initial public consultation on the “Vision”, the report seeks approval to the draft full Transport Strategy (attached to the report) as a basis for development of a programme of strategic projects, with further consultation planned to engage people in that developing programme.

10.2

RESOLVED: That Cabinet endorses the draft Sheffield Transport Strategy and potential early candidates identified for inclusion in a developing long-term programme of strategic projects, with further consultation planned to engage people in that developing programme

10.3

Reasons for Decision

10.3.1

There is very strong public recognition that “doing nothing” is not an option, and that the adverse impacts of increased congestion have to be addressed. The proposed transport strategy draws on the evidence available to identify key themes and early candidate projects for inclusion in a developing long-term strategic programme (an Action Plan), with further consultation to engage people in that developing programme.

10.3.2

This process will enable the Council to adopt a clear strategic approach to transport for the next 20 years, in close alignment with parallel work on Transport for the North priorities, with Sheffield City Region investment decisions, and with other cross-cutting  work on the Sheffield Plan, the City Centre Plan and Housing Plans.

10.4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

10.4.1

One alternative would be to not have a long-term transport strategy. This option would, however, diminish Sheffield City Council’s influence on transport in the city, and weaken the support a transport strategy could provide towards the local economy.

10.4.2

Other alternatives could place more emphasis on individual modes of transport. This would increase travel benefits for some but diminish benefits for others, and hence work against the Council’s overall desire for fairness, and the strategy for increasing opportunities for everyone. Issues of accessibility, congestion and air quality would be less likely to be addressed. The approach adopted is felt to offer a balanced strategy benefitting the whole community.

10.5

Any Interest Declared or Dispensation Granted

None

10.6

Reason for Exemption if Public/Press Excluded During Consideration

None

10.7

Respective Director Responsible for Implementation

Laraine Manley, Executive Director, Place

10.8

Relevant Scrutiny and Policy Development Committee If Decision Called In

Economic and Environmental Wellbeing

8.1

The Executive Director, Place submitted a report describing the development of a new Transport Strategy for Sheffield that seeks to improve the quality of life, environment and range of opportunities for the people and businesses of the city. Following initial public consultation on the “Vision”, the report seeks approval to the draft full Transport Strategy (attached to the report) as a basis for development of a programme of strategic projects, with further consultation planned to engage people in that developing programme.

8.2

RESOLVED: That Cabinet endorses the draft Sheffield Transport Strategy and potential early candidates identified for inclusion in a developing long-term programme of strategic projects, with further consultation planned to engage people in that developing programme.

8.3

Reasons for Decision

8.3.1

There is very strong public recognition that “doing nothing” is not an option, and that the adverse impacts of increased congestion have to be addressed. The proposed transport strategy draws on the evidence available to identify key themes and early candidate projects for inclusion in a developing long-term strategic programme (an Action Plan), with further consultation to engage people in that developing programme.

8.3.2

This process will enable the Council to adopt a clear strategic approach to transport for the next 20 years, in close alignment with parallel work on Transport for the North priorities, with Sheffield City Region investment decisions, and with other cross-cutting  work on the Sheffield Plan, the City Centre Plan and Housing Plans.

8.4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

8.4.1

One alternative would be to not have a long-term transport strategy. This option would, however, diminish Sheffield City Council’s influence on transport in the city, and weaken the support a transport strategy could provide towards the local economy.

8.4.2

Other alternatives could place more emphasis on individual modes of transport. This would increase travel benefits for some but diminish benefits for others, and hence work against the Council’s overall desire for fairness, and the strategy for increasing opportunities for everyone. Issues of accessibility, congestion and air quality would be less likely to be addressed. The approach adopted is felt to offer a balanced strategy benefitting the whole community.