Council seeks views on refreshed transport strategy
A six-week consultation on a refreshed version of its borough-wide transport strategy and accompanying delivery plan has been launched by Solihull Council.
This updated strategy - known as 'Solihull Connected 2023 ' - repositions the council 's approach to transport over the next decade, setting out its vision for a multi-modal transport system that accesses all parts of the borough, supports the economy, is safe to use and makes the borough healthier and fairer for communities, businesses, and visitors.
First adopted in 2016, the strategy 's updated draft has now been produced which seeks to respond to shifts in transport policy and travel patterns and behaviours seen over the past six years.
The refreshed strategy also looks at, and responds to, the impact of Covid-19 on people 's travel habits in the borough and considers how to best cater for growing populations and ageing demographics across different areas of the borough.
The current transport network in Solihull is predominantly focused towards providing access to Birmingham City centre, and Solihull Connected 2023 seeks to also provide a multi-modal transport system that links people to jobs and enhances the economy of Solihull.
A particular focus is placed on improving transport links from the North of the borough to Solihull town centre and on joining up many of Solihull 's rural communities which are underserved by public transport.
To help achieve the vision and objectives contained in Solihull Connected 2023, a delivery plan has also been drawn up, which sets out in more detail the steps that will be taken to deliver Solihull Connected and how they will be resourced.
The main focus of the delivery plan spans April 2022 to March 2027 to align with the first five-year tranche of approved West Midlands City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement capital funding. This live document will be added to and updated as required over the coming months and years.
A six-week public consultation on the updated strategy was launched via the ouncil 's new engagement platform 'Your Voice Solihull ' and will run until Monday 20 February.
Cllr Ian Courts (pictured), leader of Solihull Council and Portfolio Holder for the Economy, said: “Already one of the best-connected destinations in Europe, Solihull is perfectly positioned to benefit from significant new investment in our transport network, benefitting our economy, environment, and health. A comprehensive and up-to-date transport strategy is vital if we are to capitalise on these opportunities.
“We know that different parts of the borough have distinctive needs and so this strategy contains recommendations tailored for six separate sub-areas. A key priority for me, and one that is reflected in Solihull Connected 2023, is a focus on improving connections between the North of the borough and Solihull town centre. ”
A series of information sessions will be held across the borough for residents to find out more, discuss the strategy with members of the transport team and share their thoughts. These sessions will be held at:
- Chelmsley Wood Library / Monday 16 Jan / 09:30 am - 13:00 pm
- Knowle Library / Thursday 19 Jan / 09:30 am - 13:00 pm
- The Core Library / Friday 27 Jan / 11:00 am - 15:00 pm
- Balsall Common Library / Monday 30 Jan / 14:00 pm - 17:00 pm
- Olton Library / Tuesday 14 Feb / 09:30 am - 13:00 pm