Peninsula Transport has published a regional mobility infrastructure strategy that will guide transport investment decisions across the South West until 2050.
The strategy, which will be used to identify and prioritise long-term regional transport scheme investment, has been published in draft form for a public consultation that is open to 5 February.
Peninsula Transport is a consortium formed in 2018 by the five regional transport authorities and advised by representatives of transport operators as well as business, passenger and road user groups.
It is inviting comments on the draft strategy from residents, businesses and visitors to the region.
One of seven UK sub-national transport bodies, Peninsula Transport is funded by the Department for Transport and contributions from each of its local authority members: Cornwall Council, Devon County Council, Torbay Council, Plymouth Council and Somerset County Council.
It works directly with the Department for Transport on strategic transport priorities across the peninsula and includes co-opted members from Highways England and Network Rail.
Publication of the Peninsula Transport draft strategy is the latest stage in the development of an overall strategic framework aimed at directing transport investment across the region to 2050.
It follows an initial regional study and subsequent vision document which was used a basis to produce a series of high-level goals following a public consultation held in 2021.
The draft strategy identifies key objectives for 2030 including bus and rail network integration, the creation of an electric vehicle charging network and increased travel connections across the region resulting in a “fully integrated, resilient, safe, reliable transport network” in which “walking, wheeling and public transport are the preferred choice for most journeys”.
It is informed by an extensive Department for Transport-funded evidence base which identifies key challenges and opportunities for the region across different aspects of transport policy.
Peninsula Transport Strategy context diagram
A 2021 strategic economic corridor study, built on analysis from a 2020 economic connectivity report, found that only 15% of 18 million annual visitors to the South West use public transport.
The region’s 500km strategic road network, of which more than a quarter is single carriageway, sees a 70% increase in traffic during the summer.
A 2022 freight study found that only 5% of the 70 million tonnes of freight that travel through the peninsula each year is moved by rail, and a subsequent rail study found that the region’s network is on average 20mph slower than elsewhere in the UK, with mostly single-track branch lines.
Only 30% of the region’s population lives within walking or cycling distance of a rail station.
South West rail station accessibility
A 2022 rural mobility report highlighted the challenges presented by half of the region’s population living in rural areas. The South West has the least accessible public transport network in the country, with 60% fewer bus stops in rural than urban areas.
The region has the second highest level of car ownership in the UK and the majority of travel to work journeys are made by car. It also has the highest private transport mileage per person.
A 2023 carbon transition study found that 44% of the region’s terrestrial greenhouse gas emissions are generated by transport – nearly 4.5 million tCO2e.
And a technology study that was also published this year found that there are currently only 1,200 public electric vehicle charging points in the South West for approximately 34,000 electric vehicles, with demand expected to increase twenty times over in the next twelve years.
South West international and strategic gateways
The evidence base also includes an international gateways report focussed on the region’s airports and ports and identifies ways economic activity could be increased through these sites.
It recommends improving communication between the manufacturing and tourism industries to “promote services”.
Peninsula Transport says the strategy has been developed “with a view to reducing environmental impact” and its board says it is working towards net zero by 2050.
The region’s local authorities have all declared climate emergencies.
Comments are invited on the draft Peninsula Transport Strategy via an online survey until Monday 5 February.
An FAQ is provided, and explanatory webinars will be held during January.
Following a review of consultation responses a final version of the strategy will be submitted to the Peninsula Transport Board for approval and adoption in March.
Development of an overall strategic investment plan will then begin, based on the strategy, which will include regular strategic reviews and evidence base updates.
